Old Melbourne Observatory

sharonr · #1 30-07-2009, 10:41 AM

Dear All,
Hi! I'm heading down to Melbourne for the weekend to see the Dali exhibit. I was wandering if a visit to the old Melbourne Observatory should be fitted into my limited timeframe. Can anyone please offer some advice?

Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Sharonr

Rhino1980 (Ryan) · #2 30-07-2009, 07:08 PM

Was there in April, unfortunately they were not opening the obs at the time for tours and all we got was some overpriced, sub-par food from the cafe there. Very bitterly dissapointed about it all. Besides, the light pollution is so horrid that if you got a look through the old scope they have there, I doubt it would be compelling.

stephenb (Stephen) · #3 30-07-2009, 07:14 PM

The ASV used to run demonstration nights there. Perhaps an ASV member can confirm if this still happens. Mind, you I'm going back to when the cafes and eateries were opened and it was a closed garden.

Spanrz (Brett) · #4 30-07-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenluceskies

The ASV used to run demonstration nights there. Perhaps an ASV member can confirm if this still happens. Mind, you I'm going back to when the cafes and eateries were opened and it was a closed garden.

I remember these, but that was years ago from my memory. I don't know what happened in recent times, as my membership lapsed in the early 90's.

But no tours anymore?

Merlin66 (Ken) · #5 30-07-2009, 08:54 PM

The ASV still run observing nights, check uout their website.
Rhino1980: The planetary views through the 8" refractor are still something to die for!!!

Rhino1980 (Ryan) · #6 30-07-2009, 08:57 PM

Damn, shame I didn't get to experience it then.

dannat (Daniel) · #7 30-07-2009, 09:02 PM

the observatory is open on members nights - after the meetings - on some sundays for solar viewing thru the big refractor which has been converted.
from wed to friday this week there is a IYA special observing on - though looking at the weather things aren't going to be so good
the website is asv.org.au http://www.asv.org.au

DavidU (Dave) · #8 30-07-2009, 09:02 PM

I was a member of ASV until about 15 years ago.

sharonr · #9 31-07-2009, 07:10 AM

Dear All,
Thank you for your responses. I don't think I will make it a priority for this visit. Having just seen the weather report it sounds as though it is going to be a combined gallery and writing weekend.

I trust you will all have a great weekend as well.

Robert9 (Robert) · #10 31-07-2009, 09:53 AM

Enjoy the Dali. Its an excellent exhibition.
Robert