Perdrix Address: The Life of Grote Reber

Presenter(s): Martin George

Affiliation(s): International Planetarium Society, IAU, ASA, A. Soc. Tas

Session details: Sunday, 2012-04-08 01:00:00

Abstract

Grote Reber (1911-2002) was the world’s first radio astronomer. In 1937, he constructed the very first dedicated radio telescope, near Chicago in the USA. This telescope was used to produce the first radio map of the sky. His interest in the subject, and many other aspects of science, continued throughout his life. He eventually settled in Tasmania, Australia, where he mapped the southern sky at low frequencies. Reber’s dedication to radio astronomy, especially when it was new to mainstream scientists, serves as an inspiration to all. A unique character, Reber always stuck to his own ideas about the Big Bang, which are at odds with accepted science. The speaker will discuss many of the aspects – some quite amusing – of Reber’s colourful life.

Biography

Martin George is Chair of International Relations and former President (2005-2006) of the International Planetarium Society – the world body of planetarium professionals. He is also Manager of the Launceston Planetarium, which forms part of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Tasmania, Australia, and is a well-known astronomy communicator. Since his teens, Martin has also been a keen amateur astronomer, having been a member of the AST continuously since 1970. He has attended most NACAAs since 1972. Martin frequently appears on radio and television in Australia – especially Tasmania – to discuss astronomy and space research. He often speaks to the public and to community groups on astronomical topics. Included in Martin’s many other activities are regular newspaper columns on astronomy.