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This site aims to provide the media and the general public with information about the Australia Telescope National Facility. They also provide educational resources on many aspects of astronomy.
Web: http://outreach.atnf.csiro.auBack to Contents
This is the Australian edition of the famous, 60 - year old magazine about astronomy and space science. First published in December 2004, Australian Sky & Telescope publishes six bi-monthly issues per year. Featuring the latest news, developments in astronomy, equipment reviews and photos from readers, AS & T caters for the beginner to the seasoned observer.
Address: PO Box 81 St Leonards NSW 1590Back to Contents
This is a web site dedicated to amateur astronomers in Australia and New Zealand. The site has grown to be one of the largest and most active astronomy communities in the country. An active forum where amateurs contribute to discussions about all aspects of astronomy - such as observing, equipment discussions, astro-photography and more. IceInSpace has over 1,200 members contributing over 150,000 posts (Sep 06) and is gaining popularity every day. The site also has a wealth of resources including projects, DIY guides, how-to articles, equipment reviews and more. It's free to join and only takes 30 seconds to register.
Fees: Free to join!Back to Contents
IDA's goal is to preserve and protect the night-time environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting.
Address: 32 Carina Road, Turramurra NSW 2074Back to Contents
Articles are listed and tips have been written for these articles. These tips will help you run learning activities, set homework, and guide student research. For educational purposes, you may print off pages, photocopy them and hand them to your students.
Web: http://www.abc.net.au/labnotes/read/default.htm#astronomyBack to Contents
The aim of this week is a nationwide annual celebration of Australian science and has the objective to increase public awareness of the role that science, engineering, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship play in our daily lives. Astronomy is a key component, and amateur societies are ideally placed for outreach to the public. For 2007, Science Week runs from August 18 - 26. See the web site for more information.
Web: http://www.scienceweek.info.auBack to Contents
Starlab is an inflatable planetarium which can accommodate up to 30 students. Starlab presentations are available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Wollongong in collaboration with other science centres.
Address: National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra ACT 2600Back to Contents
This is the Southern Hemisphere's first astronomy and space exploration magazine. Established in 1988, Sky & Space has been 100% wholly published and produced in Australia for the last 18 years. This world-class, full-colour magazine is bi-monthly and available through newsagencies or by subscription. Sky & Space Magazine appeals to a wide readership from the beginner to the serious stargazer.
Address: Sky & Space Magazine, 23 Bronte Road (PO Box 1690) Bondi Junction NSW 1355Back to Contents
Activities include monthly free public meetings, public displays, radio program and a newsletter to promote understanding of astronautics.
Address: PO Box 351, Mulgrave North Vic 3170Back to Contents
The Astronomical Society of Australia is the society of professional astronomers in Australia. It has a website to provide links for Australian astronomy, both professional and amateur, including links to educational material.
Web: http://asa.astronomy.org.auBack to Contents
An Australian based space exploration lobby group linked to The Planetary Society. It contains information of relevance to the Australian scene.
Web: http://www4.tpg.com.au/users/tps-seti/index.htmlBack to Contents
Web page that is a search engine for astronomical tutorials.
Web: http://www.find.com.au/tutorials/education/astronomy/Back to Contents
Activities on this weekend include: observing, lectures, tour of Siding Spring, Mopra, and Muhlenburg observatories, 'Science in the Pub', and the Bart Bok Lecture. This event is hosted by the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel. Held annually in late October in conjunction with the Festival of the Stars.
Contact: Peter Starr (02) 6842 2881Back to Contents
The CWAS AstroFest is sponsored by the Central West Astronomical Society and was held for the first in July 2004. The AstroFest incorporates a two day conference and related activities including the David Malin Astrophotography Exhibition and Competition which is open to all amateur astrophotographers. World-renowned professional and amateur astronomers share their knowledge and experience in an exciting amateur astronomy festival. The CWAS AstroFest is held annually in July, with the 2007 festival scheduled for the weekend of 14 - 15 July.
Address: CWAS AstroFest, PO Box 819 Parkes NSW 2870Back to Contents
The IceInSpace Astro Camp is being held from the 18 - 21 January 2007 at Lostock, in the beautiful clear dark skies of the Hunter Valley. The inaugural event in 2006 was a great success, with almost 100 people enjoying the warm weather, swimming hole and three beautiful clear nights. Features include very dark skies, bunkhouse or camping accommodation, fully equipped kitchen and toilets/showers, 240V power, swimming hole, guest speakers and workshops and a lucky door prize competition. Contact Mike or checkout IceInSpace for more information.
