Open Day 2024 Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran.

5th October 2024 from 9:30am to 16:00pm

All the inofrmation about Open Day 2024 can be found below, so start booking your accommdation in town. There will be lots to do over the weekend around Coonabarabran

For just one day of the year, Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran opens its telescopes to the public. It's your chance to take a closer look at Australia's largest optical astronomy site. A great family day out, with presentations by internationally-acclaimed astronomers, science displays, food stalls, solar observing and activities for children.

It’s a free event, no bookings needed.

Don’t worry there are buses running all around site if you don’t want to walk!

What To Bring

• SSO weather can be very different to whats in town, so please bring a jacket, it can get very cold up on the mountain at times
• Some money for food and drinks
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes so you can walk around all the telescopes

Whats on Offer

• Download our 2024 Program NOW
• Hear talks by world famous astronomers in the Lodge Conference Room Download the Lodge Talks Program
• Talks aimed at Kids in the Old Admin Building (next to Info Tent)Download the Kids Talks Program
• Tour the AAT - come INSIDE! And up close
• AAT Catwalk
• Tour the 2.3m
• Tour I-Telescope
• Tour UKST
• Tour Huntsman Telescope
• Food stalls; Pilliga Pottery, Rotary BBQ, Lil Coffee Cart, High School P&C Sandwichs, cakes and drinks
• David Allen walking trail
• Starr’s Planetarium
• Tamworth Astronomy Club solar viewing
• Mt Burnett Observatory Stall
• Bintel: The Binocular & Telescope Shop
• AAO & MQ UNI Info Stalls
• Rural Fire Service displays and Information
• Donna the Astronomer - Solar viewing
• Virtual Reality Expereince - Oz Grav
• Coona Town Choir singing in the AAT Dome

Warrumbungle National Park - Dark Sky Park Event

Canyon Picnic Area

Starting with the 2024 BOK Lecture and finishing with night sky viewing and using telescopes. Its going to be a night under the stars to rememeber.

The Bok lecture is part of Starfest with astronomers discussing cosmic wonders to educate and inspire you. Our guest speaker, astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous sciences, particularly Indigenous astronomy as a Gomeroi woman herself.

Krystal will discuss the significance of lunar cusps marking wet and dry seasons, explore the traditions surrounding the Pleiades in Aboriginal astronomical lore, and provide insights into the astronomy of the Muruwari people.

You can participate in a Q&A session hosted by the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park Committee, and gain local perspectives on the Warrumbungle Dark Sky from Branioc Rankin, Coonabarabran Stargazing.

Experience the wonders of the Warrumbungle Dark Sky firsthand by observing through multiple telescopes, offering a closer look at the celestial beauty above.

Visitors are advised to dress warmly, including gloves and beanies. Please bring additional items for comfort such as a torch, chair, and blanket. You might like to bring a thermos with a hot drink. A marquee will be provided in the case of rain or severe weather.