Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,

A big hello from Italy where I am spending a semester of study at the University of Bologna. Our Astronomy group in particular, and our department in general has been doing well this month with the announcement that both I and Helen Pask (a laser physicist) have obtained a Future Fellowship that will allow us to concentrate on research for 4 years (you may recall that last year Dan Zucker had received the same fellowship). This may also mean that our group will grow further in the near future

. Talking of growth, in September we will be joined by Dr. Lee Spitler from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, who specialises in globular clusters, the seventh senior astronomer in our group. Although I am not at Macquarie to witness it first hand, our popular unit ASTR178 course has reached the 400 enrolment mark. Mark Wardle and Mike Ireland are heroically trying to teach it using modern instruction concepts and a lot of new technology. Association activities continue as normal and open night is starting to get organised (Dan Zucker will be the master of ceremonies this year). And with this, I leave you for another month.

Best Regards,

September 14^th, 6:00 pm

A tour of the Solar System - Macquarie Planetarium

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...

Every Friday, 7:00 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...

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...

High in the sky are the constellations Scorpius (the Scorpion) and Crux (the Southern Cross). The Southern Cross is easily located using the two nearby Pointer stars. Near the end of the Scorpion's tail is the unofficial constellation of the Teapot in Sagittarius. Saturn and Mars are near the star Spica in the constellation of Virgo. From 13 to 17 August, Mars is within three degrees of Saturn. On 22nd, Mars is next to the crescent Moon. The best time to view the Moon with a small telescope or binoculars is a few days either side of the first quarter Moon on the 24th.