Address: Lostock, Hunter Valley NSWBack to Contents
The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers is a biennial event held over Easter. The 2008 gathering will be held in Sydney NSW. More details next year.
Web: http://www.nacaa.org.auBack to Contents
The Queensland Astrofest is held annually at the Lions Camp, Duckadang, about two hours northwest of Brisbane. It has a dark sky with bunk house accommodation, room for camping and caravans, and there is 240 volt power available for your telescopes. Activities include: presentations from professional astronomers and knowledgeable amateurs, awards, vendor sales and swap/sell and a great environment for exchanging ideas and techniques. Catered meals are available twice a day (lunch and dinner, prices starting at $5.50 for a burger). The 2007 QLD Astrofest is from 6th to 12th August. (2008 is from 28th July - 3rd August). Registration opens mid-January and early registration is recommended.
Address: Lions Camp Duckadang, Avoca Creek Rd, Linville Qld 4306Back to Contents
An annual national gathering of amateurs for observing under country skies. This is held at the Astronomical Society of NSW's property at Ilford, NSW. This major event now attracts over 400 people. The 2007 SPSP will be held from 13 - 15 April.
Address: ASNSW Treasurer, 28 Waratah St, Bowen Mountain 2753Back to Contents
Victorian Amateur Astronomical Society's Conventions (VASTROC) are held every second year (alternating years with NACAA Conventions). Activities include speakers, workshops, poster displays, observing and the convention dinner. The 2007 VASTROC is being hosted by the Bendigo District Astronomical Society (their first time) and will be held on 23 - 25 March, 2007.
Web: http://www.vastroc.netBack to Contents
The VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party in 2006 will be held from November 9 to 12, at the Little Desert Lodge near Nhill in western Victoria. VicSouth is jointly hosted by the Astronomical Society of Victoria and the Astronomical Society of South Australia, and offers a great weekend of social, astronomical and observing activities.
Address: PO Box 2082, Morphettville SA 5043Back to Contents
A university-level unit titled PHYS270 Introductory Astronomy aims to give a broad descriptive underpinning of basic astronomical subjects and concepts with essential but minimal mathematical content. The unit is open to non-award students through the Centre for Open Education.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
These nights are designed for the general public. Activities include a special guest speaker, telescopes operated by local amateurs and commercial stands. There are two such nights held each year normally in March - April and September - October (a Saturday night around First Quarter Moon). The venue is Macquarie University (off Epping Rd, North Ryde, Sydney), commencing around 6:30pm.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
The FFA acts as a support group for astronomy activities at Macquarie University. Membership subscription is $20 per year (students $10). Through its activities it supports community education in astronomy.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
Macquarie University now operates a mobile planetarium. It simulates the appearance of the stars in the night sky. It can be set up on campus or taken to schools. The planetarium seats a maximum of 20 adults.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
An astronomy course that is run at Kings Tableland Observatory in Wentworth Falls (Blue Mountains). The course is basic and practical, including how to use star charts to find your way around the night sky and setting up a telescope. There are modern telescopes housed in a 4.5m dome.
Contact: Nepean Community College Penrith (02) 4721 5368Back to Contents
A practical astronomy course for beginners and interested amateurs. This is an 8 week course conducted by Sutherland Astronomical Society Inc (SASI). Each lecture is followed by observations with the society's equipment (weather permitting). Refer to website for 2007 course dates.
Address: Green Point Observatory (Sutherland, Sydney)Back to Contents
Skyworks is a multi award winning travelling educational resource employing the use of a STARLAB Portable Planetarium to visit schools and youth groups. It is authorised by the NSW Department of Education. Programs are curriculum based to suit years K-12.
Contact: Geoff & Diana Zenner (02) 9610 2899, 0427 112 899, fax (02) 9753 1898Back to Contents
Marie and Philip (The Cosmic Couple) take their Starlab Planetarium to schools and community events in the Lismore/Ballina/Tweed areas. They can also be found planetary observing down at the beach.
Contact: Marie and Philip (02) 6680 2448 or 0413 779 223Back to Contents
SOLIS is an active group with the aim of bringing the ever increasing sky glow to a standstill.
