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Southern Hemisphere Observations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2016

Wayne Orchiston
Wayne Orchiston*
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, PO Box 296, Epping, N.S.W. 2121, Australia. wo@aaoepp.aao.gov.au

Abstract

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Because of insurmountable problems associated with absolute dating, the non-literate cultures of the Southern Hemisphere can contribute little to Applied Historical Astronomy, although Maori traditions document a possible supernova dating to the period 1000-1770AD. In contrast, the abundant nineteenth century solar, planetary, cometary and stellar observational data provided by Southern Hemisphere professional and amateur observatories can serve as an invaluable mine of information for present-day astronomers seeking to incorporate historical data in their investigations.

Type
II. Joint Discussions
Information
Highlights of Astronomy , Volume 12: Highlights of Astronomy. As presented at the XXIVth General Assembly of the IAU, 2000 , 2002 , pp. 322 - 325
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Pacific 2002

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