Highlights for March - 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.
14 inch Telescope
11 inch Telescope
2 x 8 Inch Telescopes
4 Inch Reractor
3 Inch Refractor
40mm H alpha solar telescope
We view from our 3.5m diameter 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
the motion of the stars and planets across the night sky
describing and observing the birth, lives and death of stars
some astrophotography if you bring an slr camera
how to get the most out of your home telescope (better still bring it along)
or tips on purchasing your own telescope
and answer all your astronomical questions.
We will show you
live video of the Moon and Planets projected from the telescope,
Any Planet visible on that night,
The Moon and its craters when visible,
Star Clusters,
Constellations,
Nebulae and galaxies on moonless nights,
Also the odd satellite and shooting star.
Bring your SLR camera and try some astrophotography. Click here for photos taken by visitors.
Before you arrive become familiar with altering the following settings: exposure time, iso setting, self timer or bring a remote to avoid vibration. Cater for only Canon, Pentax, and Nikon SLR cameras. ordinary digital cameras may work on the Moon and Jupiter.
Objects visible in March
Planets: Mars, Saturn
The Moon.
Nebulae: Tarantula Nebula, Orion Nebula, Eta Carina Nebula, Ghost of Jupiter
Open Clusters: Pleiades, Jewel Box, Hyades, Little Beehive, Jewel Box.
Globular Clusters: 47 Tucanae, Omega Centauri.
Multiple Stars: Alpha Crucis, Trapezium, Alpha Centauri, Castor
Galaxies: NGC 1365, Centaurus A, Leo Triplet. (Moonless nights only)
Please dress warmly particularly in the winter months. Temperature of 0 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.
Of course no viewing can be done on cloudy nights and a refund will be given.
If you an astronomy nut and are keen to learn more about astronomy a powerpoint lecture on different topics can be given on request e.g.
Life & Death of Stars
The Big Bang and the expansion of the universe
How to set up your home telescope
Solar System Tour
Night sky using the Planetarium
Night shows last for 90 minutes. Those who iwish to stay back for photography should book the later show in school holidays.
Bookings essential as numbers are very limited to give you a personalised and unforgetable experience.
Prices: Adults $15, Seniors $12.50, 5 - 18yrs $5, <5yrs free
Family 2A,2C $35, extra child $5 each
Phone 0488 425 112
"Tenby"
John Renshaw Parkway (Known to locals as Timor Road and on most GPS systems as Tooraweenah Road)
Coonabarabran, NSW, 2357.
From Coonabarabran it is 9km from the clock tower, on the left hand side along the road to the Warrumbungle National Park. 400m East 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 occasionally 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
