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Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,
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March has come and gone. The observatory has started working with great success although the weather has been most uncooperative. We have also started to offer the planetarium every Friday night, but so far we have not been able to have enough people visit us to recuperate costs. Clearly we are not reaching the right audience as I am positive that the planetarium would be even more popular than the observatory. So, please spread the voice!
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Best Regards, |
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April 17th,19th, 6:00pm |
Astronomical inventions: tales of the telescope - Sydney Observatory
Dr Paul Payne presents the amazing history of the telescope in stunning 3D imagery as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival 2012. This year's theme 'Innovation and Invention' is explored using innovative 3D imaging technology and then the opportunity to see real instruments and stargaze (weather permitting). Bookings are essential as numbers are strictly limited. More...
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Every Friday, 6:00 pm |
Planetarium - Macquarie University Observatory
Our brand-new Digitarium Epsilon planetarium projector system and portable 7-m GoDome is available, by arrangement, for groups of up to 45 people per session. The planetarium simulates the night sky, including special events such as the transit of Venus or an eclipse of the sun. It allows an up-close look at the motions of celestial objects, the surfaces of planets, deep sky objects, and constellations. You can take a tour of the local Solar System, peer into the depths of the galaxy, or watch amazing new planetarium movies. Presentations can be tailored to the interests and age of your groups. More...
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Every Friday, 8:00 pm |
Astronomical Observatory - Macquarie University Observatory
The Association for Astronomy and the Department of Physics & Astronomy invite you to observe the cosmos with your own eyes at the Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory. You will be guided through the night sky by our professional astronomy staff, who will show you planets, binary stars, nebulae, star clusters, and even bright galaxies through our 16" and 12" professional in-dome telescopes. All are welcome! More...
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May 15th, 7:30 pm
(Tuesdays until Jun 5th)
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Introduction to Astronomy (I2A) Course - Astronomical Society of NSW
You will look at great telescopes of the world and learn how telescopes work, including a hands-on session to demonstrate different types of telescopes and mounts suitable for amateur observing. Gain an understanding of the life cycles of different types of stars and how to make a black hole. Find out about light and how astronomers use the entire electromagnetic spectrum to learn everything we know about stars. Our final venture will be into the wider universe to see how it has evolved since the beginning of time. More...
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Every day, 6:00 pm |
Public Observing Program - Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory is open every night (session times vary) and day (10am to 5pm) except Christmas Day and Good Friday. The links at left have all the information you need to plan your visit. Charges apply to night and day telescope viewing sessions which include visits to the telescope domes, telescope viewing* and 3D space theatre experience - guided and explained by one of the Observatory's astronomy educators. More...
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Saturn is visible in Virgo as a moderately bright star-like object to the east and is near the full Moon on the 7th. Mars can be
seen towards the north-east in Leo. Venus remains visible towards the north-west during the early evening and is near the
crescent Moon on the 25th. Until the middle of the month, Jupiter can be seen low in the west during the early evening. The
Southern Cross is high in the sky towards the south-east and is easily located using the two nearby Pointer stars. Nearby are
the False and Diamond Crosses that are both often mistaken for the Southern Cross. Prominent constellations include Leo (the
Lion), Orion (the Hunter), Gemini (the Twins) and Canis Major (the Great Dog). In 2012 daylight saving ends in ACT, NSW,
Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia on Sunday 1 April at 3 am summer time.
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Information provided by the Sydney Observatory. Find the full information and podcast here.
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Macquarie University Website - Department of Physics and Astronomy
© April, 2012
Image Credit: NASA/JHU APL/CIW, Alan Friedman (Averted Imagination), Nicolás Villegas
R. Kennicutt (Steward Obs.) et al., SSC, JPL, Caltech, Rick Baldridge, Adam Block,
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, University of Arizona, Leonardo Julio & Carlos Milovic (Astronomia Pampeana),
Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), C. Conselice (U. Wisconsin/STScI) et al., Olivier Sedan (Sirene Observatory) |