Free Public Astronomy Talks in Federation Park

Come along to Federation Park on Wednesday the 19th of April and Friday the 21st of April from 10am to 12pm for our free Public Astronomy Talks the whole family will love. The talks will start at 10am and go for 30 minutes each, with the final talk of the day on at 11:30am. Guest speakers and topics include:

Wednesday at 10am
Professor Jingbo Wang, Head of Physics at UWA
Quantum Computing for Radio Astronomy and Other Data Intensive Simulations

Wednesday at 11am
April and Geoff from Astrotourism WA
‘What is a Total Solar Eclipse?’
Discover more about Total Solar Eclipses with a brief talk and Q&A. This is a short informal talk where you can ask lots of questions to find out more

Wednesday at 11:30am
Kryss Katsiavriades, Eclipse Chaser
‘Stories From 18 Eclipses Around The Globe’
Hear tales from a Umbraphile who has seen an enviable amount of eclipses!

Friday at 11am
April and Geoff from Astrotourism WA
‘Astronomy 101’
Discover more about Astronomy with a brief talk and Q&A. This is a short informal talk where you can ask lots of questions to find out more

Plus more!
There’s no need to book – just come along, grab a chair and learn even more about the fascinating world of eclipses

A Night at the Museum

Get ready for an unforgettable evening under the stars! Join us at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum for a truly unique experience – A Night at the Museum during the week of festivities as we prepare for the Solar Eclipse. Immerse yourself in the wonder of the cosmos as you listen to expert guest speakers from Astrotourism WA, who will share their knowledge and passion for space and astronomy. Experience the thrill of stargazing with the Gravity Discovery Centre. Delight in the local delicacies and drinks, as you mingle with fellow stargazers and space enthusiasts. This is an event not to be missed, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly exceptional setting under the historical OTC Dish.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

The Wallal Experiment and Einsteinian Physics – in the Ningaloo Centre

Emeritus Professor David Blair, Australian physicist and professor at the University of Western Australia and Director of the Australian International Gravitational Research Centre, will host a fun and exciting talk about the Wallal Experiment and Einsteinian Physics at the Ningaloo Centre.
The Wallal Experiment was a momentous event that proved Einstein’s theory of relativity – right here in WA! A family-friendly show, these talks delight everyone from primary school kids to grandparents, science enthusiasts to those starting out on their scientific understanding. Everyone is encouraged to bring friends – and questions!
Einsteinian Physics is an exhibition and a series of engaging, mind-bending, and intriguing STEM activities for children and families. See first-hand the Einstein First Team do live eclipse simulations and show you earth-moon orbital dynamics on the spacetime simulator!
No need to book – just come along!

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Roger Groom Astro Photography Workshops at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse *Sold Out*

Please be advised this event at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse has now sold out. There are free talks by Roger Groom at the Tantabiddi Gallery on Sunday the 16th of April at 11am and Tuesday the 18th of April at 2pm. Also, on Friday 9 am-12:00 pm you can join Roger and fellow astrophotographers for the BYO “Best of your eclipse photo” gathering. In addition, free stargazing will be available in our telescope fields on Koobooroo Oval with Astrotourism WA. Sessions run from 6.45 pm to 9.15pm, with the Green Laser Pointer Tours repeated at 7 pm, 7.45 pm and 8.30 pm nightly.

Shoot (for) the stars!
Roger Groom of Astro Photography Australia has been capturing astrophotography for over 20 years and will be leading workshops to help you enjoy astrophotography and achieve the best you can with your photography equipment. The workshops Roger will provide at Exmouth will include Astro Photography info sessions together with practical field workshops, and facilitating group discussion and sharing of your solar eclipse photography to inspire and improve your results.
Not only has Roger been active in the WA astronomy community with roles including Chairperson of the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, but Roger has been curator of the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition from 2020 to 2022 inclusive. His astrophotography workshops enable others to enjoy the night sky through photography while offering fantastic hints and hacks in this incredible art form. Enjoy mentoring on your astrophotography techniques and methods and bring your equipment and questions for a fun star-filled night.
Bookings essential and tickets are for the heavily subsidised cost of $45 + booking fee
Must bring your own camera, tripod and head torch/torch
Join him at the Dark Sky Festival for one of his workshops:
*SOLD OUT*  Sunday 16th of April, 1-3pm (Theoretical workshop – Tantabiddi Gallery, Ningaloo Centre)
*SOLD OUT*  Sunday 16th of April, 7-9pm (Practical field workshop – Vlamingh Head Lighthouse)
*SOLD OUT*  Tuesday 18th April, 7-9 pm (Practical field workshop – Vlamingh Head Lighthouse)

Roger’s practical field workshops will be held at VLAMINGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Public Talk and Book Signing by Greg ‘Space Gandalf’ Quicke

Beloved public figure and author, Broome astronomer Greg Quicke, lovingly known as Space Gandalf, will present a public talk and book signing on Friday 21st of April from 11am – 12pm in the Ningaloo Centre.
Paying particular attention to the power of the Total Solar Eclipse, Space Gandalf, will present an hour-long presentation of our home planet’s position in space. He’ll explore the very real relationships within our planetary, stellar and galactic neighbourhoods.
Based on his books, ‘Earth Turning Consciousness – an Exercise in Planetary Awareness’ and ‘Is The Moon Upside Down?, and translated to television through the ABC’s multi-award winning documentary, ‘A Stargazer’s Guide to the Cosmos’, Greg’s guided journey under the magnificent Exmouth night sky will inspire all curious minds.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change

Dark Sky Viewing

Spend a night under the stars with Astrotourism WA! Watch an interesting presentation about Dark Sky Tourism, before undertaking a green laser pointer tour of the sky and stargazing through powerful telescopes.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Last Reviewed: 2023-04-05