Mt John The First 50 Years

Delve into the captivating history of Mt John University Observatory with 'Mt John: The First 50 Years.' This compelling hardback book chronicles the extraordinary journey of New Zealand's only professional research observatory dedicated to optical astronomy. Authored by John Hearnshaw, a former director, and Alan Gilmore, a long-serving superintendent, this volume features personal anecdotes, archival discoveries, and significant milestones since its establishment in 1965 at the stunning Lake Tekapo, known for its pristine landscapes and dark night skies. The observatory's remarkable evolution includes the installation of advanced telescopes, the implementation of a crucial lighting ordinance in 1981 to combat light pollution, and its transformation into a beacon for astro-tourism, attracting stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Richly illustrated with over 180 breathtaking images, including striking landscapes and star-filled vistas captured by esteemed photographer Fraser Gunn, this book beautifully showcases Mt John's scientific achievements amidst its turbulent history. From funding challenges to landmark research, 'Mt John: The First 50 Years' is not just a historical account but a celebration of a legacy in stellar research that has garnered international recognition. Whether you're a passionate astronomer, a curious tourist, or a lover of New Zealand's natural beauty, this publication is an essential addition to your collection. Experience the magic of Mt John—where science meets awe-inspiring nighttime vistas—and understand why it remains a pivotal site in the realm of astronomy.

Authors: John Hearnshaw, Alan Gilmore Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 303 x 232 mm
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 16-03-2015

Mt John University Observatory is New Zealand's only professional research observatory for optical astronomy. John Hearnshaw, a past director of the observatory, has delved into the observatory archives to write this engaging account of Mt John's fascinating history. Alan Gilmore, the recently retired observatory superintendent, has added to this with his personal recollections, having worked at the observatory for more than 34 years. Fifty years ago, in 1965, Mt John University Observatory was founded at Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin to take advantage of the favourable conditions for astronomy. Telescopes were installed, and in 1981 a lighting ordinance helped protect the site from light pollution. Astronomical research had been thriving on Mt John for 40 years when astro-tourism started to take off, largely due to the venture company Earth & Sky. Today Mt John is both a research observatory and a mecca for stargazing astro-tourists, who come to see the pristine landscape and the amazing dark night skies. It is one of the most beautiful astronomical observatories in the world, but also a place with an often turbulent history, having been rocked by personality battles, funding shortfalls, student demonstrations and on one occasion, a destructive fire. In spite of all that, its scientific work has been an outstanding success, and Mt John's research work, especially in stellar astronomy, is known and respected around the world. "Mt John - The First 50 Years: A celebration of half a century of optical astronomy at the University of Canterbury" is richly illustrated, with more than 180 figures, many of them outstanding landscape and nightscape photographs taken by the acclaimed Tekapo photographer, Fraser Gunn.