Dr Toner Stevenson ‘Eclipse Chasers: astronomical observations in Australia and the Pacific’

Abstract

Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a visceral experience, involving anticipation, adventure and sometimes disappointment. This talk will focus on the Eclipse Chasers book written by Nick Lomb and Toner Stevenson with contributing authors Duane Hamacher, Uncle Ghillar Michael Anderson, Melissa Hulbert, Geoffrey Wyatt and Kirsten Banks. Published by CSIRO, the book is about uniquely Australian eclipses, beginning with First Nations experiences. Results from the very recent eclipse in Western Australia will conclude the talk. Toner is happy to sign copies of her book.

Biography

Toner Stevenson is an honorary History affiliate at The University of Sydney where she manages the School of Humanities. She has a Doctorate in Social Sciences and her career in museums included Manager of Sydney Observatory. Toner is active in amateur astronomy and she has experienced seven total solar eclipses.

Photo: Miriam and Frank Chisholm on their way to the 1922 eclipse

Booking

Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development, and thank all those who have donated. 

Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.

It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly.  Bookings can be made until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. 

Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CJTYN

The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Some summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

The talks are in line with COVID-19 guidelines which can change rapidly.