Go Stargazing

March 14th, 2019

No matter what star sign you are the stars, and hopefully the weather, will align on Saturday, March 16 for the second star gazing event at Mylor Oval.

Vice president of the Astronomical Society of South Australia Joe Grida urges families of the Adelaide Hills to get away from the reality show stars on the television for one night and look at the real stars in the abundant night sky.

“We're hoping to get a nice clear night to do some star gazing and I'll give a talk about what's visible in the night sky and then we'll have a number of very good telescopes set up to let everyone have a good look,” Joe said.

“Because the moon will only be nine days old from the first quarter the sky won't be too bright to allow viewing of other things like galaxies, star clusters and big gas clouds.

“For first time star gazers the moon is quite a spectacle as we'll be able to get extremely good images.

“We can show you the craters, the mountain ranges and even the general location of where the Apollo astronauts went for their first walk and drive around on the moon.”

With over 50 years of star gazing experience Joe said he's yet to find someone who doesn't find the contents of the night sky fascinating when given the opportunity to see it up close.

“Because we live in suburban areas we don't really get to have a good look at the night sky until someone sets up a telescope because people are too busy watching the stars on their reality TV shows.”

With the Adelaide Hills Science Hub launching last year the star gazing events have been sponsored by organisation, InspiringSA.

Science Hub Coordinator Tina Gillespie said they wouldn't be possible without the support from local community groups like the Friends of Mylor Hall Organisation which will be putting on a barbecue on the night.

Tina said the turnout to the first star gazing opportunity was incredible with over 200 people turning out for the star studded show.

“This year we're capping it at 120 people and having two sessions so that people can get a good amount of time looking through the telescopes,” Tina said.

“Joe will also be doing two information sessions and talks about what's going on in the night sky at 7 and 7.30pm.

“Last year we saw the moon and the plant Saturn was in orbit which was beautiful!

“Come and set up on the oval with picnic blankets and lawn chairs, buy a coffee from the sustainable coffee van and learn about the night sky.”

Tina warned families to dress appropriately for the cool autumn weather and reminded those to bring cash for the hospitality services.

Ticket are $5 per person with family tickets available for $15.

You can find out more or purchase tickets at facebook.com/events/334270953876161/

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