NOVEMBER 2023 Hipparchus of Rhodes The Father of Astronomy
We Review the Dragons of Pern Series Exploring the World of Pern
The OTHER Milky Way Season The west is really best!!! Find out more about our second chance for great Milky Way nightscape photos
What’s In The Night Sky This November And December Find out what to see in our southern night sky
GALAXIA MAGAZINE
I like the planets because they are real places that you can go to and send machines to. Faraway astronomy - galactic astronomy and extra-galactic astronomy - is really cool stuff, but to me, it’s about destinations.
- Alan Stern, Planetary Scientist
Contents
05
A View Through The Eyepiece
07.
Upcoming Events
09
From The Desk Of The Program Manager
11
Hipparchus of Rhodes
14
Night Cameras
15
Dragons of Pern Series Review
19
A Long, Long Time Ago
Find Us Here
21.
School Day Tours
25
The OTHER Milky Way Season
28
TEDx Kings Park Moon Event
29
What’s In November’s Skies
33
What’s In December’s Skies
37
Sunny & Share Sausage Roll Roast
39
A Quick Look In The Astroshop
Editorial
Contributors
Subscriptions
Front Cover Image By
Matt Woods Editor
Michelle Ashley-Emile, Roger Groom, Mary Hughes, Louise Kaestner, Ronny Kaplanian, Julie Matthews, Paul Wadham, Matt Woods
Click below to subscribe to our newsletter
Ronny Kaplanian
Back Cover Image By Roger Groom
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A View Through The Eyepiece The changing of seasons brings with it a host of celestial wonders, and for those passionate about stargazing and astronomy, it’s an exciting time. At our observatory, we’ve had an eventful year, with new developments and a growing community of volunteers. As we transition into the brighter months, we’re thrilled to share our latest updates and exciting upcoming events. With the departure of winter, we’ve welcomed back Jupiter and Saturn in all their splendour. These two gas giants have taken centre stage in our night sky, and our visitors are in for a treat. We’re particularly excited to showcase these celestial giants with the help of our two new telescopes, enhancing your stargazing experience. In September, we initiated a new volunteer intake. The response was overwhelming, and we’re delighted to have welcomed 17 new volunteers into our team. These passionate individuals have quickly become an integral part of our night tours, showcasing their dedication to our mission. It’s clear that this intake promises to be an exceptional addition to our observatory family. In October, we had a team from 3 Monkeys join us to improve our facilities. They’ve been hard at work wiring up the historical domes and our presentation room. One major upgrade included enhancing our projector, making it possible for everyone, including those unable to navigate the steps and on rainy nights, to enjoy presentations about our historical telescopes. Additionally, 3 Monkeys revamped the audiovisual equipment in our activity room to facilitate smooth and engaging online meetings, ensuring we can connect with astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. The much-anticipated Astrofest 2023 is nearly upon us. Join us and the Astronomy WA community on November 18th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Curtin University for an unforgettable evening of cosmic wonder. This event promises to be a celestial extravaganza, featuring fascinating talks, exciting stalls, a stunning astrophotography exhibition, and telescopes on the oval, allowing you to get up close and personal with the night sky. There is also the upcoming TEDx Kings Park Moon Event on Friday, November 24th, at the Quarry Amphitheatre in City Beach. Thankfully, I’ve been selected to be a speaker and will be speaking about experiencing a total solar eclipse. I’ll be sharing this stellar stage are luminaries in the field, including Professor Gretchen Benedix, Dr. Benjamin Kaebe, and Lunar Rover Engineer Mark Micire. Together, these distinguished speakers will inspire and educate attendees on the wonders of the Moon.
Matt Woods Editor
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The Helix Nebula
NGC 7293
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Image Credit: Matt Woods
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Upcoming Events
Doctor Who Night Tour
Photographing Gas Giants Workshop
Time: 8:30 pm (Doors open at 8 pm) Price: Adult: $55 Concession: $40 Child (Ages 5 to 17): $30
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm) Price: $120 per person
Celebrate everything Doctor Who on Tardis Day, as we celebrate the anniversary of the debut episode of Doctor Who. Come dressed up as your favourite Doctor Who character on our night tour to go into the running for best dressed prizes and look at the amazing night sky with our telescopes.
