Andrew David Thackeray at the Radcliffe Observatory

Abstract

Though established in the nineteen-thirties, the Radcliffe Observatory in Pretoria was only able to make use of its main instrument from 1948 onwards. At the start of this period, Andrew David Thackeray was appointed Chief Assistant. In 1950 he became the Radcliffe Observer, in which post he remained until the closure of the establishment in 1974. For these twenty-four years he directed its science and was responsible for many of its most interesting achievements. In this year, the International Year of Astronomy, it is appropriate to remind ourselves of his important contributions to the field.

Key words:

• Andrew David Thackeray
• Radcliffe Observatory
• Pretoria