Astronomy Education Services

16/10/2024

Well, its been a minute...

You may have noticed that I no longer post on this page. In short, AES has now merged with the Gravity Discovery Center & Observatory as a their astronomy outreach/ education division. This merger was done in 2020/21 where I was made full time Chief Astronomer at the GDC Observatory.

I'll still keep this page going, sharing whatever astronomical stuff I can.

Also, if you want to book an Astronomy Field Night (telescopes at schools), contact the Gravity Discovery Center on 9575 7577 or [email protected]

Speaking of sharing, did anyone catch last Friday mornings Auroras??

Here are some pics I took from Cape Leeuwin lighthouse.

11/07/2022

I/ we have been waiting a long time for this..... and the results are breath taking!!

It's here – the deepest, sharpest infrared view of the universe to date: Webb's First Deep Field.

Previewed by President Joe Biden on July 11, the image shows us galaxies once invisible to us. The full set of full-color images and data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will be revealed July 12: nasa.gov/webbfirstimages

24/06/2022

Its been a while since I posted on this page.....

Hopefully these images will begin to make up for my (on-line) absence.

These images were taken this morning from Mill Point in South Perth. The beautiful procession of planets across the Perth City Sky Line.

Enjoy

01/02/2022

That was intense!
After that month, I need a cup of tea and a lay down.....

Thank you to everyone who supported us by visiting the GDC & Observatory during the January school holidays!

Whether you attended a school holiday program, explored the centre during the day or attended an observatory session you have supported our business.

We have booked out the most observatory sessions in a single month with 1325 people allowing us to show them the universe.

Thanks again everyone!

31/01/2022

Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements

18/01/2022

Still a couple of week until School starts. Come along to the GDC and make a day (and night) of it!

21/12/2021

Attention Astro Geeks!!

LIVE-SKY Astronomy - Christmas Special 2021!

On the night of Wednesday, 22nd December starting at 8:30pm WAST, join Chief Astronomer, Rick Tonello, for Episode #73 of LSA!!

Rick will be broadcasting live from the Dark Skies of the GDC Observatory and showcasing a whole bunch of gorgeous targets, including Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard).

So, tune in tomorrow night at 8:30pm WAST for LIVE-SKY Astronomy's Christmas Special.

20/12/2021

Attention Astro Geeks!!

If you missed looking for or didn't find Comet C/2021 A1 Leonard last night, FEAR NOT!!

The little "Dirty Snowball" will be on show again tonight (and potentially Tuesday night too!).

It can be tricky to find the little sucker, but with the help of the attached finder chart, and a dash of patience, you should see it in a pair of binoculars.

Our recommendation, go outside with your bino's at 8:30pm, look toward Venus (the bight 'Star" in the direction of the setting sun) and form a triangle using Venus, Saturn and the position of the Comet (scan with your bino's in that area) - don't rush it.

You should see a fuzzy blob- That's It!!

Good luck to all, if you take any happy snaps with your camera, please send them in, we'd love to see them!

Clear Skies & Hail Sagan!

10/12/2021

Attention Astro Geeks!!
Go see this!!!

01/12/2021

Certainly a worthy cause!

Tune in to ABC 720 tomorrow at 1:30pm to hear the dulcet tones of our Chief Astronomer, Rick Tonello, broadcast across the airwaves in support of AngliCare's "WA Gives" appeal.

Rick will be live in the ABC Studios from 1:30pm tomorrow talking about the WA Gives appeal and the experience the GDC has donated as a prize, along with other things (especially Astronomy!)

The target for the appeal is $100,000 (as of Wednesday afternoon its just a little over $50,000 - great job!) - this money will help out folks who are in desperate need of a roof over their heads.

C'mon Astro-Geeks, dig deep and kick in some cash for a worthy cause, just follow the link:

http://abc.net.au/wagives

23/11/2021

It's great our Dark Sky Reserve project is gaining interest.
Thanks ARSE for the great story!

The Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory located just 70km north of Perth is on track to become the second internationally recognised dark sky reserve in the country. The first being the River Murray dark sky reserve located in South Australia who were classified as a "gold tier" site by the Int...