AU2010 - Sydney Observatory

Located on a hill now known as 'Observatory Hill' in the centre of Sydney, …

 

 

… this site has evolved from a fort built on 'Windmill Hill' in the early 19th century to an astronomical observatory, known as Sydney Observatory.

 

 

First used as a signal station in 1825,  flags were used to send messages to ships in the harbour and to the signal station on the South Head of the harbour.

 

 

Then in 1858, it was converted into a full observatory to replace the failed “initial” observatory at the foot of Observatory Hill.

 

 

Besides astronomy and timekeeping, over the years, it has also made observations in a wide range of other fields including surveying, tides and meteorology.

 

 

And since 1982, the Sydney Observatory has been converted into a working museum and is open to the public for free.

 

 

Among the interesting artefacts on display in this museum include Matthew Flinder’s log book, … 

 

 

… the biggest clock in the world, …

 

 

… Breguet astronomical clock, …

 

 

… and a ceilometer.

 

 

Not forgetting also, is the huge range of telescopes on display, from modern portable telescopes to the oldest working telescope in Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And to make things more interesting and interactive, one could also try to make their own telescope on site.

 

 

Although we learnt a lot from our visit, the highlight of the day was something totally unrelated to astronomy, the superb views from the courtyard …

 

 

… overlooking Sydney Harbour and the bridge!!