Bunbury observatory opens doors to public

Planets, giant gas clouds and colourful star clusters will be clearly visible in the night skies on the weekend — even for those without their own telescope.

The Astronomical Society of the South West is opening the doors of its observatory in College Grove to encourage people to get involved in astronomy.

The observatory’s big indoor telescope will be supplemented by many smaller telescopes outside to give visitors an opportunity to gaze upon the many wonders of the night sky.

ASSW publicity officer Cameron Membrey said the big attraction for the open night was Saturn and its rings, but there were many other things to see — including the moon, Southern Cross, colourful star clusters and the Orion Nebula — a giant gas cloud.

Mr Membrey said the event was a good opportunity for people to learn about astronomy, even if they had visited the observatory before, because the sky constantly changed.

“In January, Orion was rising up in the east whereas now it is setting in the west,” he said.

“It’s appropriate for all age groups — we have little kids who look and see one thing and adults who see more detail.”

As well as peering through the telescope into the universe, visitors will be able to hear a talk from education officer Phil Smith.

The open astronomy nights take place at the observatory on Keble Heights in College Grove on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7pm to 9pm, weather permitting.

Entry costs $8 for adults, $5 for children or $20 for a family.