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.

5pm - 9.30pm
Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre (MUSAC) Gymnasium Hall
10 Gymnasium Road
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The Planetariums will be coordinated by:

Starr's Planetarium

Association for Astronomy (AfA)

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 a number of 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. 

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 - 9.30pm
Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory
5 Gymnasium Road
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Phenomenal Physics and Mathematical Mysteries

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. Explore some ideas in mathematics through making, creating and doing. Engage with logical and geometric thinking through solving puzzles.

This activity room will be coordinated by the Macquarie University Physics and Astronomy Society and staff from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. 

5pm - 9pm
Room 101, 1 Central Courtyard
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Space Exploration with the Junior Science Academy

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. 

This activity is coordinated by the Junior Science Academy. Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) concepts through engaging, hands-on activities... and get a little messy along the way! 

At Macquarie University’s Junior Science Academy we provide opportunities for primary school-aged children to explore the world of science in a fun and safe environment. Think space, dinosaurs, explosions, medicine, rocks, robotics, coding, archaeology and much more!

This event will run from 5pm until our supplies run out. 

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

5pm – 9pm
Room 105, Level 1, 1 Central Courtyard
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Virtual Reality Space Experience

Come take a walk in space

New this year is an exciting Virtual Reality experience, where you can float through the International Space Station or design your own solar system. It’s a hands-on exploration of space that’s sure to inspire curious minds.

5pm to 9pm
Room 111, Level 1, 1 Central Courtyard
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Scientist Spotlight: Your Questions, Their Expertise

Huntsman Telescope Exploratorium

Join the Huntsman Telescope Team in this year’s Exploratorium! 

Uncover the mysteries of exoplanets, learn what it would be like to live on a planet around a distant star, and learn how Huntsman is detecting them. 

Find out 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. 

Pick your favourite star or planet and join us for live observing direct from the Huntsman Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory under some of Australia’s darkest skies. 

5pm - 9.30pm
Room 109, Level 1, 1 Central Courtyard
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Cosmic Arcade

Get ready for an interstellar night of fun and games at the Cosmic Arcade, a stellar collaboration between the Computing Societies of Macquarie University! 

Join us for a cosmic celebration filled with student-made games and exhilarating challenges that'll have you shooting for the stars. Embrace the spirit of unity and friendly competition as we explore the wonders of computing and journey through the galaxy of possibilities. 

Don't miss this out-of-this-world event - it's time to unleash your inner astronaut and have a blast!

5pm - 9.30pm
Room 116, Level 1, 1 Central Courtyard
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Laser Guide Star

Why do stars twinkle and why astronomers need them to keep still!

Stars seem to twinkle because Earth’s atmosphere is constantly shifting, bending the starlight as it travels to us—much like how objects appear wavy at the bottom of a swimming pool. While beautiful to the naked eye, this atmospheric turbulence blurs the view for astronomers using ground-based telescopes.

To overcome this, astronomers use a technique called adaptive optics, which corrects for the blurring by measuring the ever-changing atmospheric distortion up to a thousand times per second. This requires a bright reference point in the sky—known as a guide star—near the area being observed. But since bright stars are rare, scientists create their own using a laser guide star.

This artificial star is made by firing a powerful laser into the sky, tuned precisely to excite sodium atoms in a thin layer of the atmosphere about 90 km above Earth. The result? A glowing orange beacon (thanks to the same sodium used in old streetlights) that helps telescopes "see" more clearly.

Now, Macquarie astronomers and engineers, in collaboration with national and international partners, are developing MAVIS—a next-generation adaptive optics instrument. Set to be installed on one of the world’s largest telescopes in Chile, MAVIS will deliver images sharper than the James Webb Space Telescope and more sensitive than Hubble.

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

6.30pm - 10pm
Central Courtyard
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Capture the Cosmos: Astrophotography Competition and Exhibition

Explore the winning astrophotography images taken by YOU as part of our astrophotography competition. We launched this competition last year to great success. View more information and find out how to enter the competition.

The winners will be announced at the Astrophotography short talk on the night at 5.15pm. Come along and vote for the Peoples’ Choice.

5pm - 10pm 
The Atrium, Ground floor, 12 Wally's Walk
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Sponsored by Bintel

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 and the Macquarie University Student Chapter of Optica. 

We have upped the ante this year with a new location and upgraded equipment! 

Or try your hand at Laser Graffiti and transform Macquarie University's iconic architecture into your canvas as you 'paint' dazzling designs with light. No experience needed - just creativity!

5.15pm - 9.30pm
Lower Ground Floor, 18 Wally's Walk
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Macquarie University Art Gallery

The Macquarie Art Gallery has kindly agreed to open for Astronomy Open Night, especially for you. 

Come and visit this exciting exhibition titled No Control: Four Documentary Photographers. This exhibit is running 27 August – 10 October 2025.

At a time when documentary photography competes with the fake, No Control: Four Documentary Photographers exhibition argues that more than ever there is a role for honest and often raw observations through photography. 

Effy Alexakis, Emmanuel Angelicas, Juno Gemes and Mick Richards are photographers who have continually captured reality as it unfolds to seek authenticity and unpredictability to bear witness to the developing story as it is.  

Curator: Kon Gouriotiss 

5pm - 10 pm
Macquarie University Art Gallery
19 Eastern Road
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