Public Nights

Campbelltown Rotary Observatory (Roger Powell)

Public Stargazing Nights

Macarthur Astronomical Society

In collaboration with

Campbelltown Rotary Observatory and Western Sydney University

University Drive (opposite Mahoney Drive), Macarthur Heights, Campbelltown.

We hope to resume holding our popular public nights in the near future.

Stargazing Location

MAS conducts free public observing nights, in collaboration with Campbelltown Rotary Observatory at Western Sydney University.

Stargazing Hours

Telescope viewing will commence thirty minutes after sunset, as it begins to gets dark. Please bear this in mind when timing your arrival. There is no need to be early.

Our closing time will be determined by weather conditions and the number of visitors remaining in attendance.

Weather

Stargazing is weather permitting. Closer to the date we will post a weather outlook here. If conditions are in doubt due to inclement weather, please check this page for announcements before leaving home.

The event is predominantly outdoors in an exposed location, so please bring very warm clothing.

Gold Coin Donation Entry

Admission is by Gold Coin donation. There is no need to book and there is no fixed entry fee. However, we are sure that you will enjoy the evening as we show you the Universe and we will gratefully accept gold coins in our black donation box towards our operating costs.

Location

The twin-domed Campbelltown Rotary Observatory is located at the corner of University Drive and Mahoney Drive, Macarthur Heights.

The public must approach the Observatory from Gilchrist Drive. Turn into Goldsmith Avenue and drive past the University buildings, then turn right at University Drive and drive up to Mahoney Drive and you cannot miss the Observatory.

There is no public driving access to the Observatory via Brian Smith Drive.

Street parking will be available in University Drive and Milky Way. Parking in the Observatory grounds is reserved for participating MAS members with telescopes.

Campbelltown Rotary Observatory (Roger Powell)

Accessibility

The Observatory is reached via an illuminated public stairway from University Drive.

People with disabilities are advised to contact the Society at least 24 hours in advance at contact@macastro.org.au to discuss potential accessibility to the site and any possible use of some of the telescopes.

Campbelltown Rotary Observatory (Roger Powell)

Children

Families with children are welcome to attend. We simply request that you keep your children with you at all times and instruct them not to touch the telescopes.

We require our members who bring their telescopes to our public nights to have a current NSW Working With Children Check registration.

Health & Safety

If any member of your family is showing symptoms of covid, influenza or common cold etc., we require you to postpone your attendance.

The pursuit of astronomy requires a dark environment and attendance is at your own risk. We can accept no responsibility for accidents that occur.

Limited red safety lighting is provided around the observatory site and there will be some moonlight on this particular evening.

If you choose to bring a torch, please cover it with three layers of red cellophane held on with a rubber band to avoid glare when near the telescopes. We also request that you refrain from using flash photography. Thanks.

Telescopes

The Observatory Domes telescopes are 16” and 12” diameter Meade LX-200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. In addition, MAS members will have a number of their own private telescopes set up for the public to view through.

What’s Up

Our multiple telescopes can show you numerous interesting night sky objects which are up on the night, including the Moon, planets and some deep sky objects.

Comfort

Please ensure that you wear very warm clothing as the observatory site is exposed and the temperature is likely to be very cold.

Please also be aware that there are no toilet facilities provided at the Observatory. We regret this but it is beyond the control of MAS.

Contact MAS

If after reading this you have any queries about the event, please contact MAS at contact@macastro.org.au

About Campbelltown Rotary Observatory

Macarthur Astronomical Society acknowledges the co-operation and support of Campbelltown Rotary Observatory for this event.

Formerly known as UWS Rotary Observatory, it was commissioned in July 2000. It is located in Macarthur Heights, at the rear of Western Sydney University.

The Observatory Website

The Observatory Wikipedia page.

Campbelltown Rotary Observatory from The Australian Botanic Garden
Roger Powell

Our appreciation to Western Sydney University for facilitating the events.

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We are sad to record the death in November 2022 of Dr Ragbir Bhathal, Director of Campbelltown Rotary Observatory. Thousands of people attended public nights at the Observatory organised by Ragbir in conjunction with MAS over the previous 22 years. He will be missed.