Fred Watson
| Fred Watson | |
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Fred Watson answering a question at Macquarie University on 22 July 2014.
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| Born |
14 December 1944 Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Fields | Astronomy |
| Institutions | Australian Astronomical Observatory |
| Alma mater |
University of St Andrews (BSc 1967, MSc 1975) University of Edinburgh (PhD 1987) |
| Thesis | Multi-Object Astronomical Spectroscopy with Optical Fibres (1987) |
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Website www |
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Frederick Garnett "Fred" Watson AM (born 14 December 1944) is an English-born astronomer and popular scientist in Australia. In 1995 Watson became astronomer in charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory, but is best known for his work with science outreach, for which he has written many books, as well as musical and choral works. On top of his many nationwide radio slots with the ABC, Watson has also been a frequent guest on The Project. In January 2010, Watson was made a member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach.
Watson was born in 1944 near Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire in England, where he attended Belle Vue Boys' School. He completed his higher education at University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he obtained a degree in mathematics and physics in 1967. In 1975 he completed his masters degree in astronomy at St Andrews and gained his PhD from University of Edinburgh in 1987.
Watson confesses developing "an early love of music", which he used to help pay for his studies by playing guitar in folk clubs, and which he now applies in his work with Science Outreach.
Fred Watson is the Astronomer-in-Charge and Head of Lighting and Environment at the Australian Astronomical Observatory, a division of the Commonwealth Department of Industry and Science which operates the Anglo-Australian and UK Schmidt telescopes on behalf of the astronomical community of Australia. To this end the Observatory is part of, and is funded by, the Australian Government. Its function is to provide world-class observing facilities for Australian optical astronomers.
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