Has anyone noticed that the Transit Stones, the only remains of the Parramatta Observatory, are not currently accessible to the community? A tent that is not open to the public covers the site.
The Parramatta Park Trust has informed me that the Transit Stones were stabilised in 2012 by the Trust and the Minister for Public Works Stonework Conservation Program. As the Transit Stones originally supported a transit telescope within the observatory they have now been “out in the weather” for almost 170 years. Following the stabilisation of these damaged historic objects, a design for a permanent structure to protect the Transit Stones is under discussion.
Although this is very exciting news, I do have a concern that the “powers that be” may not allow or ask for input into the design of the proposed covering.
As Parramatta Observatory is an integral part of Australia’s astronomical history it is imperative that these remains are aptly displayed to the wider community.
If you would like to contact Parramatta Trust regarding this venture here are the details.
Contact Parramatta Park Trust
Business hours
Phone: (02) 8833-5000
Fax: (02) 9689-1452
regards,
Sharon.