2009 has been deemed the International Year of Astronomy, and Sydney has taken the theme directly in her arms.

Sydney Observatory and observatories around New South Wales have a universe of events planned, which aim to increase public awareness of the beauty and awe-inspiring sights of the universe has to offer. Before I go into an extensive list, but I thought I’d mention why 2009 has been deemed the International Year of Astronomy.

In fact, 2009 marks 400 years since Galileo, arguably one of the most important astronomers in the field, turned his telescope to the stars and was bold enough to state the Earth revolved around the sun, not the other way around.

That being said, 400 years later are still very few of us who understand or even consider the position of the Earth in the universe. Thus the importance of encouraging wider curiosity and wonder about the universe we live in.

With ninety percent of Australian astronomy infrastructure currently located in New South Wales, it is the perfect place to celebrate the year of astronomy and foster this new curiosity in our children.

Take part in the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, and put the baby on the way intellectual enlightenment, offer them useful tools for growing “space-faring” future. Take a look at these events and visit near Observatory, which is listed below.

Events

Sydney Observatory April school holiday program

Bring your children to the Sydney Observatory these holidays, and we will take them on a tour of the universe! Children Planetarium entertaining 30 minutes constellation storytelling sessions in Beanbag Planetarium. Sit back and be amazed as you travel through time and space.

treasure Sydney Observatory

Join fabulous guided tour features famous people stories of the equipment used by past explorers and astronomers to map both the sky and the land. Explorers and astronomers as Matthew Flinders, James Cook and Henry Chamberlain Russell. The tour includes a 3D space tour through the universe.

Winter Solstice at Sydney Observatory

Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy at Sydney Observatory. June 21 at 3.46pm the sun is the northernmost position for the year. This is the day of the winter solstice, the mythology that has developed and superstitions has grown

sky is the limit :. Astronomy In ancient times

Many ancient religions and myths revolve around their planets and stars as they looked to the stars to make sense of their world. Follow the stars and see how people use them to predict the change of seasons, track time and create a calendar.

South Pacific Star Party

Since 1993 the Astronomical Society in New South Wales has hosted the now famous annual South Pacific Star Party (SPSP). The Star Party provides enthusiasts the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and astronomers, and monitor the dark clouds with great conditions, see the night sky as it is meant to be viewed

Space exhibition -. Powerhouse Museum

Open every day except Christmas Day. (Extended opening hours for several public and / or school holidays.) Powerhouse museum exhibition Space looks at the history of man’s desire to travel outside the earth’s atmosphere.

Parramatta Park Astronomy Open Night

Come in Parramatta Park Astronomy Open Night, large-scale, multi-community public open night to be held at Parramatta Park, Saturday, May 2, 2009, from 6:30 on.

Music and Cosmos

Music and the Cosmos is a special event featuring leading astronomers from the University of Sydney School of Physics, and SCM Chamber Music Ensemble. Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy at Sydney Science Forum and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Smart Light Sydney

Smart Light Sydney is a free, self-guided Light Walk. Take a stroll from Sydney Observatory throughout the iconic harbor front precinct, exploring the beautiful and dynamic light art sculptures with innovative, smart technology.

astrophotography budget

astrophotography need not be expensive. Mike Salway (Ice in Space website – Astronomical imaging on a budget). Shows how to get the most out of the equipment and take beautiful pictures of the budget

Saturn Night Fever

Peer through Sydney Observatory telescope and see naked Saturn without rings thereof, Alpha and Beta Centauri, the constellation Taurus and Virgo and the universe other celestial features and experience space as never before in 3D Space Theatre.

Observatories in Sydney and NSW

Mudgee Observatory

Mudgee Observatory has been private observatory in the last ten years, however, is now open to school groups, organized trips and any member of the public who wishes to attend.

Dubbo Observatory

The Dubbo Observatory allows you to zoom to the moon and through the solar system. Discover the Milky Way and beyond most high-tech telescope in the West

CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope -. ‘The Dish’

The famous Parkes Observatory, which featured in the Australian film ‘The Dish’, the landmark radio telescope nearly 50 years old, but still considered to be one of the best single dish radio telescope in the world.

Darby Falls Observatory

The Darby Falls Observatory is located on Observatory Road (the road Mt. McDonald) Darby Falls, Cowra. Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights and every evening during school holidays (weather permitting). Winter 7:00 to 10pm, Summer (Daylight) 8:30 pm to 11pm.

Green Point Observatory

The Green Point Observatory is operated by the Sutherland Astronomical Society (SAS) in Sydney, and the house of 41cm and 35cm telescopes. Green Point Observatory is open to meeting every Thursday evening, starting 8pm, and guests are welcome Guest Speaker Talk.

Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre

The Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre is located on the border of Central Coast and Lower Hunter, no more than two hours from most of Sydney and Newcastle suburb. The Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre is open access astronomical observatory.

Macquarie University Observatory

Macquarie University campus at North Ryde is open to the public on Friday nights from March to November inclusive, subject to booking, unless rain. Please call confirmation on 0427 433 388 if the weather is questionable.

Port Macquarie Observatory

The Port Macquarie Observatory is operated by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association Inc., a non profit voluntary group of people interested in astronomy. Astronomy Open Nights The Observatory is open to the public on Sunday and Wednesday nights

The Australia Telescope Compact Array -. Narrabri

The Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), the Narrabri Observatory, is an array of six 22 m antenna used for radio astronomy. Located about 25 km west of the town of Narrabri in rural NSW (about 500 km north-west of Sydney), it is run by Australia Telesco Read more ..

University of Western Sydney Observatory

The University of Western Sydney (UWS) Observatory runs a public astronomy nights along with school, holiday and group programs during the day or at night. UWS Observatory is located at the University of Western Sydney, Penrith Campus, Great Western Highway, Werrington North.

Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium

The Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium is operated by the University of Wollongong as the official Science Center. The Center is also Planetarium (Blue Scope Steel Star Theatre), astronomy, laser light show, an extensive interactive exhibits, theater shows and more.

Bathurst Observatory

Bathurst Observatory is located in two places. One site is for research and study, the other is for public viewing through a telescope, and also has day exhibition space in the new 200 seat theatrette. Public Observatory is located on Bathurst Goldfields site.

Crago Observatory

Crago Observatory is located on Bowen Mountain near North Richmond (NW of Sydney), and is operated by the Astronomical Society of NSW. Observatory houses a 40 cm Dobsonian telescope, and is open on Saturday (next to last quarter Moon Phase).

Linden Observatory

Visit Linden Observatory in the Blue Mountains and join any of WSAAG’s (Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group) observing nights, where anyone can drop in and look through telescopes her. Monitor nights are usually held on Saturdays next New Moon.

Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring Observatory is home to some of the major telescopes in the world and Australia’s largest optical telescopes. Siding Spring Observatory is located next to a beautiful Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran, NSW

Warrumbungle Observatory

Warrumbungle Observatory, otherwise known as “Tenby Observatory”, is located at the Timor Road leading into the Warrumbungle National Park, 10 km from Coonabarabran. The Warrumbungle Observatory but three Computerised telescopes including the 14-inch telescope.

Introduce yourself and your child or children to the wonders of the universe and really come to understand the place of our earth it is the greatest way to emphasize how fragile and extraordinary life on Earth actually is. Not only will you learn, you will find jaw dropping to the wonders and imagery galaxy and universe present us every day, but we rarely raise our gaze.

Visit Only Sydney Museum and Science for registration and more information about this 2009 International Year of Astronomy events and Sydney Observatory.