Taurus A - Crab Nebula
Latest landmark on The Big Omaha Trail is the birthplace of radio astronomy.
Along with two other spots at Piha and Norfolk Island, the new science emerged from research begun in 1948 at Pakiri on the clifftops farm of Irwin and Elva Greenwood.
Working out of an old army radar trailer towed up to the cliff edge, two young radio technicians John Bolton and Gordon Stanley spend long winter nights taking readings of radio emissions from the cosmos. The data helped to kick-start the science of radio astronomy and eventually space travel.
Recognising the international importance of the Pakiri site has been long delayed. A book on the wartime radar stations by Auckland historian Sandra Coney entitled "On the radar" gives valuable background and a commemorative plaque is found at the Leigh Marine Reserve.
Photo Rodney Times: Ground-breaking research on the Greenwood’s former Pakiri cliff farm, in the background, brought the family into contact with radio astronomers at the plaque unveiling at the Leigh Marine Reserve.
But the place where it all happened nearly 70 years ago remains unmarked on a paper road that walkers will soon be able to cross on their way along Rodney Road en route from Matakana to Pakiri.
As the 20 kilometre trail is developed the Big Omaha Trail Trust plan to mark the spot along with other historic features.