Australian Sky & Telescope - April 2018

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Christiansen for using the rotation of

the Earth to synthesise images of the

Sun; Wild for the masterful joining

of observations and theory to elicit

the nature of the solar atmosphere;

and Bracewell for his contribution to

imaging theory.

These four scientists are also

remembered for creating a remarkable

environment for scientific discovery

and for influencing the careers of

future generations. Their pursuit of

basic science helped pave the way for

technological developments in areas

ranging from Wi-Fi to sonar, from

medical imaging to air navigation, and

for underpinning the foundations of

modern cosmology and astrophysics.

National Australian Convention of
Amateur Astronomers (NACAA). This
year’s packed program will include a
symposium on diversity in astronomy,
a DarkSky symposium, and the
Twelfth Trans-Tasman Symposium on
Occultations. A diverse collection of
other presentations will cover topics

S The Ballaarat Astronomical Society

and the Ballarat Municipal Observatory &

Museum will host the NACAA conference at

the end of March.

S Four Pillars of Radio Astronomy: Mills,
Christiansen, Wild, Bracewell, tells the story of
four pioneering Australian astronomers.

such as astro-tourism, education and

student research. The event will be

hosted by the Ballaarat Astronomical

Society, in collaboration with the

Ballarat Municipal Observatory and

Museum. The Ballarat Observatory is

the oldest operating public observatory

in Australia, marking its 132nd

anniversary in 2018. The full program is

available online via the NACAA website,

nacaa.org.au.

And there are plenty of other

star festivals and events around the

country over the next few months

— check out the Astro Calendar on

these pages. If you have an event that’s

not listed, please email us at editor@

skyandtelescope.com.au

Finally, if you’re interested in the

history of Australian astronomy, you

might like to check out the new book,

Four Pillars of Radio Astronomy: Mills,

Christiansen, Wild, Bracewell, published

by Springer. The authors — R.H. Frater,

W.M. Goss, H.W. Wendt — tell the story

of Bernie Mills, Chris Christiansen,

Paul Wild and Ron Bracewell, members

of a team of radio astronomers

that would lead Australia, and the

world, into this new field of research.

Each of the four is remembered for

his remarkable work: Mills for the

development of the cross-type radio

telescope that now bears his name;

Perth Astrofest

March 24

An astronomy festival of ‘epic proportions’ in

the WA capital.

astronomywa.net.au/astrofest.html

NACAA 2018

March 30–April 2

National meeting of amateur astronomers to

exchange ideas and foster co-operation.

nacaa.org.au

Yuri’s Night

April 12

Annual worldwide celebration of space on

the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight.

yurisnight.net

RASNZ Conference

May 4–6

New Zealand’s annual astro gathering, this

year to be held in Dunedin.

rasnz.org.nz/groups-news-events/conf-next

South Pacific Star Party

May 10–13

Annual star party of the Astronomical

Society of NSW.

asnsw.com/spsp

Asteroid Day

June 30

A global day of education to help protect

Earth from asteroids.

asteroidday.org

Star Stuff II

July 7–8

A weekend of astronomy fun on NSW’s

north coast.

starstuff.com.au

National Science Week

August 11–19

Lots of astro events around the nation. Keep

visiting the website for the latest info.

scienceweek.net.au

VicSouth 2018

November 2–6

Annual week of astronomy under very dark

rural Victorian skies.

vicsouth.info/vicsouth.htm

WHAT’S UP? Do you have an event or activity coming up? Email us at [email protected]