Aiming for the Stars

Northside Christian College Year 10 student, Tommy Tran, has just completed work experience at the Mount Pleasant Observatory, located 25 kilometres from Hobart. Tommy has aspirations to work in the field of astronomy and travelled interstate to complete this unique work experience placement.

Tommy appreciated the opportunity to arrive in time for a spacecraft tracking on a small dish at the Mount Pleasant Observatory and was also able to see the large 26 metre dish doing combined very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) astronomy.

Tommy noted, “It was a spectacular experience to have a look into the field of astronomy.”

“The highlight was going into the University of Tasmania and meeting many young astronomers.” 

The 26-metre radio telescope was donated to the University of Tasmania by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) when they rationalised their worldwide operations in the early 1980’s. The large number of available receivers makes the telescope suitable for a variety of research projects within the University and its location makes it a vital element in the Australian Long Baseline Array (LBA) VLBI network.

The Mount Pleasant Observatory telescope is currently involved in a number of different projects including observing pulsars, observing masers, monitoring the strength of a collection of radio sources, very long baseline interferometry and the measurement of tectonic plate movement and earth rotational parameters. 

The Year 10 students participated in the Work Experience Program between the 20^th and 31^st March this year. Work Experience provides students with an authentic opportunity to explore possible career directions, network and gain experience to include in their resumes. The students from the College obtained work in a wide range of interesting career fields including education, health care, retail and construction.

I would like to thank all those employers in the Bundoora and surrounding areas who have assisted in making this program a worthwhile, safe and informative experience for our students. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Lenna Waters for overseeing this program for our students.

The Year 10 students were commended for their efforts throughout the two weeks of the program. The feedback from employers has indicated that the Northside Christian College students have been engaged, enthusiastic and mature in their work setting.

We look forward to seeing our Year 10 students continue to grow in confidence in the choices they make in relation to their future pathways.