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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
Australian Sky & Telescope is a world-class magazine about the science and hobby of astronomy. Combining the formidable worldwide resources of its venerable parent magazine with the talents of the best science writers and photographers in Australia, Australian Sky & Telescope is a magazine produced specifically for the Southern Hemisphere's astronomers.
Consistently delivering the latest news and developments in astronomy 8 times a year, Australian Sky & Telescope caters for everyone with an interest in space and astronomy, from the absolute beginner looking to buy their first telescope to the seasoned observer wanting to expand their collection of equipment or acquire new skills.
With its thorough equipment reviews, detailed sky maps, up-to-date news, and knowledgeable advice on observing the southern skies, Australian Sky & Telescope is a powerful source of inspiration to get out and see the wonders of the universe.
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IceInSpace is a community Web site dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in the Southern Hemisphere - including Australia, New Zealand, South America, Southern Africa and parts of Asia. They aim to help stargazers from around the world discover, discuss and enjoy the beauty of our night sky. IceInSpace is 100% free to join and free to use, all you need is a valid email address. By registering you will be able to post topics on the IceInSpace Forum, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and images and access many other special features. IceInSpace is seven years old and is the largest and most active astronomy community in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 10,000 members.
Address: PO Box 9127, Wyoming NSW 2250Back to Contents
VSS is an international association of astronomers, amateur and professional, interested in researching the rich and under-explored realm of southern variable stars. VSS covers most techniques of variable star research: visual observing with binoculars or telescopes, imaging with DSLRs and astronomical CCD cameras, and even spectrography. Its research work is project-oriented, often involving professional/amateur collaboration. VSS is directed by Dr Tom Richards of Melbourne, but its 'home' is its website, visit it for further information.
Web: http://www.variablestarssouth.orgBack 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
Held in August each year, the aim of this week is a nationwide celebration of Australian science and has the objective to increase public awareness of the role that science, engineering, mathematics, innovation and technology play in our daily lives. Astronomy is always a key component, and amateur societies are ideally placed for outreach to the public. It runs from August 11 - 19, 2012. See the web site for more information.
Web: http://www.scienceweek.gov.auBack to Contents
Starlab is an inflatable planetarium which can accommodate up to 30 students. Starlab presentations are available through the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, CSIRO Education Centre in Sydney, Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium in Wollongong and CSIRO Education Centre in Melbourne.
Address: National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra ACT 2600Back 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.
Address: c/- Sydney Institute for Astronomy, School of Physics, The University of Sydney NSW 2006Back 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
The CWAS AstroFest is sponsored by the Central West Astronomical Society and was first held 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 2012 festival scheduled for the weekend of 14 - 15 July.
Address: CWAS AstroFest, PO Box 819 Parkes NSW 2870Back to Contents
The Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga will host the Border Stargaze during new moon August 2012. An annual gathering of amateurs for observing under country skies. This major event combines public outreach activities with that of the star party format. Guest speakers, mobile planetarium (Cosmodome), workshops, astronomical activities and so much more. See the society web site for more details.
Address: ASAW (Border Stargaze), PO Box 1500, Lavington NSW 2641Back to Contents
The IceInSpace AstroCamp is held at Lostock, in the beautiful clear dark skies of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy 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, workshops and a lucky door prize competition. The 2011 camp is on October 27 - 30. There is no camp being held in 2012 due to the Total Solar Eclipse. The IceInSpace AstroCamp will resume in 2013. Contact Mike or checkout IceInSpace for more information.
Address: Lostock, Hunter Valley NSWBack to Contents
The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers Inc was started in 1967 and since has become a regular national forum at which amateur astronomers can exchange experiences, stay abreast of the latest trends, foster co-operative activities between individuals, societies and the professional sphere, and network amongst their peers throughout Australia and beyond. They are held over Easter every two years. The 25th NACAA will be held in Brisbane, 6 - 9 April 2012, hosted by the Astronomical Association of Queensland, with support from the other astronomical societies in south-east Queensland. The 6th Trans-Tasman Symposium on Occultations and the inaugural Variable Stars South Symposium will be held as part of the NACAA programme.
Web: http://www.nacaa.org.auBack to Contents
The Queensland Astrofest, rated in the Top Ten of the world's best astrocamps (BBC Sky at Night 2007), is held annually at the Lions Club Camp Duckadang, situated at Linville 160 km northwest of Brisbane. It has a dark sky with bunk house accommodation. We have rooms for families with young children and plenty of room for camping and caravans. There is 240 volt power available for telescopes. Generous catered meals are available twice a day (about $7 per meal) from the camp managers; kitchen facilities with coldroom are also available for those who wish to self-cater.
Queensland Astrofest boasts a ten day format, Friday August 10th to Sunday 19th 2012. Each Saturday will have vendor sales and talks from major speakers. Workshops will be run each day covering various topics such as how to polar align, and colour balancing in Photoshop. The renowned Astro-Feast is held on the last Saturday night of the camp.
Entries for the Erwin van der Velden Photography Awards are required to be lodged with the committee about a week before the camp. More details are on the Web site. Qld Astrofest is a great environment for exchanging ideas and techniques.
Registration opens March, early registration and payment is recommended. Cancellations with 100% refund are to be requested before close of registration.
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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 300 people. See the society web site for more details.
