Activities

Planetariums

Our Planetariums simulate the night sky and provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the local Universe. Experience up-close the extremely diverse surfaces of planets, constellations, fascinating deep sky objects such as nebulae and star clusters, and much more. So join us on a mesmerising tour of our Solar System and beyond, into the depths of the galaxy.

Our Planetarium sessions will go ahead rain, hail or shine.

The Planetariums will be coordinated by the Association for Astronomy (AfA), and our special guests Skyworks Planetarium and Starr's Planetarium.

5:15pm - 10pm (Last shows 9:30pm)
Marquee, 18 Eastern Road

The Telescope Park will be coordinated by the Association for Astronomy (AfA). The AfA was established in 1988 and exists to promote knowledge of astronomy in the community. They hold regular public observing sessions through our Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory, and host many other special events throughout the year. You can learn more about the AfA here.

6:30pm - 10pm
Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory

Telescope Park

With an amazing array of telescopes on offer from Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory, local astronomy clubs and amateur astronomers, join us in exploring the cosmos. Search for celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and nebulae through the 40 telescopes that will be set-up on the evening. If you are in the market for a new telescope, what better way to test drive one than coming to look through the diverse range of telescopes that will be available on the night, and speak with the owners of the telescopes about their experiences. You will also be able to access our on-campus observatory facility and take a look through our professional in-dome telescopes, guided by our friendly staff.

Please note that this is a dark area with limited/ low level lighting, and we ask guests to be mindful when entering, exiting and moving around the area. White light will not be used in the area unless an announcement is made (for example in the case of inclement weather). To help with dark adaption/ night vision, light sources should be dim, red light only and aimed at the ground when in use. Laser pointers are not permitted. Head torches should be pointed downward or used while hand-held. Please try to limit the use of phones.

Exhibition Hall

Take a look at our Exhibition Hall, full of fun and exciting stalls from the local astronomical community, where you can chat about astronomy, science, studying with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Macquarie, getting in touch with your local astronomical society, what telescope to buy and much more!

5:00pm - 10pm
Courtyard, 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue

Kids' Space

Bring your little scientists along to this fun-packed area set-up with interesting, informative mini experiments and scientific activities. Learn about space, planets, gravity, building, the basics of physics and a whole lot more.

Please note that children must at all times be accompanied by a parent or guardian while in this space.

5:00pm - 10pm
Room 106 & 107, 1 Central Courtyard

Astrophotography Exhibition

Enjoy a taste of the astrophotography taken at our on campus Observatory, while you enjoy the tastes on offer from a range of food vendors at the Central Courtyard.

5:00pm - 10pm
Ground floor, 1 Central Courtyard

Magical Mysteries with MUPAS

Come along and join the Macquarie University Physics and Astronomy Society (MUPAS) to explore the magic and mysteries behind some of the coolest scientific phenomena. Experience and nurture your love for science by joining us as we demonstrate some funky experiments!

The Macquarie University Physics and Astronomy Society (MUPAS) is a student group that welcomes anyone - big or small, young or old, green or blue - with an interest in physics and astronomy. Our amazing executive team host events such as academic talks and run social events throughout the year.

6:00pm - 10pm
Room 105, 1 Central Courtyard

Robotics Room

Robots are invaluable in the exploration of space, and planets, including our own. Robots can be autonomous, running on their own, based on local sensor inputs, or teleoperated, performing actions based on commands from an operator. The Macquarie University championship FIRST robotics team will be demonstrating the 2022 season robot. Come and drive a championship robot. Note: This hands-on activity only allows people aged 5 years and up to control a robot and perform actions.

The Robotics Room will be coordinated by members of the Macquarie University championship robotics team and staff from the School of Engineering. You can learn more about FIRST Robotics here.

6:00pm - 10pm
Room 114 & 115, 1 Central Courtyard

The Laser Guide Star will be coordinated by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

6:30pm - 10pm
Central Courtyard

Laser Guide Star

“Twinkle twinkle little star….. How can I stop you twinkling?!?"

