Double star astrometry: how good is it?: Mon 3 February, 6:30pm.

Presented by Adjunct Professor Graeme White, University of Southern Queensland at Sydney Observatory.

Some of the stars seen in the Southern Hemisphere, photo Geoffrey Wyatt.

Double star astrometry is over 200 years old. The first dedicated catalogue of southern double stars was published in 1829 by James Dunlop. Between 1825 and 1827 Dunlop observed 253 pairs of stars.

With the advent of space-based telescopes such as Hipparchos and GAIA there are new opportunities to better understand the properties of double stars. I have been working with Dr Roderick Letchford in the area of space-based double star astrometry and will discuss how space-based instruments have enhanced knowledge of binary stars since Dunlop’s observations, with some surprising results.

I will also give an outline of my observations of the 2012 total solar eclipse as viewed from Atherton, Qld.

Image: Some of the stars seen in the Southern Hemisphere, photo Geoffrey Wyatt.

Bio:

Graeme White is an adjunct professor with the University of Southern Queensland and Canberra University. His research currently focuses on astrometry, and the history of astronomy and he is passionate about astronomy education and outreach. Professor White has worked with CSIRO’s ATNF facility, Western Sydney University and James Cook University.

Details: This presentation will be in person at Sydney Observatory and also by Zoom. Members are encouraged to attend on-site. All members will also be emailed the Zoom link. If you are not a member and want to attend this talk please email our secretary on: sydneycityskywatchers@gmail.com.

Please arrive at Sydney Observatory by 6:20pm or log-in by 6:25pm. Notices and a short presentation by members are delivered before or after the keynote depending on circumstances.