The timeball atop Sydney Observatory dropped for the first time on 5 June 1858, alerting Sydneysiders and ships in the harbour of the exact time. Since then it has observed and recorded some of the most significant astronomical events, from a transit of Venus in 1874 to a close encounter with Mars in 2003.
Now, 150 years later, Sydney Observatory is a museum and public observatory, welcoming visitors of all ages interested in science, astronomy, the weather, and the southern stars. The timekeeping tradition remains; Observatory staff continue to drop the timeball each day at 1pm.
Join us in celebrating a wonderful milestone for this enduring Sydney institution with a great program of events kicking off with a long weekend of festivities.
Weekend celebration
Saturday 7, Sunday 8 & Monday 9 June, 10am – 4pm
Enjoy an amazing weekend of astronomical activities for all ages, from site tours and solar viewings to science shows and the 3-D theatre. There’s even an historical whodunit, based on the real-life attempt to murder the Government Astronomer, in 1877. Food and entertainment on site.
Admission: $7 adults, $5 child, $20 family. Historical drama: $5. No bookings required.
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Members free general entry before 11.00am on Saturday 7 June (charges apply for Getting away with murder performance)
Timeball drop - with cannon fire at noon on Saturday!
12noon, 1, 2, 3, & 4pm
Time and its measurement have played a huge role in our history. Sydney Observatory was built in 1858 for the express purpose of measuring and conveying time.
On Saturday only, for dramatic effect, the 12 noon drop of the timeball will be accompanied by cannon-fire. Cannons have been used for years to provide audible accompaniment to timeballs around the world. Indeed only recently, we found a letter written by our most famous astronomer, Henry Chamberlain Russell, from 27 March 1871, objecting to a cannon being fired from Observatory Hill on the previous Saturday. More than 130 years later, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has kindly supplied a cannon to accompany the timeball once more. Don’t miss it!
Getting away with murder: the intriguing case of a diabolical assassin
1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Take part in an historical whodunit based on the actual attempt on the life of Government Astronomer Henry Chamberlain Russell in 1877. Meet the characters and suspects involved and help decide how the mystery unfolds.
Deep freeze
10:15am, 12:15pm & 2:15pm
Experience what happens when our atmosphere is cooled to -196°C. Watch as inflated balloons seem to disappear into a bottomless pit, see if water can break steel and try out some space ice cream.
Sundials
11:15am, 1:15pm & 3:15pm
Learn to use the Sun to answer the age-old question of “what time is it?” Plus make your very own sundial.
Fort Phillip Signal Station tours
As the oldest building on the Hill, Fort Phillip Signal Station has a wonderful story to tell. Discover this newly renovated treasure when it’s opened for the first time. Spaces are limited.
Flagstaff and flags
See our reinstated Flagstaff towering 30 metres above Observatory Hill, flying historic signal flags and new astronomical flags. Collect a flag decoder and decipher the ever-changing display.
702 ABC Sydney radio broadcast
Saturday 7 June, 6:00am – 12noon
Join Simon Marnie and the team from Weekends on 702 ABC Sydney for a special live broadcast in the grounds of Sydney Observatory. June 7 only.
Solar viewing
View the sun safely through the special filters on the Observatory’s telescopes with the help of expert guides.
Observing the weather - a new exhibition
A new exhibition exploring Sydney’s weather extremes, looking at 150 years of weather recording and forecasting, and examining the crucial issue of global warming. more...
3D space theatre
Enjoy a stereoscopic look at Sydney and Australia’s oldest remaining observatory in a custom-made 3D movie - including grand aerial views.
Cardboard planetarium
Enter a cardboard universe, created with pinholes by renowned artist Kirsten Bradley. See a spectacular sunlit version of the night sky over Sydney on 5 June 1858!
