Australia's Astronomer-at-large, writer, science communicator, good lighting advocate, traveller.
Sydney
Joined November 2013
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- Following1.1K
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Fred Watson retweeted
Look at those gigantic steel arches! The #ELT dome is taking shape, giving us a glimpse of how big the #BiggestEyeOnTheSky will be! 😮
If you look closely, you can see the construction workers 👷
High res & info ➡️ eso.org/public/images/elt-hu…
📷 G. Hüdepohl/ESO
ALT This image appears to be taken from the viewpoint of someone sitting on one side of the dome, under a vibrant blue sky. All around are the dark steel structures of the dome with two big arches, on the left and one at the centre. Further down is the concrete circular structure of the base. Here and there, cranes peep out.
Fred Watson retweeted
I was with a group of secondary school principals when Australian astronomer @StargazerFred asked us to consider what we do differently if we knew we were “alone” in the universe? I still think of the question and the real challenge (burden) it places on educators now and future.
All you students are totally inspiring! The presentations made a fantastic finale to the @AstroSocAus ASM - well done everyone.
So excited to receive 1st prize for best student sparkler at the @AstroSocAus AGM! Thank you to the community for offering this prize, + a huge congrats to all recipients. It gives me such faith that creativity is recognised in astronomy 🤩 #ASAASM2023
Fred Watson retweeted
I / ADSA frequently get asked by councils what tools they can use to implement dark sky strategies to their sustainability programs.
This is a well-thought out document with practical tips on what and how to incorporate better night lighting.
Australi…lnkd.in/gC_CTwwK
Fred Watson retweeted
Congratulations to @CSIRO_ATNF's Parkes Pulsar Timing Array, @NANOGrav , the #EPTA and #CPTA on their advances towards nanohertz gravitational wave astrophysics using supermassive black hole binaries! Can't wait to finish manicuring the @SKA_Africa MeerKAT data to join the party!
Fred Watson retweeted
Thanks to @TimElliottSMH for his interest in this topic.
Light pollution is the least known but easiest solved pollutant.
Articles like this go a long way to raise awareness
@IDADarkSky @SidingSpring @ANUmedia
The environmental and health effects of light pollution. Like @darkskyaus says - turn it off! smh.com.au/environment/conse…
The environmental and health effects of light pollution. Like @darkskyaus says - turn it off! smh.com.au/environment/conse…
Fred Watson retweeted
This is just a quick processing of one of the ~1200 frames I got last night of the sky over Siding Spring Observatory. 25s, 14mm lens a f/2.8 using CANON 5D Mark III at 1600s. Processing with PS Camera Raw using new IA tools for removing noise. Just wow, I had to share it!
Very sorry to hear this news…
Nick Kaiser was the Godfather of weak lensing, a true Titan and honestly one of the nicest guys in the world. I've learnt so much from him and will really miss him.
🙏@telescoper for this beautiful piece on why Nick was so v special to so many of us.
telescoper.blog/2023/06/14/r…
Fred Watson retweeted
@StargazerFred and AW Signs worked hard to get this planisphere to accurately display the night sky at Milparinka, whilst making it safe and easy to use by everyone.
Excited to see corner country town Milparinka has created a space dedicated to the night sky
Emu sculpture Harrie Fasher
Signage AW Signs
Astronomy @stargazerfred
Concept me
Driven by Ruth Sandow
#sturtssteps #outbacknsw #visitcornercountry #visitnsw
Fred Watson retweeted
#DarkAndQuietSkies awareness month has just wrapped up. As part of our core mission, we’re working to mitigate the impact of satellite mega constellations on ground-based optical & radio astronomy, and to protect humanity’s enjoyment of the night sky! THREAD 🧵
Cc: @IAU_Outreach
ALT Artist's impression of dozens of satellites orbiting the Earth. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/P. Marenfeld
mailchi.mp/877cf6e4a4fc/get-… Last days to book great train journeys, spaceport visits and wild nature walks with me ... AND Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell. darkskytraveller.com.au/uk
