CANBERRA is set to get a dedicated air and space museum following the signing of an agreement between the Australian National University and the world famous Washington-based Smithsonian Institute.
The agreement, signed overnight, marks the first step towards construction of a national museum on Mt Stromlo, the site of Australia's first space observatory.
It sets out the first steps for cooperation that will support the development of a museum to tell the story of Australia's contribution to space science and space technologies, and celebrate the special role Australian astronomers have played in the exploration of the cosmos, said ANU Vice Chancellor Ian Chubb.
"A museum on Mount Stromlo, which is an active hub of leading edge international astronomy and space research, will ensure that we inspire future generations of young Australians to look to the skies," said Professor Chubb.
The Smithsonian Institution has been linked to Canberra since 1907, when it provided expert advice on the establishment of the Commonwealth Solar Observatory at Mount Stromlo.
The observatory was designed so that it would complement the research of Smithsonian astronomers in the northern hemisphere, Professor Chubb said.
He said the museum would draw on the long history of cooperation between the United States and Australia in astronomy and space science, and that the Smithsonian Institution had always been part of that cooperation.
Chris , I don't wish to be Negative,but is Mt Stromlo really the right place
Unless they clear more of those trees around Camberra I think another fire will result in the future.
Cheers
Thanks Chris, but you know what goes on with development
I reference to the fires a few weeks ago, I was referring to the Canberra Space Dome that went up in smoke - a great tourist spot.
I wonder if this was just a an accident
cheers
I reckon a centralised Australian 'Space History' museum is a great idea !
I'm constantly surprised by the piecemeal 'snippets' of space research history, I discover by pure accident. Perhaps its just me (?)
It seems that it would do us all a great service if all of this was centralised and Canberra sounds like a great idea for this, also.
I'm really excited to hear this news .. I just hope when the project gets underway, they can capture all of the scattered material, so it doesn't go astray.
Love to keep track of this one.
Great stuff .. and thank you for the 'heads-up' !
Cheers
PS: Its great that they've teamed up with the Smithsonian, too … those guys really know how to do it well !! (I hope they're involved in the funding of it, too).
