Fred Watson

Frederick Garnett "Fred" Watson AM (born 14 Dec 1944) is an astronomer and popular scientist in Australia. In 1995 Watson became astronomer in charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory, but is best known for his work with Science Outreach, for which he has written many books, as well as musical and choral works. On top of his many nationwide radio slots with the ABC, Watson has also been a frequent guest on The Project. In January 2010, Watson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach.

Early life

Watson was born in 1944 near Bradford, West Yorkshire in England, where he attended Belle Vue Boys' School.^[1] He completed his higher education at University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he obtained a degree in mathematics and physics in 1967. In 1975 he completed his masters degree in astronomy at St Andrews and gained his PhD from University of Edinburgh in 1987.^{[Note 1]}

Watson confesses developing "an early love of music", which he used to help pay for his studies by playing guitar in folk clubs,^[1] and which he now applies in his work with Science Outreach.

Career

Astronomy

The Australian Astronomical Observatory, a division of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, operates the Anglo-Australian and UK Schmidt telescopes on behalf of the astronomical community of Australia. To this end the Observatory is part of and is funded by the Australian Government. Its function is to provide world-class observing facilities for Australian optical astronomers.

Watson participates directly in the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE), measuring the radial velocities and metallicities of up to 1 million stars in the Milky Way Galaxy and is active in developing instrumentation for this project.

Other positions currently held:

• Honorary Professor of Astronomy, University of Southern Queensland.
• Adjunct Professor, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology.
• Adjunct Professor, James Cook University.
• Board member of the New South Wales Foundation for Public Education.
• Member of the Education Advisory Group of the Australian Square Kilometre Array Steering Committee.

Science Outreach

A wide cross-section of the public read articles written by Watson in Australian Geographic, and Sir Patrick Moore's Yearbook of Astronomy in the UK.

Awards

• 2003 David Allen Prize for communicating astronomy to the public.
• 2006 Eureka Award for Science Communication.
• 2008 Queensland Literary Prize for Science Writing.
• 2010 Member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach.

Books

Watson has written several popular science books.

• Binoculars, Opera Glasses and Field Glasses, published by Shire Album
• Stargazer, the life and Times of the Telescope, published by Allen & Unwin, with versions available in America, The Netherlands, Korea, and most recently Japan.
• Why is Uranus upside down?, published by Allen & Unwin, with a UK version published by Summersdale. This received the 2008 Queensland Literary Prize for Science Writing
• Star-Craving Mad: Tales from a travelling astronomer published by Allen & Unwin

Music

Star Chant is a collaboration with Australian Composer Ross Edwards. This was the fourth choral symphony written by Edwards, for which Watson wrote the libretto. As a multi-media work, celestial images by David Malin are included. Star Chant premiered at the Adelaide Festival in March 2002, and has also been performed at the Sydney Opera House.

Star Chant received several awards, including 2008 APRA award for the Choral work of the Year.^{[2] [3]}

"An Alien Like You" (2009) is a lighthearted look at the Universe with excerpts from the book Why is Uranus upside down? with Fred playing folk guitar and singing.

Watson contributed the libretto for a further Edwards choral piece, Mountain Chant,^[4] which was first performed by the Melbourne Chorale in June 2003.

Speaking

Watson has a regular spot on ABC Radio which he devotes to answering astronomical questions from listeners; and he is a regular speaker at astronomical society meetings. He is also a frequent guest on Channel 10's popular news show The Project. He is a frequent speaker at events and conferences and has a busy schedule speaking to astronomical societies, schools and public groups.

Notes

1. ↑ Watson, F.G (1987). Multi-object astronomical spectroscopy with optical fibres (PhD). Edinburgh University. Retrieved 3 January 2013. 

References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Buchanan, Matt (25 January 2010). "Starstruck from an early age". The Brisbane Times. Retrieved 19 February 2013. 
2. ↑ Edwards, Ross; Mills, Richard, (Conductor.); Sexton, Timothy, (Director.); Crossin, Carl, (Director.); Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus; Adelaide Symphony Orchestra; Adelaide Chamber Singers (2007), Star chant, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, retrieved 3 January 2013, "Booklet includes programme notes, 'The astronomy of Star Chant' by Fred Watson"  Unknown parameter |authorklink1= ignored (help)
3. ↑ "APRA|AMCOS : 2008 Winners". APRA|AMCOS. July 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2013. 
4. ↑ Edwards, Ross; Watson, Fred, 1944-. Mountain chant; Hildegard Saint, 1098-1179. O quam preciosa (2005), Mountain chant three sacred choruses, Ricordi, retrieved 5 January 2013 

Sources

• http://www.fredwatson.com.au
• http://www.aao.gov.au/AAO/local/www/fgw/
• http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=311&author=306
• http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/ClassicalAwards/History/2008Winners.aspx
• http://www.smh.com.au/national/starstruck-from-an-early-age-20100125-mukv.html