Dear Macquarie University Association for Astronomy members,

Welcome to another edition of the newsletter. Remarkably little to report this time, except that observatory and planetarium have been running smoothly. Still working on the planetarium fire certification. I would also like to advertise an event in the coming month. On September 18, at 6:30pm Fred Watson will be at the Ryde library talking about his latest book, Star-Craving Mad. The event is free (gold coin donation). For those of you who do not know Fred, he is an astronomer, but even more importantly (if there can ever be anything more important than astronomy) he is an incredible speaker and populariser of Astronomy. He is also a gifted musician and singer, but I do not think that those are the talents he will display at the Ryde library. Enjoy!

Best Regards,

Sept 18^th, 6:30 pm

Fred Watson - Star Craving Mad - Ryde Library

Fred Watson will talk about his book Star-Craving Mad, featuring many highlights from his recent journeys around the world, exploring points of astronomical interest. In this light-hearted, informative and engaging book, Fred travels to some of those far-flung destinations as he weaves the epic story of humankind's growing understanding of the Universe. 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 spring equinox occurs on the 23rd when the length of day and night is almost equal, about 12 hours each. Saturn and Venus are visible low in the west. On the 8th the crescent Moon is near Venus. From the 17th to 20th Venus is a few degrees from Saturn. The best time to see the Moon using binoculars or a small telescope is a few days either side of the first quarter Moon on the 13th. To the south-west is Crux (the Southern Cross) easily located using the two nearby stars called the Pointers. In the centre of the sky are the constellations of Scorpius (the Scorpion) and Sagittarius (the Archer).