Astrofest will include star gazing, Scitech science shows, information about the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope, night sky tours, and an astrophotography exhibition featuring the work of some of WA’s best celestial photographers.
“This is a great opportunity for the general public, as well as amateur and professional astronomers, to come together and celebrate astronomy and space science in WA. Participants will be able to view many astronomical marvels including the Sun, nebulae, planets and the Moon,” said event organiser, Kirsten Gottschalk.
This free, public event will include star gazing, Scitech science shows, information about the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope, night sky tours, and an astrophotography exhibition featuring the work of some of WA’s best celestial photographers.
“Participants will have the chance to hear from professional astronomers on what it’s like to study the sky for a living, and also learn more about telescopes in Western Australia from one of the scientists working on them, Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research,” said Kirsten. “Then as the sun goes down, telescopes of all shapes and sizes will come out for the public to enjoy as well as laser guided tours of the sky.”
Plus, don’t miss Curtin University’s Professor Phil Bland talking about ‘Fireballs in the Sky’ and his hunt for meteorites in the Nullarbor, as well as entertainment from local band, The Kalahari Busmen.
Astrofest kicks off at 5.30pm with night sky observing from 7.00pm and special Solar observing from 4:30pm for early arrivals. There will also be giveaways throughout the evening and the chance to win a telescope.
Event: Astrofest
Date: 16 February, 2013
Time: 5.30-9.30pm
Location: Curtin Stadium at Curtin University, Bentley
Cost: FREE
For more information, please contact:
Kirsten Gottschalk on 6488 7771 or kirsten.gottschalk@icrar.org
Astrofest is coordinated by the ‘Astronomy WA’ collective; The Astronomical Group of WA (AGWA), International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), Scitech and the WA branch of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC-WA), with support from BTOW, Curtin University, Western Australian Department of Commerce, Gingin Observatory, Lotterywest, Perth Observatory, and the University of Western Australia.
