| 13th of October 2021 |
|---|
 |
| The AAO Massey Building plaque |
|
A recent ADAP showed the demolition of the old AAO buildings on
the Marsfield site, which prompted the question "Had the plaque for
the Massey Building been saved?" Yes, it had -- as evidenced by the
picture above!
Harrie Massey completed his BSc, BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees at the
University of Melbourne before going to Cambridge University for his
PhD and continuing his career in atomic and atmospheric physics in the
UK.
As rockets became available for civilian use in the 1950s, Massey made the most of the opportunity they provided for direct study of the ionosphere. His involvement in space science brought him back to Australia regularly as the principal launch site for Britain’s rocket program was at Woomera, South Australia. He was also involved in the negotiations leading to the establishment of the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring. He was a UK member of the AAT’s governing board from 1975 to 1983, serving as its chairman from 1980 to 1983. Discussions are underway to determine a new home for the plaque. |