Who We Are
Warrumbungle Obseravtory is a private observatory owned by Peter Starr.
Peter has a Masters Degree in Astronomy and a degree in Chemistry. He has worked initially as an Analytical Chemist and Quality Manager for various pharmaceutical companies before becoming Site Manager at Siding Spring Observatory. He has also worked in engineering roles with water quality.
Warrumbungle Observatory is located in the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains 9km from Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia.
We have access to pristine dark skies and is optimal for viewing because of its:
- Latitude allowing the galactic centre to pass overhead, and therefore access to more objects
- Height above sea level,
- high percentage of clear nights (65% on average)
The site is home to a number of observatories and telescopes.
The main observatory houses the 51 cm planewave telescope driven by a precision paramount. It is used for optical viewing by tourists in the early evening and then available for remote access by Sierra Stars Observatory Network Users. With the use of the SBig STL-6303 CCD, it is optimal for photometric monitoring of variable stars, a astrometry measurements of asteroids and comets. The observatory is also available to hire by amatuer astronomers.
There are 5 piers on the platform which are used to mount a 14", 11", 10" 8" and 4" telescope. These are used on our viewing nights for tourists and school groups along with the 51cm planewave.
There are 4 Sirius automated observatories owned by users based overseas that use them over the internet for astroimaging and astronomical research.
Tenby Observatory Group
