Warren Morrison

Kingston Centre member, active variable star observer. Chilton Prize 1979. Chant Medal 1986.


WARREN MORRISON (1955-) grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, and obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from Trent University in 1977. Warren was interested in astronomy even as a youngster and recalls reading every astronomy book that he could obtain and making some observations with binoculars and a small telescope. He began observing variable stars in 1971. In 1973, he joined the RASC as an unattached member, and the following year became a member of the AAVSO. He has belonged to the Kingston Centre of the RASC since 1979.

Warren Morrison was awarded the Chilton prize in 1979 primarily for discovering Nova Cygni 1978. Since then he has continued to make important contributions to astronomical research, particularly in the study of variable stare Year after year he consistently made over 3000 variable estimates annually of excellent quality, placing him in the top few AAVSO observers worldwide. In 1985, he discovered the latest outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, as reported by the IAU telegram system. This further work earned him the Chant Medal in 1986. His keen observing skills and deep interest in comets led to his appointment as a co-ordinator of the International Halley Watch 1983-87.

Though he works in Peterborough, Morrison's home is on a farm in nearby Cavan township, where he enjoys the country living and the dark skies.

Peter Broughton (from Looking Up)

Description: 
Morrison, Warren
Type: 
Person