This promises to be a fun relaxed evening of photographing Jupiter and Saturn on fantastic telescopes using your camera. Using a combination of Astrophotography Australia and Perth Observatory telescopes and equipment, we will have a wide range of focal lengths and types of telescopes available. You will be able to take breathtaking photographs that are at much higher magnification.
9th of December
14th of December
Astrophotography Workshop
Geminids Meteor Shower Night
Time: 1 pm - 10 pm (Doors open at 12:30 pm) Price: $280 per person
Time: 10 pm - 2 am (Doors open at 9:30 pm) Price: Adult: $30 Concession: $25 Child (Ages 5 to 17): $20
Want to get started in astrophotography? We’re running a workshop where you’ll learn to use your camera and a telescope. You’ll also learn what your equipment is capable of so you can try your hand at nightscapes and deep-sky photography.
Experience the Southern Hemisphere’s best meteor shower at the Perth Observatory.
It’s a fantastic full day of astrophotography that gives you a small group experience learning.
Rug up, bring your camera and outdoor chairs or even a bean bag and enjoy watching the last few seconds of hundreds of meteors before they meet their fiery end in our night sky.
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28th of November
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23rd of November
2023 SPRING EDITION
by Paul Wadham There have been some changes since the last “From The Desk Of The Program Manager” article back in March. It has been a great privilege for me to take on the Operations Manager role after the resignation of our beloved Business Manager Julie Mathews at the end of January. As an organisation we owe Julie a huge debt of gratitude, and we thank her for her years of hard work and dedication to Perth Observatory. It has been wonderful now to see Julie continue as a school day tour volunteer so she can still contribute to the Observatory.
Julie Matthews. Image Credit: Zoé Fraussen
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From The Desk Of The Program Manager
The POVG Operations team now has a core staff of five amazing individuals including myself, and we are assisted by a group of dedicated “daytime” volunteers. Our goal is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our volunteers, and to ensure they have the resources and equipment they need, so they can come to the Observatory and just do what they love to do. None of this would be possible without our supporters and the Grant funding from Lotterywest and the State grant funding via the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (JTSI) and in consultation with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has made a huge impact on the Bickley site and our operations. Some of the grant funded activities have been mentioned in previous newsletters, but the new purchases I would like to mention this time is the purchase of new telescopes for our tours. We’ve upped our Night Sky tour game with the purchase of a Skywatcher Esprit 120 telescope, and a Celestron Edge HD 925 telescope which was recently used to live stream the Partial lunar eclipse in the morning of Sunday the 29th of October with TimeandDate.com. These two telescopes offer diverse optical capabilities and are both well-situated atop the versatile Skywatcher mount for a seamless stargazing experience. The Skywatcher Esprit 120 telescope boasts a remarkable apochromatic (triplet) refractor optical tube assembly, with a 12.0cm aperture, a focal ratio of f/7, and a focal length of 840mm. Its mounting is supported by the reliable Skywatcher AZ-EQ6, operated in AZ mode. In contrast, the Celestron Edge HD 925 telescope features an aplanatic Schmidt Cassegrain optical tube assembly, with a larger 9.25” (23.5cm) aperture, a focal ratio of f/10, and an impressive focal length of 2350mm. Similar to the Esprit 120, it also finds its stability on the Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 mount when set in AZ mode. These two telescopes offer diverse optical capabilities and are both well-situated atop the versatile Skywatcher mount for a seamless stargazing experience.
Skywatcher Esprit 120, and Celestron Edge HD 925 telescopes. Image Credit: Geoff Scott SolarQuest70 Telescope at the WA Museum for April’s solar eclipse. Image Credit: Lexie Wallace
I thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and knowledge it is truly a privilege to work with you all.
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The Observatory operates because of our amazing dedicated, volunteers who turn up not just to entertain, inspire and teach our guests about Astronomy and our amazing southern sky, but they help maintain the site and gardens, catalogue and preserve the heritage of the Observatory or be the Gate Keepers to the Universe, who answer public enquiries and look after guests that visit during the day.
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The POVG has also purchased 4 Skywatcher SolarQuest 70 telescopes for solar viewing. Their ease of use and portability have made them a great addition to our Sunday Tours, School Tours, and offsite STEM events.
