Astronomy Field Night - Schools/Groups

The Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory’s Astronomy Field Night will take you on an astral journey through our Southern night sky, enhancing your knowledge of astronomy and its beginnings, with our incredibly knowledgeable Astronomer guiding you through the evening.

This experience is family friendly and is adaptable for people of all ages.

SET UP + SITE REQUIREMENTS

Our Astronomer (and Team, as required) will arrive at your Venue/Location up to one hour prior to your event’s scheduled start time to set up telescopes for observing, along with a laptop for the indoor/undercover presentation.

We request that you provide:

·             a Projector with a HDMI output - for delivery of the Astronomy Presentation

·             an Undercover or Indoor space with access to power - for delivery of the Astronomy Presentation

·             a designated telescope viewing area (the darker the better) – this area must be an outdoor, open space with level surface i.e. oval, parkland, field that is free from overhead visual obstructions (overhanging trees, shade sails) in which to setup of our telescopes

·             Vehicle access to your designated telescope viewing area – for our Astronomy Team to park and setup/pack down their equipment

SESSION SCHEDULE

Presentation

Sessions commence with a 30-minute presentation and screening from our Astronomer.

Where applicable, sessions are centred around the Group’s current study focus relative to the Earth & Space Sciences outline of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, designed to reinforce and add what the students have learned in class.

Laser Guided Tour

Following the presentation, the Group will be directed out to the telescope viewing area where our Astronomer conducts a 5-minute laser guided tour of the night sky, highlighting constellations, planets and satellites (where visible).

Telescopic Observation

The Group will then be welcomed to observe the view through our telescope/s, each of which will have been preset by our Astronomer to view a different point of interest. 

Our Astronomer/s will walk amongst the telescope ‘stations’ explaining what they are observing and answering any questions.           

The Telescopic observation component generally runs for 1.5 hours, varying with each Group, dependent on numbers and attentiveness.