Stars appear to ‘twinkle’ because Earth’s turbulent atmosphere is constantly bending and shifting the starlight, similar to looking at the bottom of a swimming pool. For astronomers on the ground, this effect blurs out their images, and prevents large telescopes from working as well as they could. Astronomers use a technique called ‘adaptive optics’ to reduce this blurring. This involves measuring the atmosphere one thousand times every second, using a bright source (called a ‘guide star’) close to the part of the sky where the observation is being made. However, there just aren’t enough bright stars in the sky to use adaptive optics wherever we want. To get around that problem, we use a ‘laser guide star’. It is not actually a star at all, but a powerful laser that is specially tuned to make part of the atmosphere light up, creating a reference beacon to measure the atmosphere with. The laser is tuned to the exact energy of electrons in sodium, which is found in a 1km-thick layer around 90km above us, deposited by asteroids. Sodium is the same element used in old yellow-orange street lights - hence the orange colour of laser guide stars.

Together with national and international partners, Macquarie astronomers and engineers are working on a new instrument, called ‘MAVIS’, that will use new adaptive optics technology on one of the world’s largest telescopes in Chile to deliver images sharper than the James Webb Space Telescope, and more sensitive than the Hubble Space Telescope. (see www.mavis-ao.org).

Where is the maths in that?

Explore some ideas in mathematics through making, creating and doing. Engage with logical and geometric thinking through solving puzzles. Discover interesting facts with mobius strips, graphs on donuts, knots and rope tricks.

Coordinated by Carolyn Kennett and Dr Frank Valckenborgh who are from the Macquarie University Numeracy Centre and the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

6:00pm - 10pm
Room 116, 1 Central Courtyard

Laser Maze Challenge

Put your spy skills to the test in our kids' laser maze challenge. Venture into our shadowy maze and find your way through without touching any of the laser beams. Jumping, hopping, and sneaking through, this challenge puts your agility to the test.

The Laser Maze Challenge will be coordinated by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

6:00pm - 10pm
Room 263, 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue

The Huntsman Telescope Exploratorium

1. Huntsman Live
Have you Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be an Astronomer? Come and watch Macquarie University’s Huntsman Telescope Astronomers observe LIVE with Australia’s Huntsman Telescope! Watch as we bring the Universe to your doorstep, under the darkest skies in Australia. Fun for all ages!

2. Extraordinary Exoplanets
Join our Huntsman Exoplanet Astronomers as we uncover the mysteries of exoplanets! Create your very own exoplanet, learn what it would be like to live on a planet around a distant star, and learn how Huntsman is detecting distant exoplanets. Add your creation to our ever growing Astronomy Open Night solar system. Great for junior astronomers.

3. Marvellous Merging Galaxies
How do galaxies grow and evolve? What happens when two galaxies collide, and what is the fate awaiting our home the Milky Way galaxy when it collides with the Andromeda galaxy in a few billion years time. Join our Huntsman Galaxy Merger Astronomers in a fun activity to learn about how galaxies collide, and why Huntsman is trying to observe them. Great for junior astronomers.

4. Telescope Technology Table
What does it take to build your own Huntsman Telescope? Discover what makes the Huntsman Telescope work, and how off the shelf components can be brought together to create a telescope capable of uncovering the secrets of the Universe. Great for beginners and experienced astronomers."

6:00pm - 10pm
Room 109, 1 Central Courtyard

Bintel is a proud supporter of the Huntsman Telescope Project.

Bintel is the oldest astronomy store in Australia. We have experienced astronomers on staff to help new astronomers into the hobby.We stock the telescopes and binoculars from the world’s leading manufacturers and offer the best service and after sales in Australia.

We strive to provide accurate program details but information may be subject to change.

Wallumattagal campus

Balaclava Road
Macquarie University NSW 2109

City campus

Angel Place
Level 24, 123 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Event Contact

astronomyopennight@mq.edu.au

Acknowledgement of Country

Macquarie University is located on the land of the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug people. We pay respects to the Elders and knowledge holders who have, and continue to share their wisdom and knowledges, nurturing and sustaining our environments, cultures and education.