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Hipparchus of Rhodes the greatest astronomer of classical antiquity By Mary Hughes
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One of Hipparchus’ most enduring contributions was his foundational role in the development of trigonometry. His work in astronomy relied on an early form of trigonometry, setting the stage for future mathematical advancements. He’s best known for his discovery of the precession of the equinoxes. He meticulously measured the positions of stars, including Spica, and noted their displacement relative to the autumnal equinox. Comparing the lengths of the tropical and sidereal years, he identified a slight discrepancy, leading him to deduce the precession of the equinoxes at a rate of approximately 1° per century, a figure remarkably close to the modern value of 1° per 72 years. In his astronomical endeavours, Hipparchus employed simple instruments such as the gnomon, astrolabe, and armillary sphere for calculations and observations. He is credited with improving various astronomical tools, which remained in use for generations. With the astrolabe, he achieved the remarkable feat of measuring geographical latitude and time through star observations, a task traditionally accomplished using the shadow cast by a gnomon or an instrument called a scaphe.
Precession of the equinoxes. Image Credit: Modulo Universe
Hipparchus’ active period in the scientific community spanned from 147 BC to 127 BC, and he primarily resided in Rhodes, Greece, where he eventually passed away around 120 BC. Curiously, the specifics of his livelihood and how he funded his scientific pursuits remain shrouded in mystery. While no contemporary portraits of Hipparchus exist, historical coins from the second and third centuries bore his name and depicted him holding a globe, lending credence to the belief that he was born in Bithynia.
Hipparchus continued the work of Aristarchus by calculating the moon’s distance, achieving a highly accurate result of 30 Earth diameters. He compiled the first-known star catalogue and created the initial map of the skies, organizing stars by constellation and assigning brightness ratings, a system still employed today. While Hipparchus’ original catalogue no longer exists, a statue of Atlas known as the “Farnese Atlas,” bearing star positions that align with his data, suggests his influence. Hipparchus also made significant strides in calculating the length of a year, developing the concept of epicycles, and creating a trigonometric table for solving triangles. His knowledge paved the way for reliable solar eclipse predictions. Hipparchus’ contribution to the field of mathematics included dividing the circle into 360 degrees, a system still in use today. His commentary on Arateia, his sole preserved work, provided invaluable data on stellar positions and the rising, culmination, and setting times of constellations, likely based on his own measurements.
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Hipparchus of Rhodes was a prominent figure in the realm of ancient Greek astronomy, geography, and mathematics. Born around 190 BC in what is now Turkey, he left an indelible mark on the scientific world. His surviving works are scarce, with only his commentary on the astronomical poem by Aratus, penned in the third century BC, having been preserved by later copyists.
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Hipparchus’ legacy endures through numerous tributes. This includes a crater on the Moon, and the asteroid 4000 Hipparchus all bear his name.
2023 WINTER EDITION
The European Space Agency named it’s 1989 Space Astrometry Mission, Hipparcos. The satellite was designed to study and measure the positions, distances, and movements of stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way. The satellite used advanced technology to accurately determine these measurements, which helped scientists understand more about how stars are formed and how they move in space. The information gathered by Hipparcos has been very important for astronomers and has contributed to many exciting discoveries about our universe. His work laid the foundation for astronomy and trigonometry, standing the test of time and enduring even in the era of telescopes. Indeed, Hipparchus’ genius shines brightly throughout the annals of history, marking him as a true luminary in the realm of ancient science.
Image Credit: ESA
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Perth Observatory Night Cameras
Perth Observatory is a member of the Global Meteor Network, and we now have seven cameras recording the night sky. These state-of-the-art cameras capture meteors, satellite passes, and other celestial events, providing us with a unique view of the Solar System’s formation and evolution. The footage captured by these cameras is not only valuable for scientific research but also for public viewing. You can watch live images from the cameras at night, which update every three minutes during the night. Additionally, we’ve made available condensed footage from the previous night, highlighting every meteor detection. Be warned, it’s hard not to get hooked on watching these videos.
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Dragons of Pern series by
Anne McCaffrey
BY JULIE MATTHEWS If you’re a bookworm like me, snuggling up with an old book, or books, that you’ve read many times over the years is just like slipping on an old comfy jumper. Anne McCaffrey’s Dragons of Pern series is my old favourite jumper. Irish-born Anne’s first book – Dragonflight was written in 1968 and she (and her children Todd and Gigi) went on to write 24 novels and two collections of short stories in this fascinating world. Anne sadly passed in 2012 but left a huge legacy behind. Her children are still writing novels in the Pern world, with the latest being Dragon’s Code written by Gigi McCaffrey in 2018. Anne was the first woman to win a Hugo and a Nebula Award for writing fiction and inspired many of the science fiction writers around today. But what’s the story of Pern you ask?
