Western Australian Government Astronomer

Western Australian Government Astronomer is a position created by the Government of Western Australia in 1896.

The first Western Australian Government Astronomer was William Ernest Cooke, who was appointed in 1896.[1] The Perth Observatory became the base for the Western Australia Government Astronomer on completion of the new building in October 1897.[2]

On arrival 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.[3]

The title of 'Government Astronomer' was replaced with the title 'Director' by the WA Government when Mr. M.D. P Candy became the first Director of the Perth Observatory. The title of Government Astronomer was no longer used as being the head of the Perth Observatory.

As of 14 March 2013, the Government Astronomer position ceased to exist at the Perth Observatory. [4]

  1. ^ Hutchison, David (1980), William Ernest Cooke : Western Australia's first Government Astronomer, D. Hutchison, retrieved 26 January 2012
  2. ^ "PERTH OBSERVATORY HISTORY (Compiled by Wayne Moredoundt, Historian, from Heritage Council documentation for Perth Observatory heritage listing)" (PDF). Perth, Western Australia: Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  3. ^ Perth Observatory
  4. ^ "Government Astronomers".