Sydney City Skywatchers 130th Anniversary Celebration seminar and dinner
On 30th January 1895 the New South Wales Branch of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) met for the first time. This same society is now called Sydney City Skywatchers, an independent society but still affiliated with the BAA.
To celebrate our anniversary we are holding two special events on Sunday 2 February:
A seminar for members at Sydney Observatory.
The on-site seminar is fully subscribed however we will be live-streaming the event using the Zoom platform. All Members will be emailed the Zoom link. If you want to have access to the live-stream and are not a member please email: sydneycityskywatchers@gmail.com.
A celebratory dinner at the National Trust Cafe on Observatory Hill (6pm to 8pm).
There are still a few spaces left. the cost is $75 per head which must be pre-paid. For more information please email: sydneycityskywatchers@gmail.com.
Seminar Program
1:15 pm – 1:45pm H-alpha solar viewing.
1:50pm Last arrival (so we can start on time)
2pm Introduction, acknowledgement by President (A. Wood)
2:15pm George Denton Hirst and the formation of the BAA NSW (N. Lomb). Details in the flier.
2:40pm Highlights of the past 30 years (E. Cocking)
3pm The Hosking telescope project (A. Jacob)
3:20pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Amateur observations panel led by A. Wood
4:20pm Old and new in the collection (A. Cairns)
4:40pm George Hoskins and Mark Howarth: Patronage and Personalities in NSW Amateur Astronomy (W. Orchiston, C.Bembrick). Details in the flier.
5pm Closing remarks by President (A. Wood)
5:30pm Photo opportunity
Followed by Dinner at the National Trust, please pre-book if you have not already done so (6pm start)
Image above: Three early members of the BAA NSW: William Macdonnell (seated), George Hirst (centre) and Nathaniel Basnett) at Gardonal Observatory Mosman 1908, courtesy Powerhouse Museum, colourised
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