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History


 

Significant events in the history of the Society 

1934
  • First official meeting of the Astronomical Society of Tasmania held at the Friends School, Hobart,on June 9th. A report of the meeting was published in The Mercury.
1936
  • The Society became affiliated with the British Astronomical Association and received their publication, Journal of the BAA
1953
  • The Society conducted a series of 8-week lectures with the Adult Education Board.
 1977
  • The first Society Annual Dinner was held at the Bavarian Tavern.
 1983
  • Adoption of the new Astronomical Society of Tasmania Constitution on March 4th. 
1986
  • The 12th National Australian Conference of Amateur Astronomers was hosted by the Society in Hobart with over 70 people attending from throughout Australia.
  • Opening of the Sonning Crescent Observatory by Professor Graeme Ellis at the residence of Jim and Libby Rogers during the May General Meeting.

1990


 

  • The Society conducted its first Public Open Night at Weld Street, Hobart. This format proved very successful and is still the basis of similar events today.

1991


  • First northern General Meeting of the Society held at the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston.
1994
  • Start of the close association between the Society and the University of Tasmania Physics Department with the use of the 16” telescope at Canopus Hill.
  • Commencement of Adult Education Astronomy Classes presented by the Society. 
1995
  • The Society’s first website was established. 
1999
  • The Society’s Observatory was transferred to the University of Tasmania’s optical observatory at Canopus Hill and renamed the “Jim Rogers Observatory”. 
2000
  • Newly designed publication, The Bulletin, launched.
2015
  • The Society’s move to new facilities at the Mount Pleasant Radio Astronomy Observatory was completed and the first joint Society-UTAS Public Open Night was held.

2018-2020


  • The Society completed major works to update 2 of the 3 Observatories with power, kitchen and lighting facilities and major earthworks to resurface the area so it is easy to walk on. Underground power was added to 7 observing pads enabling members to use mains power for their telescope mounts.