A plea from Geoff of Sydney Observatory for people to turn off the lights on July 6 and 7 in the CBD and North Sydney for the Festival of the Stars.
Details of this wonderful Festival can be found on our What’s On page.
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Bernard on June 22nd, 2007
Sorry for asking a dumb question, but I would like to find out what will be the main difference of this Star Festival and a normal night tour, in regards to watching the stars? Is it a better time and we have better opportunity in watching the stars more clearly? Thanks!
Geoff on June 22nd, 2007
Hi Bernard
Not a dumb question at all and I am sure if you asked many others will be thinking the same thing.
No matter how much we try I think the days of seeing the Milky Way from here are gone but every exterior light that is turned off makes a small difference to the viewing quality especially of the fainter objects.
We will be concentrating on Jupiter and Saturn for the festival and we will have several very large telescopes in use. Most will be outside in direct line of sight of the major buildings in North Sydney and the CBD. Etxternal lights on these buildings does restrict your ability to maintian night vision and avoid direct glare as you approach the eyepiece.
So does this mean we will suddenly be able to see much dimmer stars? Probably not but it does make viewing easier and more enjoyable.
Finally, I have tried to ensure this will be a fun night for the whole family with a great deal more activities on offer.
I will also place the event map online very shortly.
Thanks for the email.
Geoff, manager Sydney Observatory
Bernard on June 27th, 2007
Geoff,
Thanks for your reply!
I checked the forecast and it looks like it’s going to rain during the “Festival of the Stars” weekend.
If it really rains on the nights, what would be the impact of this event – I mean the viewing quality would definitely be affected?
Thanks again!
Toner on June 28th, 2007
What a coup to get astronomy stars David Malin and Bryan Gaensler at the Festival! The long range forecast looks promising so lets hope Sydneysiders turn off their lights to see a wonderful sky of stars both nights.
Asra on July 7th, 2007
We came to the Festival on Friday, with two young kids in tow, and had a FANATASTIC evening. To my surprise, the children were enthalled by the event.Thanks for all the effort that went into it!