Perth Observatory
The original Perth Observatory was completed in 1897, principally to record meteorological and astronomical observations, issue weather forecasts and provide time services.
Within the first decade, the first Government Astronomer, W. E. Cooke, developed an electrical time service that linked the Perth Observatory State wide. It provided time signals to Fremantle for shipping, the State railways, the post office telegraph system, and controlled public clocks in Fremantle and Perth. In 1901-02, a time cannon was set up to fire a daily 1pm time signal.
Meteorological observations were collected from recording stations located State wide and collated for annual publication. Weather forecasts were published in Perth’s press and also displayed in prominent places around the city.
In 1900, Perth Observatory participated in the International Star Cataloguing and Mapping Program, making a notable contribution to the program. Cooke improved the methods in use by the program which gained international recognition.
In the early years, the Observatory co-ordinated the surveys and the mapping of the State, including survey work that set out sections of the Western Australia borders with South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Observatory recorded seismological readings, providing important records for geophysical research. Furthermore, it provided tide tables and sunrise/sunset information for WA ports, the press and the general public.
The Observatory became a place of public interest, with people coming to enjoy the views over the city, or to use the telescope to view stars and planets. In 1912, an additional telescope was purchased to meet public demand. Public lectures in astronomy were held in the evenings.
The Office of the Commonwealth Weather Bureau was located at Perth Observatory from 1930 to 1967, coming under RAAF control during WWII. Monitoring of earthquakes continued until 1959.
In 1955, planning for Metropolitan Perth proposed the relocation of State government offices to the Observatory site, close to Parliament House. Design of new buildings commenced in the early 1960s. The observatory building itself was demolished to make way for Dumas House and the Observatory moved to Bickley. The building which remains is the original house and office constructed for the WA Government Astronomer.
