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Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy Open Night

 

Saturday 20 October 2012, 6:30PM

Macquarie University Association for Astronomy and the Department of Physics and Astronomy are proud to present the 47th Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night. Join us to celebrate astronomy and lasers, including viewing the night sky through up to 30 telescopes operated by both Macquarie University astronomers and amateur astronomers. Activities include:
Location E7B Courtyard, Macquarie University. The Campus can be reached by car or by train (Macquarie University Station on the Northern Line).
Cost and payment We are looking into an online booking system for tickets.  Please check back in May regarding this. 
Children/Students/Seniors: $5.  Adults: $12.  Families: $27.  Association for Astronomy Members: Free.
Parking Free parking is available in F7, F3A, E1, C2 and C3 car parks only in the white marked bays (not in the reserved yellow white bay areas). If these car parks are full, casual parking is available in W4, X3 and X4 car parks, and parking fees apply. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines in car parks (accepts coins and credit cards). Maps will be distributed to those entering campus through the Waterloo Rd. or Balaclava Rd. entrances by Open Night staff, or download here.
Enquiries (02) 9850 7111.  The evening will not be cancelled in the event of bad weather, however the telescopes will not be available if it is cloudy. But don't worry, there will still be plenty to do!
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Illustrated Talk

"TBA" by TBA @ 7:30 pm

 

 

Telescopes & Stargazing

Join Macquarie astrophysicists and local amateur astronomers and explore the cosmos using various telescopes from Macquarie University Observatory, local astronomy clubs, and individual astronomers.  Look at celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and nebulae, talk to members of your local astronomical society, and join in the action!  Several telescope vendors will be present and eager to answer all your questions about buying your very own telescope.

Planetarium

Come visit our brand new planetarium equipped with a state-of-the-art projector for a virtual tour of the cosmos.  Our larger, new dome can hold up to 45 people.  In the planetarium, you will learn about the cosmos through two amazing films that will blow you away!  14 sessions will run for ~12 minutes each.  Tickets are free and will be issued for each session.  More information will be available a bit closer to the date.

Laser Guide Star and Laser Architecture Display

The Laser beacon, a 10W green laser which is approximately 10,000 times more powerful than a laser pointer, will be pointed vertically into the night sky. The demonstration will give observers the chance to see what a Laser Guide Star looks like and will be a spectacular display visible from several kilometres away.

The E7A building will be decorated with bright laser-lit fibers in a laser architecture display.

Aboriginal Astronomy

Learn about Aboriginal views of the night sky from Aboriginal Astronomy researchers Ray Norris and Duane Hamacher.  They will be selling a book on Aboriginal Astronomy entitled 'Emu Dreaming' by Ray & Cilla Norris, along with posters of the famous 'Emu in the Sky'.  

Watch a 30 minute ABC 'Message Stick' documentary on Aboriginal Astronomy in Room 100 and learn about the latest research at Macquarie.  You can also pick up 'Dark Sparklers', a book on Wardaman Astronomy, from the Sydney Observatory booth.

Activities for Adults and Kids of all Ages

Kids activities will include making a planisphere and participating in an astronomy colouring contest! Some activities are only suitable for older children, while others are perfect for the youngest ones.

  • Main E7B Courtyard: Several activities (rooms to be confirmed closer to the date).
  • E7B room 163: Spacecraft model building and more for kids of all ages.
  • E7B room 164: Laser Maze.
  • E7B Outside loading dock area: Laser Graffiti
  • E7B just outside Room 163: Laser Telephone
  • E7B Courtyard: The Quantum Minigolf
  • E7B Room 264: Quantum Madness Fun
  • E7B room TBD: Aboriginal Astronomy video

There will be many more activities for young and old at booths in the courtyard.

Vendors and Clubs

Booths will be set up for various vendors and astronomical societies. These are the confirmed booths as of the 13th of September. We expect at least as many vendors as last year, see below for details.

 

 

 

Food & Drink

A barbeque will be present for hot food. Offerings include hot sausage sandwiches and refreshing cold drinks.

Ice cream and coffee will be provided by Bar Coco

  

Keep informed

...about this and other Physics and Astronomy events:

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