Macquarie University Observatory - Public Observing Program
Telescopes
The Observatory houses permanently mounted 16" and 12" Meade telescopes. We also operate a portable 8" Dobsonian and a pier-mounted 8"Celestron telescope. More information is available at this link.
Sessions & Times
The observatory is open to the public every Friday night from March to November inclusive unless raining. Please ring for confirmation on 0427 433 388 if the weather is doubtful.
On clear nights, we offer a "starfinder" (planisphere) session to demonstrate how to identify bright stars, constellations and planets. This is followed by observing with the telescopes. Even with the light pollution of the city, we can easily see double and multiple stars, open and globular star clusters, and the brighter nebulae. The Moon and planets, when in suitable positions, are easily viewed with any of our instruments. On dark, moonless nights with good seeing, we may also observe the brightest galaxies.
In the event of cloud, our program includes a mixed al fresco presentation of slides, posters and scale models.
Session Times
| Summer | Winter |
|
8:30pm to 10:00pm |
7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Please note that the observatory is closed from December to February inclusive.
Cost & Bookings
Admission to the Observatory costs $5 per person. Children under 5 are admitted free.
No bookings are required for individuals, families and small groups.
Bookings are required for groups of 10 or more. Group bookings may be made for Friday nights or other nights of the week by arrangement. On other nights of the week the minimum charge is $100 for up to 20 people or $5 per person if more than 20 people.
Free Friday-night visits are available to any lighting consultants and designers who would like to learn about the effects of poor lighting (for more information, visit the light pollution gallery).
For bookings, please email Lesa Moore or phone 0427 433 388.
Access & Parking
Location
The Observatory is located within the grounds of Macquarie University, which can be found in any Sydney street directory. Access is via Gymnasium Rd., near the Culloden & Waterloo Roads roundabout (see map).
Parking
There is on-campus parking in the N3 car park off Gymnasium Rd. Parking is free for the first two hours (with a ticket) and after 8pm.
A "Pay and Display" ticket must be acquired from the machine in the N3 car park. Without entering any coins, press the minus (-) button twice to obtain your two-hour free parking ticket to be displayed on your dash.
Parking fees are strictly enforced and heavy fines are levied for non-payment.