An analysis of the first three catalogues of southern star clusters and nebulae

[glenc]

Those who like astronomical history will enjoy reading chapter 2, 3 and 4.

Ch 2 is about Nicolas Lacaille
Ch 3 is about James Dunlop
Ch 4 is about John Herschel

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/24051/

Dr Graeme White was my main supervisor.

[glenc]

James Dunlop made his catalogue of star clusters, nebulae and galaxies from a rented house on the north side of Hunter St. Parramatta.

In 1935 the house was gone, this photo shows a vacant lot on the left side of the two church towers, with three old cars out the front. The house next door to Dunlop's place is on the corner of Hunter and Marsden St.


http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141919607/view

[Wavytone]

I'm surprised you got a PhD for what is basically a potboiler - Dunlop's work was researched thoroughly by Andrew James yonks ago and the details published on his website - years before your thesis. What's more your supervisor knows Andrew and the website concerned.

[glenc]

Andrew's research was mainly on Dunlop's double stars, mine was on nebulae and clusters.
My work also covers Lacaille's and John Herschel's nebulae and clusters.

http://www.southastrodel.com/

[Wavytone]

Even so... your paper is what I would regards a term assignment. Otto Neugebauer wrote better at the rate of one a month.

As for why JCU is even awarding PhD's in astronomy is equally questionable.

[Robh]

Hi Glen,

An interesting analysis of the work of the three observers and could easily be published in a form as a book on the subject. A lot of work gone behind it and I can see it has evolved from your continued interest in astronomical catalogues.

Thanks, Rob

[glenc]

Thanks Rob

[glenc]

Nick Loveday (Wavytone) my PhD analysed

42 Lacaille clusters and nebulae
629 Dunlop clusters and nebulae
1708 John Herschel clusters and nebulae
also
740 pages of Dunlop's handwritten notes, which were very difficult to read.

That is not a term assignment

[Rodstar]

Hi Glen,

Just wanted to thank you on your work over the years regarding James Dunlop. As I think I have told you before, James Dunlop is buried in the grounds of my church, at Kincumber Anglican, so his significance in the history of world astronomy is something I am very interested in too.

Last New Moon I spent a week in Coonabarabran doing some observing, and one of my main reference works was Stephen James O'Meara's book, "Southern Gems". For those not familiar with this work, it focuses on about 120 southern objects selected from Dunlop's catalogue.

Glen, I was very impressed to read that it was essentially your work on Dunlop in your thesis that inspired Stephen James O'Meara to write this remarkable book. He refers extensively to your research in his book, and credits you with so much.

Astronomical publications are all too dominated by northern hemisphere preoccupations. No doubt this is a reflection in part of the greater size of the amateur astronomy community north of the equator. However the Southern Skies are so much better. It is great to have something of a restoration of the balance, and proper recognition given to the likes of Dunlop and also Bennett, who pioneered our understanding of the southern skies.

Keep up the good work!

[glenc]

Thanks Rod.