Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,

As I have now been out of the country and away from Macquarie for three months I report here the AfA events as they were related (abridged) by Tiffany Day, who runs the day-to-day operation of the Association.

... the Association for Astronomy's Friday night observing sessions have now hit a peak. For the first time this year, we completely sold out one of our Friday night sessions in August, and again two more times since then! Interest in the observatory is buzzing, and our online ticketing system has proved a resounding success. We've had many scout groups also visit us this year for both private observing sessions and planetarium sessions, with the observatory still proving the more popular of the two for scout groups. We've also taken the planetarium to a handful of schools this year ... The university's Open Day was a great success, although we did have to use our old, significantly smaller planetarium due to size restrictions. ...We now look forward to the Astronomy Open Night on Saturday 20th October, where we will be running free planetarium sessions all night (included in the door price).... For the first time, tickets to the Astronomy Open Night are being sold online using the AfA's online ticketing system, as well as being sold at the door as usual.

Planetarium session: Friday 2nd November - tickets can be purchased from www.macquarieplanetarium.com.

Open Night tickets can be purchased here.

Best Regards,

October 20^th, 6:30 pm

Astronomy Open Night - Macquarie University

Macquarie University Association for Astronomy and the Department of Physics and Astronomy are proud to present the 48th Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night. Join us to celebrate astronomy and physics, including viewing the night sky through up to 30 telescopes operated by both Macquarie University astronomers and amateur astronomers. More...

November 2^nd, 6:00 pm

Macquarie Planetarium - Macquarie University

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...

Remember summer time (daylight saving) begins on Sunday 7th at 2am in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and SA. Mars is visible in the west, moving from Libra into Scorpius early in the month and then into Ophiuchus in the middle of the month. On the 18th the crescent Moon is below Mars. Mercury is low in the west and is next to the thin crescent Moon on the 17th. The best time to observe the Moon using binoculars or a small telescope is a few days either side of the first quarter Moon on the 22nd. To the south-west is Crux (the Southern Cross) easily located using the two nearby stars called the Pointers. To the west are the constellations of Scorpius (the Scorpion) and Sagittarius (the Archer).