Public Stargazing Nights
Campbelltown Rotary Observatory and Western Sydney University
In collaboration with
Macarthur Astronomical Society
University Drive (opposite Mahoney Drive), Macarthur Heights, Campbelltown.
We are unable to resume holding our popular public nights in 2024 but hope to be able to so in 2025.
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.
Health & Safety
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 safety lighting is provided around the observatory site and there may be some moonlight.
We recommend you bring a red torch or a white torch covered 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.
If any member of your family is showing symptoms of covid, influenza or common cold etc., thank you for postponing your attendance.
Please do not bring any alcohol and please note that the entire WSU campus, including the vicinity of the Observatory, is a permanent no-smoking zone.
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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
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 the operating costs of the Society.
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 access to the Observatory via Brian Smith Drive or through the campus. Street parking will be available in University Drive and Milky Way. Parking in the Observatory grounds is reserved for participating MAS members with telescopes.
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.
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.
Telescopes
The twin dome Observatory was installed in 2000 with two Meade LX-200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes of 16” and 12” diameter. 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 and Western Sydney University for this event.
Formerly known as UWS Rotary Observatory, it was opened in July 2000. It is located in Macarthur Heights, at the far rear of Western Sydney University at University Drive.
The Observatory is owned by Western Sydney University and MAS has no stake in it.
Links
The Observatory Wikipedia page.
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, Founder and 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.