From Amateur Astronomer to Observatory Director: The Curious Case of R. T. A. Innes

Abstract

Robert Innes was one of a select band of amateur astronomers who made the transition to professional ranks towards the end of the nineteenth century. Initially he had a passion for mathematical astronomy, but after settling in Sydney he developed a taste for observational astronomy, specialising in the search for new double stars. He quickly became known for his success in this field and for his publications on solar system perturbations, and with John Tebbutt’s patronage managed to secure a clerical position at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope. Once there he continued to observe in his spare time and to publish, and, with strong support from Sir David Gill, was appointed founding Director of the Transvaal Observatory. By the time he died in 1933, Innes had received an honorary D.Sc. from Leiden University, and had established an international reputation as a positional astronomer.This paper provides an interesting case study of a well-known ‘amateur-turned-professional’, and an example of the ways in which patronage played a key role in nineteenth and early twentieth century Australian and South African astronomy.

Keyword: history of astronomy