First Amateur Astronomer Awarded OAM

[chapmanm]

Monty Leventhall OAM - Is probably the first Australian amateur astronomer to be awarded an OAM - it was announced today. Monty specialises in observing the Sun and he can often be found at Sydney Observatory showing the public the Sun through his own equipment. Monty gives a report on his Solar observations at every meeting of the Sydney City Skywatchers. His work can also be found on the Forums attached to the Sydney City Skywatchers website http://www.sydneycityskywatchers.asn.au . And regularly on the blog for Sydney Observatory http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/blog/ see today's blog for the announcement.

Congratulations Monty

[Ric]

Congratulations Monty, It's good to see people rewarded for what they love doing.

Cheers

[Glenn Dawes]

Monty, this is fantastic news - congrats.

Just a minor correction to Michael's post, and more importantly acknowledging other great amateurs that have gone before. Bill Bradfield got an OAM for his comet discoveries. As did Bob Evans for his SNe finds. Have I missed any?

Regards

Glenn

[PeterM]

Congratulations to Monty indeed.
Taking nothing away from Monty's well deserved award I do believe that (Rev) Bob Evans, the worlds leading visual Supernova sleuth, has also been awarded the OAM. These maybe the only 2 amateurs, does anyone know of any others?
PeterM

[PeterM]

You beat me to it Glenn, and yes thanks for noting Bill Bradfield. All 3 worthy recipients.
PeterM.

[ngcles]

Hi All,

Yep I'll add my congratulations to the list -- it was a richly deserved award and timely considering this is the IYA.

Without detracting from Monty's achievement, if I could nominate someone for the next one, it'd be the veteran variable star observer, comet and nova discoverer Peter Williams who is also an inspirational amateur.

But a big :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: to Monty.


Best,

Les D

[Greg Bryant]

Glenn,

The late Jack Estens (Gilgandra Observatory) was a recipient in the 1990s.

Regards,
Greg

[iceman]

Congrats Monty!

I met him while giving my talk at the Sydney City Skywatchers group a few months ago.

Definitely very passionate about his work and well deserved.