In England during the Middle Ages 25 December was taken as the start of the year. In the late 12th century the start of the year was shifted by nine months to 25 March. The official start of the year only became the familiar 1 January in 1752, the year in which England adopted the Gregorian Calendar.

Sydney Observatory's time ball has been in operation since 1858. It will drop at exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year. If you are nearby look for the time ball on top of our tower - when it drops 2015 begins.

The Sydney Observatory Conservation Plan (revised edition of 2002) has, for many years, been a guide for MAAS staff when considering both conservation and development plans for the Observatory site. It also forms an essential reference to much of Sydney Observatory's history.

Brenan Dew is  usually a guide at Sydney Observatory but he is currently overseas as a part the Macquarie Theban Tomb Project along with several of his colleagues from Macquarie University, excavating and recording the tomb of an official by the name of Amenmose who lived in the Ramesside period of ancient Egypt, some 3300 years ago.

The constellation called 'Orion' is currently prominent in the night sky from around 9pm in Eastern Australia. An area of the constellation is said to represent Orion's 'belt', also known by some Australians as the 'Saucepan'.

On 9 December 1874 a rare astronomical event occurred – the transit of Venus.  This involves Venus passing directly between the Earth and the Sun. The Government Astronomer of the day (Henry Chamberlain Russell) decided that NSW would take a major role in the observation of this rare event.

This is the seventh post in a series which documents building a new dome for Sydney Observatory which is especially designed for people with disabilities and their carers. This project is important to our visitors and we plan to open the project late January 2015, with public tours from February 2015, thanks to funding from the NSW Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.