MILESTONES IN THE LIFE OF THE INT

` December 1942 Tricentenary of Newton’s birth; Royal Society postpones celebrations due to the Second World War ` February 1946 Prof Harry Plaskett, president of the Royal Astronomical Society, calls for a large optical telescope sited in Britain ` July 1946 The British Government commits to funding the Isaac Newton Telescope ` 1948 The Royal Greenwich Observatory begins its move to Herstmonceux, Sussex ` August 1949 The 98-inch mirror arrives in London from New York ` December 1967 The Isaac Newton Telescope is inaugurated by the Queen; first light in Herstmonceux ` May 1979 Last observations at Herstmonceux before the Isaac Newton Telescope is moved to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma ` February 1984 The Isaac Newton Telescope experiences its second first light