Painting of AnneMcCaffrey. Image Copright: Linda Eicher
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FLY INTO THE WORLD OF PERN
Humans have colonized the planet Pern in the Rukbat star system but have lost much of their technology and history due to periodic onslaughts of Thread – a spore that consumes all organic material that it touches. To combat this menace, a group of telepathic, fire-breathing dragons and their bonded riders defend the planet by burning Thread from the sky. The story primarily follows Lessa and Dragonrider F’lar, as they work together to protect Pern. As the series progresses, it delves into the history and lore of Pern, explores the origin of the dragons, the technology that shaped their society, and the struggles to survive Threadfall. There are political intrigues, love, mysteries, action, songs, adventure, and SCIENCE. It’s a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy. Later books delve into astronomy with the excitement of characters finding and building telescopes to chart the skies. I can’t recommend these books enough, once you get started it’s very hard to leave Pern. Anne McCaffrey had also written the following series, and yes, I’m got them all : Restoree Federated Sentients Planets universe The Brain & Brawn Ship Series The Crystal Series The Coelura Series Ireta The Talents Universe Doona Petaybee Universe The Barque Cat Series The Freedom Series Acorna Series
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JULIE’S RATING
Image Credit: Pern Museum Gallery. Book Cover Image Credit: Ballantine Science Fiction
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Telescopes Under
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Western Australia’s Skies
Looking for an unforgettable night under the stars? Look no further than Perth Observatory’s offsite astronomy nights! As Western Australia’s leading Observatory, our experienced volunteers are dedicated to sharing the beauty and wonder of the night sky with people across the state. Our team will bring their top-of-the-line telescopes and expertise to your town, suburb, or school, providing you with a unique and immersive journey through the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders. We will also guide you through the night sky with the help of our green lasers, teaching you about the stars, planets, nebulas, dying stars, and enormous star clusters that populate our universe. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, our offsite astronomy nights are the perfect way to explore the beauty and complexity of our universe. Request your night under the stars below and discover the magic of Perth Observatory!
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Image Credit: Ronny Kaplanian
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Heart Of The Eagle The Pillars of Creation
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A Long, Long Time Ago By Louise Kaestner
The astrolabe uses separate latitude “plates” to accommodate distinct projections. These plates stack on top of each other within the astrolabe, above the mater. The “rete” is a holey plate that is also called the star-net. It holds the star markers and the ecliptic ring. The rete is adjustable and rotatable atop the latitude plates located below it. Star-pointers indicate the position of certain stars. The ecliptic ring is the yearly path of the sun through the sky from the perspective of Earth. Along the front of the astrolabe is a bar that pivots called “rule”. Its job is to locate positions on the rete and link them to the scale of hours marked on the limb. The “alidade”, located on the rear side of an astrolabe, is a bar that can rotate. Unlike the rule, the alidade has little vanes at both ends with holes or slots that act as sights. To measure altitude, one aligns an object, such as a planet, in the two sighting holes. Then they read the degree-based altitude from a scale encircling the edge.
An Astrolabe. Image Credit: Harvard Uni
As Jupiter disappeared, the stars faded, and the milky way dissolved. Rays of sun stretched forth across the landscape. They reached warm, curious fingers to stroke Apollonius’s long beard. He rubbed his eyes. With care, he placed the Astrolabe on the clean linen and wrapped the delicate instrument. It was time to go home after another night of observation.
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Meet Apollonius of Perga (c. 262-190 BCE). Apollonius was a Greek astronomer and mathematician, who invented the astrolabe. Astrolabe is the Greek word for “star-taker” or “star-holder”. Ancient astronomers used the astrolabe for a variety of purposes. In the hands of the educated it could navigate, tell time, survey, calculate astronomical measurements, simulate the movements of celestial bodies, and determine the length of day and night.
