Anglo-Australian Observatory astronomer-in-charge Professor Fred Watson has been appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia this week, for services to astronomy.

Many West Australians may remember Prof Watson from his public lecture about Pluto at the 2009 Astrofest, one of the many educational outreach activities for which he has received recognition.

As well as public outreach and Prof Watson’s impressive career, he has contributed books to the field of astronomy, namely, Stargazer – the life and times of the telescope and Why is Uranus upside down? And other questions about the Universe.

Prof Watson is known for many achievements already. When he moved here from England in the 1980s, he helped create the first use of fibre optics in astronomy and also played a big part in constructing the FLAIR instrument and the UK Schmidt Telescope.

He was also project scientist for the WYFFOS system on the William Herschel Telescope.

In 1995 he became astronomer-in-charge of the Anglo-Australian Observatory at Coonabarabran, where he continues his work.

As well as being a board member of the NSW Foundation for Public Education, Prof Watson is an honorary Professor of Astronomy in the University of Southern Queensland, an adjunct Professor in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Queensland University of Technology, and an adjunct Professor at James Cook University.

Currently, he is a member of the Education Advisory Group of the Australian Square Kilometre Array Steering Committee and you may be able to catch him on ABC Radio, appearing as a guest on Catalyst.

Previously, Prof Watson has been recognised for:

2003: David Allen Prize of the Astronomical Society of Australia for raising public awareness in astronomy.
2004: International Astronomical Union bestows the name Fredwatson on asteroid 5691.
2005: Warrumbungle Shire's Coonabarabran Citizen of the Year.
2005: Rotary NSW Northern District Award for Vocational Excellence.
2006: Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
2008: APRA Choral Work of The Year (for Star Chant).

For more information about Professor Watson or the Anglo-Australian Observatory, please click here.

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