14 Facts About Frank Bateson

Frank Maine Bateson was a New Zealand astronomer who specialised in the study of variable stars.

Frank Bateson remained as director of the VSS until 2004.

Frank Bateson was associated with the VSS until his death.

Frank Bateson served in World War II with New Zealand's Home Naval Service, then after the war moved to Rarotonga, Cook Islands where he worked until 1960.

Frank Bateson spent much of his career working in the business field while pursuing his astronomical interests as a hobby.

Frank Bateson was instrumental in the founding of the Mount John University Observatory near Lake Tekapo, assisting the University of Canterbury in finding an appropriate location for the observatory.

Frank Bateson was appointed astronomer-in-charge of the observatory after it opened in 1963; he held this position until his retirement in 1969.

Frank Bateson was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand in 1963.

Frank Bateson served on the society's council for a number of years, including one year as president.

Frank Bateson was an honorary member of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Frank Bateson was a member of the International Astronomical Union and served as its first representative from New Zealand.

Frank Bateson received the Jackson-Gwilt Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1960 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Waikato in 1979.

Frank Bateson was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1970 New Year Honours for services to astronomy, and the Amateur Achievement Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 1980.

Frank Bateson died at the age of 97 on 16 April 2007, in Tauranga, New Zealand.