Highlights for July - All pictures photographed using the telescopes at Warrumbungle Observatory
Peter is an amateur astronomer, was a former Manager of Siding Spring Observatory, and has studied extensively in physics, astronomy, & chemistry. You are welcome to join Peter on a night of observing through telescopes and learn the wonders of astronomy at Warrumbungle Observatory, Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia.
View the Moon, Planets, Stars, Nebulae, and Galaxies through our
New powerful 20 inch Telescope
And 14, 11, 8, & 4 inch Telescopes.
We view from our observatory and also in the open air on a viewing platform where you can immerse yourself in the whole night sky and Milky Way.
Peter will give you an expert guide to the sky, teaching you in simple terms
- The motion of the stars and planets across the night sky
- Point out constellations with a laser pointer
- Navigation
- Describe and observe the birth, lives and death of stars
- Astrophotography if you bring a Canon, Nikon*, Pentax* SLR camera
- How to get the most out of your home telescope (better still bring it along)
- Tips on purchasing your own telescope
- Answer all your astronomical questions.
We will also show you
Live video of the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn Planets projected from the telescope when visible,
Live images of galaxies tens of millions of light years away on moonless nights
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Bring your Canon / Nikon* / Pentax* SLR camera and try some astrophotography.
Time will be dedicated in the last 30 minutes of the show.
* you will need to bring a remote shutter release for Nikon and Pentax for pictures other than the moon.
You must notify when booking if you wish to do some astrophotography so I can give you some tips before arrival.
Digital cameras with small lenses can work on the Moon and some planets but not guarenteed, cheaper ones usually work better, no mobile phone cameras please.
Click here for photos taken by visitors.
HAVE YOU PURCHASED A STAR
Tell us before hand with its name, coordinates and magnitude, and we can let you know when its visible and show you through our large telescope. I can also take a professional photo for you at a later time and send it to you.
What can be Seen in July
Night Time:
Planets: Saturn with its rings and moons, The Moon.
Nebulae: Eta Carina, Swan, Lagoon, Trifid Nebula, Dumbbbell, Ring, Blue Planetary, Ghost of Jupiter
Open Clusters: Jewel Box, Butterfly, Ptolmey, Wild Duck, Wishing Well, NGC 3293
Globular Clusters: Omega Centauri, M4, Hercules
Stars: Antares, Arcturus, Altair
Multiple Stars: Alpha Crucis, Alpha Centauri
Galaxies: Sombrero, Centaurus A, Southern Pinwheel. (Moonless nights only)
Daytime 10am weekends, sky must be clear
Planets: Jupiter
Sun: Flares and Sunspots with a safe Hydrogen Alpha filter
Stars: Canopus, Alpha Centauri
What to Wear
Please dress warmly particularly in the winter months. Temperature of under 5 degrees is not uncommon at the time of viewing. So bring some gloves a warm jacket, and a beanie. Shoes are to be worn at all times during the year.
On cloudy nights a presentation is given on the Life and Death of Stars as well as viewing the sky with planetarium software while we wait for the stars and planets to reappear.
January - February: 9:00pm*
March: 8:15pm*
April Weekdays: 7:00pm
April Weekends: 6:30pm, 8:00pm
May - June Weekdays : 7:00pm
May - June Weekdays : 6:30pm, 8:00pm
July - August: 7:00pm
October: 8:00pm*
November: 8:30pm*
December 9:00pm*
* Daylight Saving Time
Later shows available in school holidays, public holidays, or on request
Times may vary if there is something special to see.
THE FOLLOWING NIGHTS ARE BOOKED OUT
06 Sept
10 Oct
Night shows last for 90 minutes. The last 30 minutes is dedicated for those who wish to take photographs through the telescopes
BOOKINGS
Bookings are essential as numbers are very limited.
The show is cancelled if its raining or overcast.
Prices: Adults $15, Children $5 Family 2A,2C $35. Daytime: $5 per person
No eftpos facilities available at this stage
Payment on arrival, or prepay on site or bank transfer
Groups of 7 or more must prepay.
Refunds given on cancellation if notified before 3pm same day or if show is cancelled due to rain.
Phone 0488 425 112 or email starr_peter@hotmail.com
"Tenby"
841 Timor Rd (some GPS systems as Tooraweenah Road or John Renshaw Parkway, don't confuse with Timor St)
Coonabarabran, NSW, 2357.
From Coonabarabran it is exactly 9.0km from the clock tower in the main street of Coonabarabran, on the left hand side along the road to the Warrumbungle National Park. 400m before and opposite the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel.
From the clock tower travel west and take the 2nd right turn into Namoi St then the third left turn into Eden St. Take this road out of town towards Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park.
This road is a 100km/hr road so if you miss the driveway please proceed 2.5km to the Timor Rock picnic area and safely turn around. Please do not stop and reverse or pulll into nearby private driveways to turn around.
From The Warrumbungle National Park you will find the observatory 14km from the Siding Spring Observatory turn off. The observatory is on the right hand side 400m after The Warrumbungle Mountain Motel.
No accommodation is available at Warrumbungle Observatory however click here to see a list of Motels, caravan Parks, and camp sites
Siding Spring Observatory
- Exploratory & Cafe
- Viewing Gallery of the Anglo Australian Telescope - Free
- Superb views of the Warrumbungle Mountains - Free
www.sidingspringexploratory.com.au
- Site Tours available in school Holidays
Crystal Kingdom - Free
- Mineral, crystal & fossil collections
- Gift shop
www.crystalkingdom.com.au
- Rosies beads
Warrumbungle National Park
- Visitors Centre - Free
- Fanatastic bushwalks including The breadknife & Grand High Tops, Whitegum Lookout.
- Guided walks available in School Holidays
Pilliga Pottery - Free
www.piligapottery.com.au
Warrumbungle Visitors Centre - Free
Timor Valley Estate Vineyard
Wattagan Estate Winery
Coonandry Wines
Coonabarabran Golf Club
- 18 tees, 9 grass greens
Newcastle Hats Factory Outlet
