UWS Observatory publications
- Australian Backyard Astronomy
- Australian Astronomers
- Astronomy in Aboriginal Culture
- Australian Astronomy Looks Forward
Australian Backyard Astronomy
Discover the stories of the heavens and our understanding of them in this beautiful book. Generously illustrated with star charts and pictures from the collections of the National Library of Australia and with photographs from Australian and overseas astronomers, Australian Backyard Astronomy will captivate younger and older readers alike.
'Sure to be well read by budding astronomers'. Review in Cosmos by Jenny Blackford.
Australian Astronomers
Australian Astronomers (PDF, 227Kb)
Australia's strong position in international astronomy arises from the work of a few brilliant astronomers whose contributions have been recognised by their peers. They are Fellows of the Royal Society of London, the US National Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and are or were heads of major scientific and astronomical institutions or projects in Australia and overseas. Who are these astronomers and how did they become so eminent?
Astronomy in Aboriginal Culture
Astronomy in Aboriginal Culture (PDF, 232Kb)
In all probability, long before other civilizations, had named the celestial objects in the night sky, the Indigenous people of Australia had not only given them names but had also built an astronomical system which they incorporated into their social, cultural and religious life. Their socio-cultural astronomical knowledge system both assists and clashes with Australia's legal system, which is based on English law.
Australian Astronomy Looks Forward
Australian Astronomy Looks Forward (PDF, 368Kb)
Over the next decade, a new generation of instruments will come into being for the benefit of astronomers across the world. Australian astronomers hope to build on their strong astronomical heritage and continue to take part in astronomy at the highest international level. To this end, they have prepared a Decadel Plan that envisages building, with international partners,a world-class radio telescope, greater involvement with 8 metre telescopes, as well as making the most of the Antarctic opportunities Australia offers.
