Book your tickets online here.
Children/Students/Seniors: $5.  Adults: $15.  Families: $35 (2 adults, 2 children).
Association for Astronomy Members: Free.

Although tickets will be available at the door, we strongly encourage people to purchase in advance (you will avoid the queue!). However, if you purchase your ticket online, you MUST bring your ticket with you on the night to gain entry. STRICTLY: No printed ticket, no entry!

Free parking is available campus wide from 5pm.
Campus maps can be viewed or downloaded here.

Illustrated Talk

"Extremely Large Telescopes - the next generation of monster optical/infrared telescopes"

by Prof. Warrick Couch @ 6:30 pm

If you own an optical telescope, you are likely to think you are doing well if it has a diameter of more than 10 centimetres Just imagine then the size of a telescope that has a diameter that is ~300 times larger than this! Such a telescope is so large that it is called an "Extremely Large Telescope" (or "ELT") for short, being 2 - 3 times larger than the biggest existing optical/infrared ground-based telescopes. It would be so powerful that it could be able to see the first stars forming in in the universe billions of years ago, and search out Earth-like planets around nearby stars for signs of life. In his talk, Warick Couch, newly appointed Director of the Australian Astronomical Observatory, will describe current efforts to design and build such monster telescopes, including the exciting 25m Giant Magellan Telescope Project which Australia is involved in and which promises to provide its astronomers with the deepest view of the universe ever seen.

Warrick was previously Director of the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinbourne University of Technology in Melbourne. He is an optical astronomer with research interests in galaxy evolution and cosmology, and was the ELT Project Scientist in 2005 - 2007.

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.

Short Talks

To celebrate 25 Years of Astronomy Open Night, the MQ Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics Research Centre is pleased to present a series of short talks given by our astronomers. These talks are aimed at the general public and amateur astronomers and present the diverse range of interests that are present in our growing Astronomy Department.

View the Program

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 50 people.  In the planetarium, you will learn about the cosmos through a presentation and short film that will blow you away!

Please note that the planetarium is always in high demand on Astronomy Open Night, and we unfortunately cannot accomodate for everyone. If you miss out on this short ~10 minute presentation on the night, do not despair! We run regular 1-hour long sessions on Friday nights, four times a year, where you will be able to enjoy the full experience that our planetarium has to offer. Please visit our Planetarium page for more information and to book tickets for one of our Friday night events.

Aboriginal Astronomy

There will be a short talk in room 100 by Bob Fuller.  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.

• Outside building C10A: Rocket engine firing, by the NSW Rocketry Association
• Main E7B Courtyard: Several activities, including laser and hologram demonstrations.
• E7B: Kids activities
• E7B Outside loading dock area: Laser Graffiti
• Robot demonstration

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

Vendors and Clubs (to be confirmed)

Booths will be set up for various vendors and astronomical societies. We expect at least as many vendors as last year, see below for details.

• Australian Astronomical Observatory
• Astronomical Society of New South Wales
• Northern Sydney Astronomical Society
  
• NSW Rocketry Association and Berg's Hobbies
• Sydney City Sky Watchers
• Sydney Observatory
• Sutherland Astronomical Society

• Australian Sky and Telescope
• Astro Optical Supply Co
• The Binocular & Telescope Shop
• Parramatta Park
• National Space Society
• Quasar Publishing

Food & Drink

A barbeque will be present for hot food. Offerings include both meat and vegetarian options, and refreshing cold drinks.

Ice cream and coffee will be provided by Bar Coco.