A Most Peculiar Star

Patsy Payne

Exhibition dates: 15 August - 26 September
Opening event: Friday 14 August 5:30pm - 7:30pm

HD101065, located at RA 11 31 32.89 Dec -45 01 08, also known as Przybylski’s star, is named for the Polish Australian astronomer who discovered its unusual properties in 1960 while carrying out his research at Mt Stromo Observatory. Spectral analysis of glass slides of HD101065 has revealed a peculiar array of heavy metals, to become the subject of controversial debates among astronomers and scientists debates.

The glass slides are fragile and beautiful things. Many of the slides are covered with the mysterious workings out of astronomers and researches as they focus in on the two dimensional renderings of the infinite space of the universe. These markings on glass reflect the intense focus of scientists coming to grips with the chemical composition of individual stars, and the physics and mystery of the universe in which the Earth is such a tiny speck.

A Most Peculiar Star is drawn from research the vast archives of photographic glass plates at Mount Stromlo (Australia), Arequipa (Chile), Mt St John (New Zealand) and Bloemfontein (South Africa) observatories. The works reflect an exercise in trying to understand that is both futile and exquisite.

Events:

Opening Friday 14 August: 5:30pm

A Most Peculiar Star is on display 15 August - 26 September

Megalo is open 9.30am - 5pm | Tuesday - Saturday