2009 has been billed as the International Year of Astronomy, and Sydney has taken the issue squarely within its grasp.
The Sydney Observatory and the New South Wales observatories have a universe of events planned, aimed at increasing public awareness of the beauty and breathtaking sights the universe has to offer. However, before going into the long list, I thought I would mention why 2009 has been considered the International Year of Astronomy.
In essence, 2009 marks 400 years since Galileo, arguably one of the foremost astronomers in the field, turned his telescope to the stars and was brave enough to claim that the Earth revolved around the Sun, not the other way around.
That said, 400 years later, there are still very few of us who understand or even contemplate Earth’s position in the universe. Hence the importance of fostering a broader curiosity and wonder about the universe in which we live.
With ninety percent of Australia’s astronomy infrastructure currently located in New South Wales, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the Year of Astronomy and foster this new curiosity in our children.
Take part in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, and put your child on the path of intellectual enlightenment, offering him useful tools for an increasingly “spacey” future. Take a look at these events and visit your nearest observatory, listed below.
events
Sydney Observatory April School Holiday Schedule
Bring your kids to the Sydney Observatory this holiday, and we’ll take them on a tour of the universe! Children’s Planetarium An entertaining 30-minute constellation storytelling session at the beanbag planetarium. Sit back and be amazed as you travel through time and space.
Sydney Observatory Treasures
Join a fabulous stargazing tour featuring stories of the instruments used by explorers and astronomers of the past to map both heaven and earth. Explorers and astronomers such as Matthew Flinders, James Cook and Henry Chamberlain Russell. The tour includes the 3D Space Tour through the universe.
Winter Solstice at the Sydney Observatory
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy at the Sydney Observatory. On June 21 at 3:46 p.m. the Sun is in its northernmost position for the year. This is the day of the winter solstice, around which mythology has developed and superstition has grown.
Sky’s The Limit: Astronomy in Ancient Times
Many ancient religions and their myths revolve around the planets and the stars as they looked to the stars to make sense of their world. Follow the stars and see how people used them to predict the changing of the seasons, keep track of the weather, and create calendars.
South Pacific Star Festival
Since 1993, the Astronomical Society of New South Wales has organized the now famous annual South Pacific Star Party (SPSP). Star Party gives amateurs the opportunity to meet other amateur and professional astronomers, and to see under dark skies with excellent viewing conditions the night sky as it was meant to be seen.
Space Exhibit – Powerhouse Museum
Open every day except Christmas Day. (Extended opening hours for some public and/or school holidays). The Powerhouse Museum’s Space exhibition explores the history of the human desire to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Astronomy Open Night at Parramatta Park
Come to the Parramatta Park Astronomy Open Night, a large-scale, multi-society open night for the public at Parramatta Park, on Saturday, May 2, 2009, starting at 6:30 pm.
music and the cosmos
Music and the Cosmos is a special event featuring leading astronomers from the University of Sydney’s School of Physics and an SCM Chamber Music Ensemble. Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with the Sydney Science Forum and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
smart light sydney
Smart Light Sydney is a free, self-guided Light Walk. Take a walk from the Sydney Observatory through and around the iconic harborfront precinct and see the beautiful and dynamic light art sculptures that use innovative and intelligent technology.
Astrophotography on a budget
Astrophotography doesn’t have to be expensive. Mike Salway (Ice in Space website – Astronomy Imaging on a Budget) reveals how to get the most out of his equipment and take beautiful photos on a budget.
Saturn night fever
Look through the Sydney Observatory telescopes and see a naked Saturn without its rings, Alpha and Beta Centauri, the constellations Taurus and Virgo and a universe of other celestial features, and experience space like never before at the 3D Space Theatre.
Observatories in Sydney and NSW
Mudgee Observatory
Mudgee Observatory has been a private observatory for the last ten years, although it is now open to school groups, organized tours and any member of the general public who wishes to attend.
