Born in 1834 to free settlers living in the Sydney suburb of Windsor, John Tebbut would become Australia's most significant influence in the field of astronomy in the early days of settlement. After discovering his first comet in 1861, Tebbut set up a number of observatories on his property in Windsor in 1863 and began the series of key observations which would have him renowned both at home and overseas. Despite offers of leading positions in the astronomy field, Tebbut preferred to concentrate on his own work and lived his entire life in the area in which he was born, building and refining his own observation equipment.

After undergoing restoration in the 1990s led by his great grandson, Tebbut's observatory which is still situated on his Windsor property was opened to the public. When the $100 note was introduced in 1984 Tebbut's legacy was honoured with his likeness used against the backdrop of his Windsor observatory.

 

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About John Tebbut