History

Significant events in the history of the Society

1934	First official meeting of the Astronomical Society of Tasmania held at the Friends School, Hobart,on June 9th. A report of the meeting was published in The Mercury.
1936	The Society became affiliated with the British Astronomical Association and received their publication, Journal of the BAA
1953	The Society conducted a series of 8-week lectures with the Adult Education Board.
1977	The first Society Annual Dinner was held at the Bavarian Tavern.
1983	Adoption of the new Astronomical Society of Tasmania Constitution on March 4th.
1986	The 12th National Australian Conference of Amateur Astronomers was hosted by the Society in Hobart with over 70 people attending from throughout Australia. Opening of the Sonning Crescent Observatory by Professor Graeme Ellis at the residence of Jim and Libby Rogers during the May General Meeting.
1990	The Society conducted its first Public Open Night at Weld Street, Hobart. This format proved very successful and is still the basis of similar events today.
1991	First northern General Meeting of the Society held at the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston.
1994	Start of the close association between the Society and the University of Tasmania Physics Department with the use of the 16” telescope at Canopus Hill. Commencement of Adult Education Astronomy Classes presented by the Society.
1995	The Society’s first website was established.
1999	The Society’s Observatory was transferred to the University of Tasmania’s optical observatory at Canopus Hill and renamed the “Jim Rogers Observatory”.
2000	Newly designed publication, The Bulletin, launched.
2015	The Society’s move to new facilities at the Mount Pleasant Radio Astronomy Observatory was completed and the first joint Society-UTAS Public Open Night was held.
2018-2020	The Society completed major works to update 2 of the 3 Observatories with power, kitchen and lighting facilities and major earthworks to resurface the area so it is easy to walk on. Underground power was added to 7 observing pads enabling members to use mains power for their telescope mounts.