The grating ring response of the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope can be reduced by the installation of 60° phase switches into each of 176 signal paths of the antenna. A suitable voltage-controlled UHF phase switch has been designed and tested at 843 MHz. It consists of two varactor diodes in series with a microstrip. Although designed to provide only two phase states, the device works well as a continuous phase shifter with a coefficient of ∼3° per volt. Details of the design, performance and application to the radio telescope are given.

On 1922 August 20, a 20-strong scientific team, together with a naval party of 10, left Fremantle on one of the major scientific expeditions in Western Australian history. After picking up further personnel at Broome, the party proceeded to the isolated post and telegraph station of Wallal on the northern coast of Western Australia. Their task was to measure with great care the deflection of starlight by the Sun during the total solar eclipse of 1922 September 21. Specially designed photographic equipment of very high quality was used and meteorological conditions were excellent. As a result, measurements were obtained for well over a hundred stars.