In Queensland during the 19th century, there was no group of wealthy amateur astronomers willing to initiate astronomy as a science in its own right. Instead, astronomy was regarded in a purely pragmatic way, as a tool for surveying, timekeeping and meteorology. As a result, no serious steps were ever taken in Queensland to create a govermment-funded astronomy centre.

This century, in contrast to the low profile of professional astronomy, Queensland amateurs have formed vigorous groups, usually under the leadership of dynamic and dedicated individuals who have spent large amounts on privately owned instruments for long-term protects. Individual amateurs have achieved prominence in the fields of flam stars, lunar occultations, supernova discoveries, and asteroidal occultations.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	astronomy, Queensland, history
Research Division:	History, Heritage and Archaeology
Research Group:	Historical studies
Research Field:	Australian history
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in history, heritage and archaeology
UTAS Author:	Haynes, RD (Dr Roslynn Haynes)
ID Code:	121718
Year Published:	1993
Deposited By:	Office of the School of Humanities
Deposited On:	2017-10-12
Last Modified:	2017-11-28
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