NIGHT SKY EXPLORER COURSE at UTAS Mount Pleasant Radio Telescope Facility

Do you wonder about what is up there in our Tasmanian night sky? Do you want to see and find out about the many magnificent objects (such as star clusters, huge gas clouds, galaxies, and spectacular globular clusters) in the night sky, using telescopes and other equipment provided by experienced and knowledgeable observers? Then you are in for a treat…

The course is suitable for people of all ages, from children to adults. 

You do not need to know anything about astronomy or telescopes or have any equipment; we provide everything.

We hope that by the end of our two-night program, you will walk away with a new love and admiration for the night sky and its countless treasures. Who knows – astronomy may become a lifelong interest whose rewarding discoveries can be shared by you with so many others.  Experience the breath-taking joy of looking at Jupiter,  and at the splendour of the Great Nebula in Orion, the huge Eta Carinae Nebula, or the mesmerising sphere of ten million stars that is Omega Centauri….

To provide you with the most enjoyable and memorable experience possible, the course is held at our AST home site at UTAS’ Mt Pleasant Radio Telescope facility, 90 Denholm’s Rd, Cambridge. We have telescopes at the ready, as well as access to the Grote Reber Museum and Theatre. The site at Mt Pleasant is just an 18 to 20-minute drive from Hobart. It provides the opportunity of observing under dark night sky conditions at a moment’s notice.

The cost is just $50, plus a $1.75 booking fee, per adult (there is no charge for children). Families are welcome.  The course is spread over the two evenings, so it is important to plan to attend both sessions. The program will include several colourful and informative presentations, telescope displays and some thrilling night sky observation. 

We expect to schedule our next Night Sky Explorer in Spring 2025. Full details will be published on the Events page when available.