About The directors of Mount Stromlo Overview of past and present leaders shaping Mount Stromlo Observatory's legacy in astronomical advancement. Directors Professor Stuart Wyithe Professor Stuart Wyithe is the current Director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Matthew Colless (2013-2022) Matthew Colless was the tenth director of Mount Stromlo. Harvey Butcher (2007-2013) Harvey Butcher came to Mount Stromlo in 1970 as a PhD student, lured by the prospect of studying the Southern Sky with the 74” telescope’s Coude Spectrograph. Penny D. Sackett (2002-2006) American astrophysicist Penny Sackett became Stromlo’s first female Director in 2002. Jeremy R. Mould (1993-2001) Mould pushed for the commercialisation of the Research School’s technical skills. Alexander W. Rodgers (1987-1992) Alex Rodgers became the sixth Director of the Observatory in 1986. Donald S. Mathewson (1979-1986) Don Mathewson was Stromlo’s first Australian Director since its founder Walter Geoffrey Duffield. Mathewson began his career in radio astronomy at the CSIRO in 1955, before moving to Manchester to complete his PhD Olin J. Eggen (1966-1977) Mount Stromlo’s fifth Director, Olin Eggen, was a ‘scientific nomad’ who worked in Observatories in the United States, England, South Africa, Australia and Chile over his illustrious career. Bart J. Bok (1957-1966) Bok was an enthusiastic and popular Director. He boosted the Observatory’s public outreach by starting star-gazing nights and encouraging visitors. Richard van der Riet Woolley (1939-1955) Born in England in 1906, Woolley’s family moved to South Africa when he was fifteen. William B. Rimmer – ‘Officer in Charge’ (1929-1939) Bill Rimmer, ex-engineer and WWI captain, led the Commonwealth Solar Observatory during the 1930s, overseeing the Heliostat's construction amidst financial challenges. Walter Geoffrey Duffield (1924-1929) Duffield was the natural choice for the first Director of the Commonwealth Solar Observatory – he had spent almost twenty years lobbying for its existence.
