The first session, to be held on Saturday, 8 October, will feature talks from astronomer Professor Fred Watson AM, astrophotographer Dr David Malin AM, and Wiradjuri woman and astrophysics PhD candidate, Kirsten Banks.
Attendees to the event will be treated to a poetry performance by Sydney Observatory artist in residence, Kate Rees.
The event will also herald the launch of the 2023 Australasian Sky Guide, an annual astronomy publication that charts the night skies of the southern hemisphere. The guide, authored by astronomer Dr Nick Lomb, has been published for over 30 years and is an invaluable tool for amateur astronomers.
==
==
The sky guide also features clear and simple explanations of the solar system and astronomical methods, as well as historical astronomy features. Recent editions have included feature articles written by First Nations astronomers and astrophysicists, charting the deep history of Indigenous astronomy.
An article by Kirsten Banks will be included in the 2023 edition, identifying and exploring the Wiradjuri constellations.
The observatory has been closed to the public for heritage works over the last several years. It was originally scheduled to open in mid-2022 but has since been pushed back to a revised date of mid-2023.
The observatory is operated by Sydney Powerhouse Museum, which offers educational programs and workshops at the observatory when in normal operation. The Powerhouse team also runs a companion astronomical observations blog which provides monthly sky guides.
PROMOTED CONTENT
“Powerhouse is excited to be launching this new program at Sydney Observatory, which provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with one of the most important sites in Australia’s scientific history,” Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said.
Standing since 1858, the Sydney Observatory is a heritage-listed building with a rich history. The site where the observatory now stands was once home to Sydney’s first windmill before it eventually became Fort Phillip, where it was instrumental as a semaphore station.
Since the observatory was constructed in 1858, it has served a number of functions, including as a meteorological station, and a time ball station.
While the observatory today functions as a museum, it was a functioning astronomical observatory from its construction until the early 1980s when it was decommissioned by the NSW government.
Liam McAneny
Liam McAneny is a journalist who has written and edited for his University International Relations journal. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wollongong in 2021. He joined Momentum Media in 2022 and currently writes for SpaceConnect and Australian Aviation. Liam has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations as well as astronomy.
Send Liam an email at: [email protected]
Receive the latest developments and updates on Australia’s space industry direct to your inbox. Subscribe today to Space Connect here.
