- Perth Observatory
The Perth Observatory is an astronomical
observatory located in BickleyWestern Australia ,Australia .The original Perth Observatory was constructed in 1896 and was officially opened in 1900 by
John Forrest , the firstpremier of Western Australia . The observatory was located at Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth. Its chief roles were keepingStandard Time for Western Australia and meteorological data collection.When the government astronomer arrived in Perth his first task was to determine the exact latitude and longitude of the colony. He was also able to determine the time of day with greater accuracy. Before his arrival clocks could vary by up to half an hour. The time was announced each day by a cannon still present on the grounds. The design was by the government architect,
George Temple-Poole , and features a bold combination of stylesNew building
In the 1960s light pollution from the city of Perth forced the relocation of the observatory to its current site near Mt. Gungin in the
Darling Range . Construction of the new observatory cost $600,000 and was opened in 1966.Currently the observatory is involved in
Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT). TheMinor Planet Center credits someasteroid discoveries to Perth Observatory.The observatory has fought off several attempts to close the facility by the State Government, the most serious being in 1987 when it was part of the Department of State Services. An outcry from the public, scientific and amateur communities was helpful in retaining the observatory. In January 1996, the centenary of its foundation, the observatory was transferred to the Department of Conservation and Land Management, now part of the
Department of Environment and Conservation . [ [http://www.atnf.csiro.au/pasa/14_2/biggs/ Spreading the Word - Western Style: Education and Public Awareness Programmes at Perth Observatory] James Biggs, Astronomical Society of Australia 1997. Retrieved2007-02-11 .]In 2005 the Bickley site was Heritage listed, being Australia's oldest continuing operating observatory and Australia's only remaining State Government operated astronomical observatory. [ [http://www.heritage.wa.gov.au/i_whats_new.html What's New] Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved
2007-02-11 .]References
Publication
* "Western Australian astronomy almanac". Bickley, W.A. Perth Observatory. ISBN 0-9581963-6-2 (2007 edition)
External links
* [http://www.wa.gov.au/perthobs/ Perth Observatory Home]
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