Frank Bateson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Bateson
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| Born | 31 October 1909 Wellington, New Zealand
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| Died | 16 April 2007 (aged 97) Tauranga, New Zealand
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| Known for | Variable Star Section, Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
Frank Maine Bateson (born October 31, 1909 – died April 16, 2007) was a famous New Zealand astronomer. He spent his life studying variable stars, which are stars that change their brightness over time.
Contents
Early Life and Star Gazing
Frank Bateson was born in Wellington, New Zealand. His love for astronomy began when he was a schoolboy in Sydney, Australia. He read a book called Great Astronomers, which sparked his interest in the stars.
In 1927, when he was just 18 years old, Frank started the Variable Star Section (VSS) of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. He led this group for many years, until 2004!
Studying Variable Stars
Under Frank's leadership, the VSS became very well-known around the world. The group collected information about variable stars from both professional and hobby astronomers. They gathered over a million observations from people all over the globe.
Frank and his wife, Doris, even created a special group called Astronomical Research Ltd. This group helped manage all the star observations collected by the VSS.
Life Beyond Astronomy
During World War II, Frank Bateson served in New Zealand's Home Naval Service. After the war, he moved to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. He worked there until 1960. He even became a member of the Parliament of the Cook Islands in 1958, helping to make decisions for the islands.
Even though he worked in business for most of his career, astronomy was always his biggest passion.
Helping Build an Observatory
Frank Bateson played a key role in setting up the Mount John University Observatory. This important observatory is located near Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. He helped the University of Canterbury find the perfect spot for it.
When the observatory opened in 1963, Frank was chosen to be its first astronomer-in-charge. He held this important job until he retired in 1969.
Awards and Recognition
Frank Bateson wrote or helped write more than 300 scientific papers about his work. He was recognized by many important groups for his contributions to astronomy:
- In 1963, he became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ). He even served as its president for a year.
- He was an honorary member of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
- He was also the first person from New Zealand to represent his country in the International Astronomical Union.
Frank received many special awards:
- The Jackson-Gwilt Medal in 1960.
- An honorary doctorate from the University of Waikato in 1979.
- He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970 for his amazing work in astronomy.
- The Amateur Achievement Award in 1980.
- An asteroid in space, named 2434 Bateson, was named in his honor!
Frank Bateson passed away in Tauranga, New Zealand, on April 16, 2007, at the age of 97.
