Perth Observatory

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Perth Observatory 61 cm telescope dome at Bickley.

The Perth Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Bickley Western Australia, Australia.

The original Perth Observatory was constructed in 1896 and was officially opened in 1900 by John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia. The observatory was located at Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth. Its chief roles were keeping Standard Time for Western Australia and meteorological data collection.

Old Perth Observatory at Mount Eliza. Now home to the WA branch of the National Trust.

When the government astronomer arrived in Perth his first task was to determine the exact latitude and longitude of the colony. He was also able to determine the time of day with greater accuracy. Before his arrival clocks could vary by up to half an hour. The time was announced each day by a cannon still present on the grounds. The design was by the government architect, George Temple-Poole, and features a bold combination of styles

[edit] New building

In the 1960s light pollution from the city of Perth forced the relocation of the observatory to its current site near Mt. Gungin in the Darling Range. Construction of the new observatory cost $600,000 and was opened in 1966.

Currently the observatory is involved in Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT). The Minor Planet Center credits some asteroid discoveries to Perth Observatory.

The observatory has fought off several attempts to close the facility by the State Government, the most serious being in 1987 when it was part of the Department of State Services. An outcry from the public, scientific and amateur communities was helpful in retaining the observatory. In January 1996, the centenary of its foundation, the observatory was transferred to the Department of Conservation and Land Management, now part of the Department of Environment and Conservation.^[1]

In 2005 the Bickley site was Heritage listed, being Australia's oldest continuing operating observatory and Australia's only remaining State Government operated astronomical observatory.^[2]