The astrolabe uses a math technique called stereographic projection to map the celestial sphere onto its flat plate. This method enables the representation of a 3-dimensional sphere onto a 2-dimensional surface. An astrolabe has several pieces. There is the mater, plate, rete, rule, and alidade. The core of the astrolabe, known as the “mater”, is the main part and largest piece. Engraved on the outer edge of the mater, are the degree scale and the scale of hours. This is the “limb”. The “womb” is the interior recessed section, of the mater, and houses the latitude plates.
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A tapestry of stars swam amongst a river of white cloud that carved a path through the supple, black night. The moon was silent, tucked away in a corner of the sky. A solid, bright, yellow-white light stared at a man standing on Earth. He held a flat circular object made of brass. Lifting a piece from its top, he concealed it within his billowy robe. With one hand, he held the object vertical above him by its suspension ring. Fiddling with a small bar, he gazed through its sights and a sigh of pleasure escaped.
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Join our School � Day Tours Team Looking to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of primary school children? If you have free time during the day and a passion for learning about space and our solar system, we invite you to join our School Day Tours Team as a volunteer! As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with young students while learning from experienced educators. No prior experience is necessary, as we provide all the training you need. If you enjoy working with children, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! All you need to bring is your enthusiasm, a friendly demeanour, and the ability to communicate with children. To learn more about how you can get involved, click below and let’s start making a difference in the lives of young students today.
Star Adoption Tours
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Looking for a unique gift to recognise a special family member or friend? Look no further than our star adoption program! Our program allows you to adopt a star between magnitudes -1 and 7.9 in the Southern Hemisphere, visible to the naked eye or in binoculars.
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Each star adoption package includes a certificate with the star’s name and coordinates, as well as the duration and purpose of the adoption. Plus, you and up to three guests can enjoy a private star viewing night within 12 months of the adoption, where you’ll get to see your chosen star and other seasonal objects. We’ll also provide you with a planisphere and star charts, so you can continue to enjoy your star long after your viewing night. Please note that while we don’t offer international naming rights for stars, the income from our program goes towards supporting the Perth Observatory’s not-for-profit public outreach program. Adopt a star today and give the gift of wonder and discovery!
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The OTH E R M i l ky Way Season By Roger Groom
The Milky Way setting in the west behind Natures Window in the Kalbarri National Park. Image Credit: Roger Groom
Milky Way Season Much is said about the time the Milky Way rises in the east during April and May. Towering above the Eastern horizon it’s a fantastic sight under dark skies and makes for great compositions with foreground objects. This has earned the time of year a common name of “Milky Way Season” in some circles. You can simulate the position of the Milky Way at different times of year to see when it is suitably above the horizon for nightscape photography using various apps or PC programs. These include: Red Shift (iOS/Android) KStars (PC/Mac/Linux)
Sky Safari (iOS/Android) PhotoPills (iOS/Android)
TheSky (most platforms) TPE (iOS/Android) *
* The Photographers Ephemeris
Using an app such as the above and moving through time to both March/April/May and then September/October you will see the effect of the Milky Way above the eastern horizon in southern hemisphere autumn and above the western horizon in the southern hemisphere spring.
Nightscapes Astrophotography Nightscapes is the combination of Landscape and astro photography. Photographing the night sky with some landscape/foreground element. This combination helps relate the scale and sense of place, of the night sky to a location. Nightscapes can be photographed with anything from a modern mobile phone to DSLR or Mirrorless camera.
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Potentially rivalling the rising of the Milky Way in April/May. WA is blessed with fantastic coastal features from top to bottom. Be it the familiar sights of “the capes” such as Sugarloaf Rock and Canal Rocks, those closer to the city such as Trig Beach and various lighthouses and coastal groynes, the west coast of Rottnest Island, or further north such as Guilderton, Kalbarri National Park or even Shark Bay and Coral Bay. The list goes on. Combine these coastal sights with the Milky Way setting in the west and you have a recipe for amazing nightscape astrophotography.
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Now we’ve come out of winter hibernation and enjoying the warm spring weather, it’s that time of year when the Milky Way is setting in the west. This is a golden opportunity for Western Australian astrophotographers.
