Mt Stromolo public night?

[Stu]

Does anyone know if Mt Stromolo observatory has started doing public nights again?

I visited Ballarat observatory (star camp) and Perth observatory (last weekend ) and I'll be in canberra next week, so I wanted to know if it is open or not?

Has anyone been there recently?

[matt]

Stu

Give this a try.

Mt Stromlo Exploratory
Cotter Road
Mt Stromlo
Canberra
Australian Capital Territory 2611
Ph: (02) 6249 0232

Also, try googling "Canberra Astronomical Society".

Look for the name John Howard. Yes, that's right... J Howard. - the astronomer, not the little bloke with the bushy eyebrows!

[silvinator]

Hi Stu,
The Mount Stromlo Observatory visitors centre is open. More information here: RSAA.
In an old press release on the web site (november 2004) it says that the first Saturday viewing night was held open to the public. However, elsewhere on the web site it says that Saturday night viewing has been cancelled indefinitely owing to construction work. Your best bet would be to give them a ring as matt suggested.
I haven't been there myself yet but I will be soon.

[Stu]

Thanks guys!
A friend in canberra also send me info on the Canberra Observatory (public observatory with three scopes) and the Deep Space Communication Centre, which has cool stuff as well.

Can't wait!

[rumples riot]

You guys are lucky over there, would like to have a look at those observatories.

[matt]

Rumples

If ever you're over this way look us up, and we'll be happy to show you around

I have a fair bit to do with the Deep Space Centre and the AStronomy faculty of ANU.

[rumples riot]

Ok, I will do that Matt. Good to know.

[matt]

You're welcome.

I'd do the same for other IIS folk... as long as I've not got too much else on!!!!

[Stu]

Perth Observatory was really cool too! I'd recommend it to anyone. The people that ran the viewing night were hilariously funny. Probably spent more time laughing than viewing.

3 scopes were used: 12" SCT - dome, 16" SCT - dome, 12" EQ Newt - shed with roll off roof.
The Newt's optics were not that great and the electronic focuser on the 16" SCT was shocking, but when manual focused all was good. If the two SCT did the job quite well.

The things I viewed (3 groups of ~10 people rotated with each scope) were:
- 47Tuc through the 12" SCT
- Eta Carina through the 16" SCT
- Saturn through the 12" Newt
- M42 (orion neb) through the 12" SCT
- Tarantula Neb though the 16" SCT (dam good)
- THE JEWEL BOX in crux (whoo hooo! my favorite! To bad the scope made a mess of it) through the 12" Newt.

Hopefully I get some viewing in while in canberra.

[andrew.white]

At the moment Mt Stromlo are not running any public viewing nights due to a number of reasons. However the visitor's centre and cafe are open during the day and visitors are able to take self guided walks around the observatory grounds.

The Canberra Astronomical Society operate a Meade 14" on the site for the use of members and guests, however there are no pre-scheduled sessions and members arrange as required.

Normally the "Canberra Space Dome and Observatory" in Downer offer a pay-to-view facility with impressive scopes operated largely by CAS members. Unfortunately, I've just been informed that they're shut for maintenance through February ...but it could be worth a call just in case!

[Stu]

dam.