General Meeting: November 2025

ASSA monthly meetings are held in-person and are open to the general public.

Due to the University's new AV setup, it is no longer possible to stream these sessions.

Attend In-Person: This is a free public event. A theatre ticket is NOT required for this meeting. Just roll up.

Finding the Venue: The Braggs LT entrance faces the Barr Smith Lawns and is located at E10 on the map.

Meeting Agenda:

• General Meeting
• Louise Webster - The Australian Astronomer Who Discovered Black Holes
• Announcements & Upcoming Events
• Close at 9:30pm

Speaker: Nicola Hughes

Abstract: Betty Louise Turtle (nee Webster) was born 20th May 1941 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. After gaining her Ph.D. Louise worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Herstmonceux, Sussex, UK. It was there in 1971 that she and Paul Murdin were the first astronomers to discover a black hole. After a stint in South Africa Louise returned to Australia, initially working at Siding Spring observatory and then moving in 1978 to the University of New South Wales as a tutor in the School of Physics. Louise published widely and her papers were often cited by other astronomers. In 1989 she was appointed head of the Department of Astrophysics and Optics. Louise died in 1990 and is buried in Adelaide. Despite these significant achievements Louise is not well known.

Bio: Originally from the UK, Nicola studied for her Pharmacy degree at the University of Adelaide and worked as a pharmacist in both Australia and the UK, initially in retail but later as a clinical pharmacist. After retiring, she took up piano lessons and joined ASSA in 2018. In 2023, Nicola became a Councillor, later assumed the role of Membership Officer, and this year took over as Chair of the Awards Committee. She also helped with ASSA’s National Science Week event and is actively involved in revising ASSA’s constitution. Nicola also enjoys gardening, concert-going and spending time with her dog and cat.

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