Sadly I have to inform members of the death of Ron Livesey who passed away on the 25th Jan 2021.
In recognition of Ron’s contribution to amateur astronomy the ASE awarded Ron the Lorimer Medal in 2019. His contributions to the promotion and development of astronomy for amateurs made a great impression on the many people he came into contact with. To the extent that Ron had a minor planet, discovered on the 30th June 1987, named after him (7170 Livesey) by its discoverer, Robert McNaught.
Below is the citation for the Lorimer Medal, written by Dr Dave Gavine who knew him so well and who also sadly passed away last year. I think it is as relevant for today as it was when he received the medal.
We will inform members when details of the arrangements are known. However the Covid restriction will unfortunately prevent us from paying our respects in the normal ways.
Here’s a link to an article on the BAA website about Ron’s famous Jamjar Magnetometer »
Andrew Farrow
President
Ron Livesey has been a very active member of BAA since 1956 contributing observations of Sun, moon, planets, stars, meteors & aurora, to all the observing sections. He was Director of the Aurora Section from 1976 to 2005 and remains as Assistant Director to the present day, specialising in statistics – comparing auroral sightings with solar and magnetic activity. Ron championed the simple ‘jam jar’ magnetometer from his home in Edinburgh. Even at the age of ninety, Ron still makes sunspot observations for the Solar Section. He has contributed many papers and articles to the BAA journal and meteorological magazines and is an active promoter of astronomy throughout Scotland. As Director he issued frequent newsletters and organised Section meetings. Ron was awarded the BAA’s Lydia Brown medal and recently the Goodacre medal – its highest award. He is a past president of the Astronomical Society of Glasgow and an Honorary Member of Dundee Astronomical Society. He is revered by all amateur astronomers in Scotland who know him.