PAGE 25 2023 SPRING EDITION The Milky way over the Perth Observatory’s Meridian Dome. Image Credit: Roger Groom
Starting with a mobile phone ensure you have a solid tripod or similar platform on which to rest your phone. Doing so will not only increase the sharpness but the resolution, due to the image stabilisation algorithms many mobile phones use. When a phone is moved during a longer exposure, it does effectively reduce the resolution. A lightweight small tripod for your phone is not expensive. Consider a Leofoto MT-03 (which is my favourite small tripod). The second way to improve your nightscape chances with a mobile phone is to use an app that gives you full control over shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. For example, “ProCam” on iPhone or “Pro Mode“ on Android. With a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, nightscapes are most commonly achieved with wide-angle lenses such as 14, 15, 17mm. It is worth noting though that a good effect can be gained with slightly longer focal lengths such as with a 24mm lens as the Milky Way sets low over foreground targets such as the Indian Ocean (as seen from Western Australia), and so framing can be tightened to 24mm. Generally speaking, any DLSR or Mirrorless camera with interchangeable lens where the camera is newer than approximately 2015 is capable of reasonable nightscape astrophotography. Ensure you have live view capability which you can use for focusing. Your aim irrespective of camera is to maximise the exposure time until trailing of stars occurs while keeping aperture fully open and adjusting ISO to your choosing, usually medium-high for convenience. I teach how to take nightscapes in my workshops, see my list of upcoming astrophotography workshops for more information.
A good tip on finding places to photograph the setting Milky Way is to look up astrotourism locations on Astrotourism WA.
Beyond that, I encourage seeking out unique natural landscape opportunities along our west coast and making a short break of it. Find accommodation in a regional centre along the west coast that has coastal features within 30 minutes’ drive and make the most of the time there.
Learning More I, Roger Groom of Astro Photography Australia teach nightscape photography at locations including Perth Observatory and my private dark sky property in the Central Wheatbelt. I also travel regionally upon request, such as a recent trip to Mount Magnet where a small group enjoyed a workshop at The Granites. Coming up at Perth Observatory we have a Photographing Gas Giants Workshop and an Astrophotography Workshop.
Roger Groom using an astrophotography telescope at Perth Observatory. Image Credit: Roger Groom
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The localities on Astrotourism WA are welcoming of astrophotographers and have dedicated observing and photography locations.
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Where to Go
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Sunday Guided Day Tours
Discover the secrets of the universe and the rich history of Perth Observatory on our Sunday guided day tours! Nestled in the stunning bush settings of Bickley, our Observatory is the perfect place to explore the wonders of the cosmos. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through time, from the Observatory’s humble beginnings in 1896 to its move to Bickley in 1966 and beyond. You’ll get to tour the Meridian, Astrograph & Calver Telescopes, learn about timekeeping, and explore the museum to discover fascinating stories about the Observatory’s past and present. I the weather permits, you’ll have the opportunity to safely observe the Sun and its sunspots. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! There is no need to book, simply come up between 1 and 4 pm and pay in our shop. Our Sunday day tours are the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon with family and friends, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the mysteries of the universe.
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Sit under a rising full Moon as we explore the world to which humanity is returning. In the next ten years NASA’s Artemis missions will put the first woman and person of colour on the Moon, along with the first permanent base. Western Australia is playing its part in this historic step for humanity. You’ll hear from aerospace engineers, astro-geologists, an eclipse hunter, and a lunar rover engineer – each of them with a world-premiere TEDx talk showing how WA is part of the 21st century space race.
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What’s In November’s Skies By Matt Woods
20Q23 SPRING EDITION
Planets: In the celestial theatre of November, Mercury will once again grace the early evening sky, making its reappearance during the second week of the month amidst the constellation of Libra (The Scales). As November draws to a close, Mercury will journey onward, traversing the vast expanse of the Scorpius constellation (The Scorpion), before venturing into the constellation of Ophiuchus (The Serpent-Bearer). At the onset of November, Venus will be a captivating sight in the pre-dawn hours, residing within the Leo constellation (The Lion). As the month progresses, Venus will gracefully transition into the neighbouring Virgo constellation (The Virgin). Regrettably, Mars will remain shrouded in the brilliant radiance of the Sun throughout November, rendering it invisible to those observing the night sky with the naked eye. Jupiter, the regal giant of our solar system, will be a prominent fixture throughout the night, positioned between the constellations of Cetus (The Sea Monster), and Aries (The Ram). Meanwhile, Saturn will illuminate the evening sky within the realm of Aquarius (The Water Bearer), until it descends below the horizon halfway through the night. Jupiter will reach opposition on the night of November 3rd and 4th, a celestial event when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and Jupiter. This moment presents an excellent opportunity for observing Jupiter in all its glory. For enthusiasts of the night sky, Uranus will make a continuous appearance throughout the night, taking residence in the constellation of Taurus (The Bull). Uranus will also reach opposition on the nights of November 13th and 14th, so it’s going to be the best time to see it. As a special treat for stargazers, Neptune will be nestled amid the constellations of Pisces (The Fish), and Cetus, offering a unique opportunity to spot this distant ice giant.
