Introduction

Abstract

John Tebbutt was an important figure in the nineteenth century Australian astronomy, and the aim of Part II is to provide a readable overview of his principal achievements in astronomy and meteorology and the milieu within which they occurred. As such, we must examine his discovery of two of the Great Comets of the nineteenth century and explore the instrumentation at his Windsor Observatory and the ways in which this was utilised to contribute to world astronomy. We also must trace Tebbutt’s early associations with Sydney Observatory, and his involvement in the early history of the colony’s first formal astronomical groups. We also must delve into the politics of New South Wales science and show how Tebbutt’s abiding passion for astronomy brought him into open conflict with his one-time friend and confidant, Henry Russell—the Government Astronomer of New South Wales—and how their deteriorating relationship impacted directly or indirectly on most of Sydney’s leading astronomers during the last two decades of the century and coloured the flavour of New South Wales astronomy.