JOHN BEEBE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASTRONOMY IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Abstract

John Beebe was an established architect and amateur astronomer when he relocated from Bendigo (Victoria) to Brisbane in 1916. After briefly discussing his years in Victoria, we examine his architectural and astronomical backgrounds and the contributions he made to astronomy during the two decades he lived in Queensland. Initially employed by the Queensland Government, he drew plans for the proposed State Observatory and was later tasked to conduct site testing for the possible relocation of the southern station of the Harvard College Observatory to Queensland, and also for the 1922 total solar eclipse. He also drew the plans and supervised construction of the short-lived St Leo's College Observatory. Returning to private architectural practice in 1924, he later became friends with Manuel Hornibrook and designed the substantial portals of the Hornibrook Highway. These portals remain a lasting legacy. Closely associated with the fledgling Astronomical Society of Queensland from its inception in 1927, Beebe was twice President and Vice-President before his death in 1936 at the age of 70. Had events unfolded differently, he may well have been able to pursue a professional astronomical career in Queensland.