Mt Stromlo's first Australian Director passes away

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue63 1–30 June 2025

We were saddened to learn this week of the passing of Don Mathewson. Don Mathewson was Stromlo’s first Australian Director. He began his career in radio astronomy at the CSIRO in 1955, before moving to Manchester to complete his PhD. In 1974, Don made the significant discovery of the Magellanic Stream. As Director from 1979-1986, he focussed the Research School’s studies on the evolution of stars and the determination of the Hubble Constant. Many of our colleagues remember Don Mathewson fondly.

Details of a memorial will be forwarded once details are known.

Image: Directo Don Matheson c. 1980s (ANU archives)