Pietro Baracchi facts for kids
Pietro Paolo Giovanni Ernesto Baracchi (born February 25, 1851 – died July 23, 1926) was an astronomer who came from Italy. He worked in Australia and became the main government astronomer for the state of Victoria (Australia) from 1900 to 1915.
Early Life and Career
Pietro Baracchi was born in Florence, Italy. He studied to become a civil engineer, which means he learned how to design and build things like bridges and roads.
In 1876, he traveled by ship to New Zealand. Soon after, he moved to Australia. He found a job as an assistant at the Melbourne Observatory. This was a special place where scientists study stars and planets.
Baracchi was chosen to go to Darwin for a special task. There, he helped measure longitude, which is a way to figure out exact locations on Earth. After finishing this important job, he returned to Melbourne.
Becoming Government Astronomer
On June 30, 1895, Pietro Baracchi became the acting government astronomer. This happened when the previous astronomer, Robert L. J. Ellery, retired. This meant Baracchi was in charge of studying the sky for the government of Victoria.
Key Achievements
Baracchi received an important award from Italy in 1897. It was called the Order of Knight Commander of the Crown of Italy. This award recognized his important work.
He was also the president of the Royal Society of Victoria from 1908 to 1909. This society is a group for scientists who share their discoveries.
A big achievement for Baracchi was helping to start the Mount Stromlo Observatory in 1910. This observatory became a very important place for studying space in Australia.
Later Life
Pietro Baracchi retired in 1915. After he retired, Joseph M. Baldwin took over his role as the Government Astronomer of Victoria.
In 1922, Baracchi visited Europe for two years. When he returned to Australia, he lived at the Melbourne Club. His son, Guido Baracchi (1887–1975), was a founding member of a political party in Australia.
