Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,

It is with some delay that we bring you a new edition of the Association for Astronomy Newsletter. The Association is in the final stages of preparation of Astronomy Open Night, which will take place on Saturday, May 18. This year the Association celebrates its 25th anniversary. For this occasion the Northern District Times will write an article, so keep an eye out if you receive that publication. Joanna Wheatly also wrote an article for the Macquarie Staff News. Alan Vaughan, the founder of the Association, was interviewed for that article and several interesting photographs were reproduced. As for our other activities, we held an event for the partial solar eclipse of May 10. The Observatory and Planetarium are working regularly, although we are still trying to increase the Planetarium activity. Bookings are open for the on-campus Planetarium sessions of May 31 and July 12 (both at 6PM). All Planetarium tickets purchased at Open Night will come with a discount.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is currently in the middle of teaching with most lecturers running between classes and labs, writing exams and marking assignments, but you will see most of the Department's staff and students on deck for Open Night, all in their black Macquarie T-shirts and easy to spot. So do not hesitate to stop any of them if you have any questions about Physics and Astronomy at Macquarie or indeed anything else. So see you at Open Night!

Best Regards,

May 18^th, 5:30 pm

Astronomy Open Night - Macquarie University

View the night sky through telescopes. Hear Professor Warrick Couch talk about Extremely Large Telescopes. See a planetarium star show and astronomical displays. Create laser graffiti. Participate in fun activities (for kids of all ages). Enjoy exciting science displays. BBQ and refreshments.More...

May 31^st, 6:00 pm

Macquarie Planetarium Observatory - Macquarie University

The Life and Death of Stars - Our brand-new Digitarium Epsilon planetarium projector system and portable 7-m GoDome is available, by arrangement, for groups of up to 50 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, 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...

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...

The Southern Cross is high in the sky towards the south and is easily located using the two nearby Pointer stars. The Pointer star Alpha Centauri is a multiple star: these are the nearest stars to the Sun and Earth. Nearby is the False Cross which is often mistaken for the Southern Cross. Saturn is located towards the east, appearing as a star-like object in the constellation of Virgo. Jupiter can be seen low in the north-west shortly after sunset and is next to a crescent Moon on the 12th. 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 18th.