Dubbo Observatory
The Dubbo Observatory allows you to get up close to the moon and across the solar system. Discover the Milky Way and beyond with the most high-tech telescopes in the West.
CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope – ‘The Dish’
The famous Parkes Observatory, featured in the Australian film ‘The Dish’, is a nearly 50-year-old historic radio telescope, but still considered one of the best single-dish radio telescopes in the world.
Darby Falls Observatory
The Darby Falls Observatory is located on Observatory Road (off the road to Mt. McDonald) Darby Falls, Cowra. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and every evening during school holidays (weather permitting). Winter from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., summer (summer time) from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Green Point Observatory
Green Point Observatory is operated by the Sutherland Astronomical Society (SAS) in Sydney and houses the 41 cm and 35 cm telescopes. The Green Point Observatory is open for meetings every Thursday night, starting at 8 pm, and visitors can attend the Guest Speakers Talk.
Koolang Observatory and Space Science Center
The Koolang Observatory and Space Science Center is located on the border of the Central Coast and Lower Hunter, no more than two hours from most suburbs of Sydney and Newcastle. The Koolang Observatory and Space Science Center is a publicly accessible astronomical observatory.
Macquarie University Observatory
Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus is open to the public on Friday nights from March to November inclusive, subject to reservations, unless it rains. Call for confirmation on 0427 433 388 if the weather is questionable.
Port Macquarie Observatory
The Port Macquarie Observatory is run by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association Inc., a non-profit, voluntary group of people interested in astronomy. Open Astronomy Nights The observatory is open to the public on Sunday and Wednesday nights.
Australia Compact Telescope Array – Narrabri
The Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), at the Narrabri Observatory, is an array of six 22m antennas used for radio astronomy. Located about 25 km west of the town of Narrabri in rural New South Wales (about 500 km northwest of Sydney), it is operated by Australia Telesco Read more..
Western Sydney University Observatory
The University of Western Sydney (UWS) Observatory hosts public astronomy nights alongside school, holiday and group programs during the day or evening. The UWS Observatory is located at the University of Western Sydney, Penrith Campus, Great Western Highway, Werrington North.
Wollongong Planetarium and Science Center
The Wollongong Planetarium and Science Center is operated by the University of Wollongong as a public science centre. The center includes a planetarium (BlueScope Steel Star Theater), observatory, laser light shows, extensive interactive exhibits, demonstration theater and more.
bathurst observatory
Bathurst Observatory is located on two sites. One site is for research and study, while the other is for public observation through telescopes, and it also has a daytime space show in the new 200-seat theater. The public observatory is located on the Bathurst Goldfields site.
Crago Observatory
Crago Observatory is located on Bowen Mountain, near North Richmond (NW of Sydney), and is operated by the NSW Astronomical Society. The observatory houses a 40 cm Dobsonian telescope and is open on Saturday nights (closest to the phase of the last quarter of the moon).
linden observatory
Visit Linden Observatory in the Blue Mountains and join any of the WSAAG (Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group) viewing nights, where anyone can drop by and look through their telescopes. Observation nights are usually held on the Saturday closest to the New Moon.
Siding Spring Observatory
Siding Spring Observatory is home to some of the world’s leading telescopes and the largest optical telescopes in Australia. Siding Spring Observatory is located next to the picturesque Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran, NSW
warrumbungle observatory
Warrumbungle Observatory, also known as “Tenby Observatory”, is located on Timor Road leading to Warrumbungle National Park, 10 kilometers from Coonabarabran. Warrumbungle Observatory has three computerized telescopes, including a 14-inch telescope.
Introducing yourself and your child or children to the wonders of the universe and really coming to understand our planet’s place in it is the best way to emphasize how delicate and extraordinary life on Earth really is. You will not only learn, but you will be in awe of the wonders and images that the galaxy and the universe present to us every day, even though we rarely look up.
Visit OnlySydney Museum and Science for listings and more information on these International Year of Astronomy 2009 events and the Sydney Observatories.