Address: PO Box 3002, North Turramurra NSW 2074Back to Contents
The University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education runs regular astronomy courses on the main Sydney University campus, with occasional bus tours to NSW observatories. Contact the university's Centre for Continuing Education on (02) 9036 4789 to enrol.
Address: Centre for Continuing Education, University of SydneyBack to Contents
The Brisbane Astronomical Society (BAS) holds a free public viewing night on the Saturday nearest to the First Quarter Moon (weather permitting) at Mt Coot-tha Lookout, from 7pm to 9pm. Details on web site.
Address: Brisbane Astronomical Society Inc PO Box 15892, City East Qld 4002Back to Contents
A course in astronomy is now being offered through the North Brisbane Institute of TAFE at their Ithaca Campus, Fulcher Road, Red Hill. It covers many of the fundamental concepts and techniques of astronomy.
Fees: $137 for 7 x 2 hour classes; includes practical sessions.Back to Contents
The Edward Corbould Research Fund has been established to encourage and assist astronomical research by Australian amateurs and students. A grant is expected to be made available in 2008. Applications must be received by February 28 of that year. Information on both the criteria to be met and obligations of successful applicants is available from the AAQ web site or by contacting the association.
Address: PO Box 6101, St Lucia Qld 4067Back to Contents
They travel to schools in Queensland and NSW for daytime solar viewing and night time astronomy presentations.
Fees: For costs and information, see their website.Back to Contents
The South East Queensland Society holds a free public viewing night 'Urban Observers' at Indooroopilly High School, on the first Sunday of each month except January, and at Holland Park State Primary, Abbotsleigh St, Holland Park, on the third Sunday of each month.
Address: SEQAS, PO Box 60, Everton Park Qld 4053Back to Contents
This is a ten week course conducted at the Adelaide Planetarium 2 - 3 times a year. This course gives an introduction to the basics of astronomy and has a focus on learning the constellations and brightest stars in the night sky.~
~They also have a Sunday afternoon 'Way to the Stars', 'Discover the Planets' (over two Sunday afternoons) and 'Planetarium Proms' - Music under the stars among others, see their web site for details.
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This is a one night course conducted at the Adelaide Planetarium around 3 - 4 times a year. The course emphasises how other cultures see the night sky such as Indigenous Australians and the Ancient Egyptians.~
~In addition, 'Aboriginal Skies' is a separate one night course conducted at the planetarium 3 times a year. This emphasises how Aboriginal Australians viewed the nightly waltz of stars overhead. See web site for more details.
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Beginner astronomy courses are conducted by members of the Astronomical Society of Tasmania at the University of Tasmania's Canopus Hill Observatory site, usually twice a year in March/April and October/November.
Address: Canopus Hill ObservatoryBack to Contents
The Astronomical Society of Victoria has its own amateur radio callsign, VK3EKH. The net, conducted by Russell Ward, commences each Friday at 10pm EST on 3.543 MHz (LSB). New stations and listeners are most welcome.
Web: http://www.asv.org.auBack to Contents
An introductory to intermediate level astronomy course, designed for the beginner to seasoned amateur astronomy enthusiast alike. Covers everything from history, stars, solar system, big bang, deep space, visual aids and equipment. Proactive & entertaining course lead by experienced passionate specialist; includes viewing on campus each week with all telescopes provided.
Contact: Course leader Cris Ellis, 0412 318 125Back to Contents
Conducted by Mr R. Holmes of Talbot Observatory. Consists of 4 x 2 hour lessons over 4 weeks. Observatory is also open all year.
Address: 9 Camp St, Talbot Vic 3371Back to Contents
The Bendigo District Astronomical Society has a fortnightly segment on Radio KLFM. This goes to air at 5:30pm on two Saturdays each month. KLFM can be found on 96.5 FM Bendigo and 106.3 FM Castlemaine (Victoria, Australia). The segment can also be accessed online.
Contact: Bendigo District Astronomical SocietyBack to Contents
This show is broadcast on radio station 88.3 Southern FM (88.3 MHz), 7 - 8pm every Wednesday. Presented by Andrew Rennie.
Web: http://www.southernfm.org.auBack to Contents
Broome's Astronomy Experience is a 2-hour educational and entertaining mind bender using big telescopes, lasers and fun at an open bush site under some of the best skies on the planet.~
~Astro Tours operates in Broome from April to December running shows for the general public, schools, community and corporate groups 6 nights a week.
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