Vale Les Dalrymple (1962 - 2024)
By Jeff Portelli
Les Dalrymple was passionate about astronomy, and an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced amateur astronomer. He not only continued to develop his knowledge throughout his life, he helped many others learn how to navigate the night sky and understand our place in this immense universe. It is with deep sadness that I report on his passing.
Les was a long-time member and past president of the Sutherland Astronomical Society(SASI). When he was a teenager in the 1970s he first joined SASI as a junior member to further his interest in astronomy. Les was a tireless visual observer and prolific in documenting his observations. Les was a night guide at Sydney Observatory from 2002 to 2017, and he mentored many other guides in honing their telescope skills. He was an educator and prepared and presented the 'how to Choose and Use your first telescope astronomy course' for Sydney Observatory as well as preparing and presenting many astronomy courses at SASI. One of his favourite sayings was "The sky is like a roadmap - you can navigate your way around the stars by recognising the star patterns as the signposts".
Les witnessed many astronomical events including two transits of Venus, many Lunar eclipses, a total solar eclipse in Ceduna in 2002, in China in 2009, the 2017 USA eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse in Texas, USA. This year he was able to tick 'naked eye aurora' off his astronomical bucket list.
Les wrote scores of articles for Sky and Telescope and Australian Sky and Telescope magazines and was editor of Sky and Space magazine. He presented at many SASI meetings and public open nights and was a guest speaker at the Astronomical Society of NSW Star party in 2002 and 2004.
A well recognised Deep Sky Observer locally and globally, Les moved to a magnificent dark sky site near Cowra NSW where he built his own observatory, just over ten years ago. He loved to have fellow astronomy enthusiasts visit as you can see in the photograph below.
Les died at Canowindra Memorial Soldiers hospital after a long illness and a service will be held in the Sutherland Shire on Tuesday 24 September, 2024, 11am.
Sydney City Skywatchers sends condolences to SASI members and all who knew Les Dalrymple. Thanks to Toner Stevenson and Melissa Hulbert who helped prepare this blogpost.
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