Historical Section

This Section's objectives include:

• The study of the history of Astronomy,
• The identification, collection and preservation of historical material relating mainly to Australian and Victorian Astronomy and the Astronomical Society of Victoria itself; and
• The dissemination of historical knowledge within and external to the Society.

Section members have a policy of flexibility regarding meetings and endeavour to meet regularly, at least once a month, on dates and at times arrived at by mutual agreement. Informal, daytime or evening section meetings are held at the ASV Lodge where we discuss the history of astronomy and engage in practical activities associated with the assembly of an historical collection. Visits to points of astronomical interest are made occasionally.

At times, illustrated talks are presented to small groups of members or to larger audiences at Monthly Meetings, meetings of other societies and biennial conventions (VASTROC and NACAA). The preparation and delivery of talks provide Section members with an opportunity to develop historical research and public speaking skills.

The history of astronomy is a very wide subject in which everyone can find something of interest and fascination. If you have an astronomical enquiry of an historical nature, please feel free to contact the Director. Your enquiries, no matter what their nature, are our bread and butter.

 

Rod Brown