Western Australian Government Astronomer is a position created by the Government of Western Australia in 1896. The first Western Australian Government Astronomer was

William Ernest Cooke William Ernest Cooke (25 July 1863 – 7 November 1947), generally referred to as W. Ernest Cooke or informally Ernest Cooke, was an Australian astronomer, credited with a number of important scientific breakthroughs and improved methodologies i ...

, who was appointed in 1896. The

Perth Observatory The Perth Observatory is the name of two astronomical observatories located in Western Australia (WA). In 1896, the original observatory was founded in West Perth on Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth (obs. code 319). Due to the city ...

became the base for the Western Australia Government Astronomer on completion of the new building in October 1897.

On arrival 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 title of 'Government Astronomer' was replaced with the title 'Director' by the WA Government when Mr. M.D. P Candy became the first Director of the Perth Observatory. The title of Government Astronomer was no longer used as being the head of the Perth Observatory. As of 14 March 2013, the Government Astronomer position ceased to exist at the Perth Observatory.

History

The idea of an observatory for Perth was first introduced by Premier John Forrest in 1891, but failed to obtain financial backing. Funding was finally approved in 1895, along with funds to build the Perth Mint) as well as the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery. Forrest asked the Government Astronomer of South Australia,

Sir Charles Todd Sir Charles Todd (7 July 1826 – 29 January 1910) worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory 1841–1847 and the Cambridge University observatory from 1847 to 1854. He then worked on telegraphy and undersea cables until engaged by the govern ...

for advice on an observatory. Todd sent specifications for instruments and plans for buildings, based on the

Adelaide Observatory The Heights Observatory is an Astronomical Observatory at The Heights School in Modbury Heights, Adelaide, South Australia. It is sometimes known as the Adelaide Observatory, but it is not to be confused with the observatory formerly establi ...

and recommended his own Assistant Astronomer, Mr. W.E. Coookie, for the position of Government Astronomer and

Meteorologist A meteorologist is a scientist who studies and works in the field of meteorology aiming to understand or predict Earth's atmospheric phenomena including the weather. Those who study meteorological phenomena are meteorologists in research, while t ...

. Cooke came to Western Australia to take up his post as the first Government Astronomer for the State in February 1896. The Observatory would not be completed until 1897. Perth Observatory History

Western Australia Government Astronomers

* 1896–1912 – William Ernest Cooke – Government Astronomer * 1912–1920 – Harold Burnam Curlewis – Acting Government Astronomer * 1920–1940 – Harold Burnam Curlewis – Government Astronomer * 1940–1962 – Hyman Solomon Spigl – Government Astronomer * 1962–1974 – Bertrand John Harris – Government Astronomer * 1974–1979 – Dr. Iwan (Ivan) Nikoloff – Acting Government Astronomer * 1979–1984 – Dr. Iwan (Ivan) Nikoloff – Government Astronomer * 1984–1993 – Mr. Michael Phillip Candy – Director * 1994–2010 – Dr. James D. Biggs – Director * 2010–2013 – Dr. Ralph Martin – Acting Director

Notes

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External links

The Perth Observatory Website

OBSERVATORY HISTORY'' (Compiled by Wayne Moredoundt, Historian, from Heritage Council documentation for Perth Observatory heritage listing)

''Lumen'' The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine Article – ''Lumen Pioneer William, Ernest Cooke'' (PDF)
Astronomy in Australia

History

Western Australia Government Astronomers

See also

Notes

External links