History of the Cambridge Observatory, presented by Mark David Hurn, Monday 6 July, 6:30pm

Cambridge University Observatory has a rich history. Built in the 1820s its classical architectural style was inspired by the Temple of Minerva in Athens. In Ancient Greece Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and patroness of science. The considerable investment in the observatory attracted outstanding astronomers, including George Biddell Airy, James Challis, John Couch Adams, Robert Ball, Arthur Stanley Eddington and Fred Hoyle, who would influence astronomy across the Empire. I will include recent research which has uncovered a lesser known history which led to Annie Walker developing a career in astronomy at the observatory, which was abruptly ended. Annie migrated from Britain to Australia.

The image of Cambridge Observatory is possibly by J. & H.S. Storer of Cambridge, circa 1829, from a coloured print, courtesy of University of Cambridge Repository. http://www.dspace.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/215306

Bio

Mark David Hurn is the information manager in charge of the library at the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University. He is also an historian author and an amateur astronomer.

Mark has degrees in philosophy, literature and a masters of information management. His long career in librarianship also includes the British Standards Institution.

Much of Mark's historical research is about Cambridge Observatory, its astronomers and benefactors. Several of his papers have been published, including a recent paper co-authored with Roger Hutchins about Annie Walker in the Antiquarian Astronomer journal going to press. Mark also finds time for solar observing.

Details: This presentation will be on-line by Zoom. Members will be emailed the Zoom link. If you are not a member and want to attend this talk please email our secretary on: sydneycityskywatchers@gmail.com.

Please log-in by 6:25pm. Notices and a short presentation by members are delivered before or after the keynote depending on circumstances.