Radio astronomy field station in Old Mans Valley, Hornsby, c. 1950

Details

Identifiernot specifiedPhotographernot specifiedDescriptionBetween 1947 and 1955, the CSIRO operated a field station in Old Mans Valley with a number of radio telescopes that carried out pioneering studies in astronomy. The location was chosen for this work because the valley was shielded from terrestrial interference and because Sydney's latitude meant that the galactic plane and the centre of the galaxy passed directly overhead. From 1947 to 1948 the scientists bounced signals off the Moon to explore the structure of the Earth's upper ionosphere. In 1948 Ruby Payne-Scott used the equipment for independent studies of solar bursts. From 1949 to 1952 the team investigated galactic emissions of radiation. The field station was closed down in 1955 and relocated to Badgerys Creek. Subsequent analysis of the data collected provided early evidence for the magnetic torus linking Jupiter and its moon, Io.
Ref: Wayne Orchiston and Bruce Slee, "Shame about Shain! Early Australian radio astronomy at Hornsby". https://www.atnf.csiro.au/news/newsletter/feb05/Shame_about_Shain.htmPhysical FormatHornsby

Location

Building NameOld Mans ValleyGeotagOld Mans Valley

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PhotographRuby Payne-ScottPersonPhoto 01289

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Radio astronomy field station in Old Mans Valley, Hornsby, c. 1950

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Radio astronomy field station in Old Mans Valley, Hornsby, c. 1950