Web: http://www.asnsw.com/spsp/index.aspBack to Contents
Victorian Amateur Astronomical Societies' Conventions (VASTROC) are held every second year (alternating years with NACAA Conventions). Activities include speakers, workshops, poster displays, observing and the convention dinner. The next VASTROC will be held in 2013. The 2013 host society and location are yet to be confirmed. The previous VASTROC was hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society in Mount Martha. More details on the web site when available.
Web: http://www.vastroc.netBack to Contents
The VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party in 2011 will be held from October 28 to 31, 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. VicSouth 2012 is planned for October 12 to 14. See website for more details.
Web: http://www.vicsouth.infoBack to Contents
Annual exhibition and sale of astrophotographers works at Ballarat Observatory from 18 August - 16 September 2012, details on website.
Contact: (03) 5332 7526 if you would like to exhibit works.Back to Contents
This is a seasonal event occurring on the last Saturday in January, March, June and October. Live music acccompanies viewing the night sky through the telescopes. See web site for more details.
Contact: (03) 5332 7526Back to Contents
These nights are designed for the general public. Activities include a special guest speaker, telescopes operated by local amateurs and commercial stands. They are now held once a year, normally in September - October (a Saturday night around First Quarter Moon). The venue is Macquarie University (off Epping Rd, North Ryde, Sydney), commencing around 6:30 pm.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
University-level units in Astronomy aims to give a broad description of basic astronomical subjects and concepts with essential but minimal mathematical content. The units are open to non-award students through the Centre for Open Education.
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
The AFA acts as a support group for astronomy activities at Macquarie University. Through its activities it supports community education in astronomy.
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
Macquarie University operates a mobile planetarium. It simulates the appearance of the stars in the night sky. The planetarium can can be set up on campus or sent out. Please check their website for the number of people the planetarium can seat (minimum 25).
Address: Dept of Physics, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Back to Contents
A practical astronomy course for beginners and interested amateurs. This is a nine 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 course dates.
Address: Green Point Observatory (Sutherland, Sydney)Back to Contents
Skyworks Planetarium is a multi award winning travelling educational resource employing the use of a STARLAB Portable Planetarium to visit schools and youth groups. Since starting in 2000, Skyworks has become the most active planetarium in greater Sydney. 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
Adult continuing education evening courses held at historic Sydney Observatory. Presented by Dr Paul Payne using unique 3D stereo graphics, without the aid of mathematics.
Address: Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The RocksBack to Contents
Since 1998 SOLIS has been working at protecting the view of the night sky by promoting better outdoor lighting.
Address: The Secretary, 6 Warwick Parade, Castle Hill NSW 2154Back 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. See website for more information.
Address: Centre for Continuing Education, University of SydneyBack to Contents
The Brisbane Astronomical Society (BAS) holds regular free public viewing nights at Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Details on web site.
Address: Brisbane Astronomical Society Inc PO Box 15892, City East Qld 4002Back to Contents
The Edward Corbould Research Fund has been established to encourage and assist astronomical research by Australian amateurs and students. A grant may be made available in 2012. Prospective applicants should check the AAQ website towards the end of 2011 for advice in this regard. Applications must be received by end of February 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
Starlab Education provides inspiring astronomy and earth science presentations throughout Queensland. Fully trained presenters visit your school or venue with a 'Cosmodome Science Theatre & Planetarium' or a 'Starlab Planetarium' to provide educational programs tailored to suit your level of interest and understanding.
Address: PO Box 1656, Noosaville BC QLD 4566Back to Contents
The South East Queensland Astronomical Society holds free public viewing nights 'Urban Observers' at the Barrett Street Reserve, Bracken Ridge (entry off Jude St) on the first and third Sunday of each month except January. All welcome.
Address: SEQAS, PO Box 60, Everton Park Qld 4053Back to Contents
A variety of astronomy themed courses are conducted at the Adelaide Planetarium during the year. See their web site for details.
Address: University of South Australia, Building P, Mawson Lakes CampusBack to Contents
Beginner astronomy courses are conducted by members of the Astronomical Society of Tasmania at Rosny LINC and at the University of Tasmania's Mt. Pleasant site, usually twice a year in March/April and October/November.
Address: Rosny LINC and Mt. PleasantBack to Contents
The Astronomical Society of Victoria has its own amateur radio callsign, VK3EKH. The net is conducted by Clint Jeffrey and Russell Ward and commences each Friday at 10 pm EST on 3.541 MHz (LSB). New stations and shortwave listeners are welcome. See website for more information.
Web: http://www.qrz.com/db/vk3ekhBack to Contents
The Bendigo District Astronomical Society has a regular segment on Radio KLFM that can be found on 96.5 FM Bendigo and 106.3 FM Castlemaine (Victoria, Australia). It airs at 5:30 pm most Saturdays. Radio KLFM's audio stream can be accessed at www.klfm.com.au.
Contact: Bendigo District Astronomical SocietyBack to Contents
Each month, from February to November, the Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing will be putting on a free public lecture at the Hawthorn campus of Swinburne University of Technology.
Contact: Liz Thackray, Centre Administrator for CAS (03) 9214 5569Back to Contents
This show is broadcast on radio station 88.3 Southern FM (88.3 MHz), 7 - 8 pm every Wednesda, presented by Andrew Rennie.
Web: http://www.space.asn.au/space_show.htmBack to Contents
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Broome's Astronomy Experience is a 2-hour educational and entertaining mind bender using big telescopes and lasers at an open bush site under dark skies. They operate in Broome from April to December running shows for the general public, schools, community and corporate groups six nights a week.
Address: PO Box 2537 Broome WA 6725Back to Contents