The world's largest and foremost radio-astronomy and cosmic ray research institution was established as a joint venture of Sydney University and Cornell University in New York, an article reported on this day in 1964.
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The new centre was set to be known as the Cornell Sydney University Astronomy Centre.
Sydney University School of Physics Professor Messel and Professor Gold from the Radiophysics and Space Research Centre Cornell became joint directors.
The new centre pooled in a joint venture of more than £6 million worth of astronomy instruments and related facilities at both universities.
The giant Mills Cross radio-telescope at Hosking was an integral part of the centre's apparatus.
It became the largest concentration of astronomers and associated scientists ever assembled in one organisation.
Sydney University's contribution included a stellar intensity interferometer at Narrabri in NSW, and the Mills Cross radio-telescope.
Within the new centre, staff and postgraduate research students of the two universities were completely interchangeable.
The initial research staff included 35 scientists, including nine professors.
"It makes the two universities the first to realise and make full use of our shrinking world in terms of fast, modern transport and communications," Dr Messel said.
"Both deserve credit for the pioneering of this entirely new venture."
Lanie Tindale
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
