Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,

For this month's news from the AfA and the Department of Physics & Astronomy I can report that while the AfA has had a quiet summer, with the observatory and planetarium taking the usual rest, the department has been busy. At the end of last year almost all the members of the department have been relocated to a new building on campus. We now all share the same floor while before we were split into two buildings. The new offices are brand new and have glass for walls. It is like being in a museum diorama. The astronomy research centre is doing well with many new faces amongst the post-docs and the PhD students. A date for open night has now been fixed: it will take place on the 18th of May at 5:30PM, an hour before the usual time. The observatory will reopen in March so we hope to see many of you soon.

Best Regards,

February 22^nd, 6:00 pm

Star-Craving Mad: Tales from a Travelling Astronomer - Dr. Fred Watson - UNSW

Fred Watson knows all about the madness that drives people to seek out the mysteries of the Universe in a bid to unlock its secrets. Join him in an armchair tour that is sure to take you out of this world.. More...

Every day, 8:00 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...

In the north is Jupiter, visible as a bright star-like object in Taurus. At 9 pm on the 18 th , Jupiter is located next to the 1st quarter Moon. The best time to view the Moon using binoculars or a small telescope is a few days either side of the first quarter Moon. Visible in the sky are the constellations Canis Major (the Great Dog), Orion (the Hunter) and Gemini (the Twins). Crux (the Southern Cross) remains low in the south-east.