M. L. Duldig
, PASA, 18 (1), in press.
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Introduction
During the Second World War the Physics Department of the University of Tasmania was heavily involved in the production of optical elements for Australia's defense effort. The Physics Department established the Optical Munitions Annexe which grew to about 200 staff producing roof prisms and photographic lenses. Toward the end of the war it was recognized that there would be an influx of mature age students to the University and preparations were made to accommodate these returned servicemen. In 1945 A.G. (Geoff) Fenton was recalled from his position in charge of quality control at the Optical Munitions Annexe to the Physics Department to develop lecture and laboratory courses. He taught himself the necessary glassblowing and electronic techniques to build Geiger Müller counter tubes for laboratory experiments in nuclear physics involving radioactivity. This in turn led to an interest in cosmic rays which make up the largest fraction of the natural background radiation. For an historical account of the period see A.G. Fenton (2000) and references therein. From these beginnings a program of observation and discovery of over 50 years has grown. The research based in Tasmania has played, and continues to play, a significant role in our understanding of cosmic radiation. In the following sections we will look at some of the highlights of that research with particular emphasis on more recent discoveries and plans to continue the legacy into the future. Next Section: The Early Years
Title/Abstract Page: Australian Cosmic Ray Modulation
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