Fred Watson gonged for Australia Day

[ngcles]

Hi All,

As the attached Press Release proclaims, Fred Watson Astronomer-in-Charge of the Anglo Australian Observatory and even more importantly Patron of the Sutherland Astronomical Society has been appointed a member of the General Division of the Order of Australia this Australia Day.

Well done errr ... Fred.


... can I still call you Fred ??



Best,

Les D

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Congratulations Professor Watson!

Well Done and Much Deserved!

[PeterM]

That's so deserving. Congratulations indeed.

PeterM.

[gary]

We are over the Moon to hear this news and our heartfelt congratulations to Fred!!!

Fred has the fabulous ability to communicate science to the general public in
a clear, concise, engaging and entertaining way. For example, the "Science in
the Pub" events typify Fred's passion for making science accessible to everyone.

Who has not listened to Fred's "Astronomers behaving badly" presentation without
tears of laughter rolling down the cheeks?

Apart from his many achievements at the Anglo Australian Observatory, Fred is the
true Renaissance Man and his scholarly research, books and his involvement with
guided astronomical history tours of Europe and South America demonstrate this.
Fred's deep fascination and admiration of characters such as Tycho Brahe and
Galileo further reinforce the image of the true Renaissance Man.

Fred has been a fabulous supporter of amateur astronomy for which we owe
him many thanks.

Once again, congratulations to Fred on this well deserved recognition

Best regards

Gary Kopff/Mai Tran
Mt Kuring-Gai

[GrahamL]

Very well said Gary while I've only heard him once thats just the impressoin I left with .... a most deserved " onya mate "..

[Quark (Trevor)]

Very well deserved honor Fred, and justly deserved.

Fred is one of the best science communicators of my generation, at least in my humble opinion. Fred and David both, with their "Science in the Pub" tour to the remote outback made quite an impression on all that were privileged to witness first hand such blatant unbridled passion and enthusiasm from men of such standing within the professional community. Fred has a bit of John Cleese about him, a man of science with a well developed sense of humor, a truly knockout combination for a science communicator.

I think one of Fred's greatest assets is his approachability, the willingness to communicate at all levels. These qualities inspire many to become involved as amateurs, undoubtedly he has planted the seed in many to follow that most fascinating and stimulating journey that is astronomy.

Not only has Fred done a great job of placing astronomy to the forefront of public attention but, from personal experience, he is also incredibly supportive of amateurs entering the tertiary field to gain further understanding of the field of astronomy.

Thanks Fred very much for your support of amateur astronomy and for your efforts at raising the profile of astronomy at the community level.
This award is just so well deserved.

Regards
Trevor Barry

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Congrats Fred - well deserved. Outstanding science communicator, educator and huge contributions to outreach activies.

Great to meet up with you in Sydney and BSG! and looking forward to catching up at Lostock this year.

Cheers Petra d.

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Great news, good on him

[gary]

Fred just appeared on ABC National TV news in regards receiving the Order of Australia.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Yes, good news in an otherwise bad news world. Good on you Prof. You're always willing to part with your knowledge and keep it entertaining to boot. There aren't enough of your type to go around. Congratulations sir!

[Ric]

Congrats To Fred and well deserved as well.

Cheers