Mercury on the 15/11/23 at 08:00 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium
Venus on the 15/11/23 at 04:00 am. Image Credit: Stellarium
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune on the 15/11/23 at 09:00 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium
Astronomical Events This Month: The Northern Taurid Meteor Shower: The Northern Taurid Meteor Shower will grace the night skies from October 20th to December 10th, its peak is expected on the night of November 12th and 13th. The best viewing time is around 02:00 am (AWST), as its radiant point will be at its zenith in the northern sky.
The Northern Taurid Meteor Shower on the 13/11/23 at 04:00 am. Image Credit: Stellarium
Northern Taurid Meteor Shower. Image Credit & Copyright: Sebastien Joly
The Northern Taurid Meteor Shower: The eagerly anticipated Leonids Meteor Shower will grace the night skies from November 6th to November 30th, with its peak spectacle expected on the night of November 18th and 19th. To catch the best view, set your alarm for approximately 03:00 am (AWST) just before the break of dawn. This timing is ideal because the radiant point of the Leonids resides within the Leo Constellation, and it ascends in the early morning hours. In 2023, the Leonids are forecasted to offer a display of approximately 10 meteors per hour, benefitting from the absence of moonlight, as the Moon will be in its Waxing Crescent phase and will have set before the meteor shower becomes visible. The Leonid meteors make a dramatic entrance, hurtling towards Earth at a breathtaking speed of 71 km/s, often creating awe-inspiring fireballs. Their origin is traced back to Comet 55P/ Tempel-Tuttle, and these meteors are known to deliver extraordinary outbursts approximately once every 33 years. Having surpassed the midpoint since the last notable outburst in 1998–1999, astronomers anticipate the next predicted ‘Leonid meteor storm’ to grace our skies in 2032–2033. The historical significance of the Leonid Meteor Shower is deeply rooted in its past. The remarkable Leonid Storm of 1833 left an indelible mark on history, as it is believed to have played a role in the religious fundamentalist movements of the 1830s in the United States. On the morning of November 13th, 1833, residents along the eastern seaboard of the United States awoke to an astonishing sight, with meteors appearing to fill the sky like snowflakes in a winter storm. The sight was so extraordinary that it led many to flock to churches, believing that Judgment Day had arrived.
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The origin of the Northern Taurids is traced back to the asteroid 2004 TG10. This celestial traveller is an eccentric asteroid, classified as a near-Earth object and a potentially hazardous member of the Apollo group. It first caught the attention of astronomers when it was spotted by the Spacewatch survey on November 8, 2004. With a potential size exceeding one kilometre in diameter, asteroid 2004 TG10 is believed to be a fragment of Comet Encke, serving as the source not only for the Northern Taurids but also for the minor shower known as the June Beta Taurids.
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In the year 2023, the Northern Taurids are projected to offer a display of approximately 5 meteors per hour, thanks to the Moon being in its New Moon phase, minimizing any potential light pollution.
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The Leonids on the 18/11/23 at 04:00 am. Image Credit: Stellarium
The Leonid Meteor Shower. Image Credit & Copyright: Jimmy Westlake
Things To Look At This Month: Tarantula Nebula: The Tarantula Nebula, also known as NGC 2070, is a mesmerising Emission Nebula that lies not within our own Milky Way galaxy but rather within one of its satellite galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This celestial wonder is situated at an astonishing distance of approximately 160,000 light-years from our Solar System and spans an impressive 1,862 light-years in diameter. The Tarantula Nebula captivates with its extraordinary luminosity, to the extent that if it The Tarantula Nebula on the 15/11/23 at 09:00 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium were positioned as near to Earth as the Orion Nebula, it would cast shadows and dominate a staggering 60% of the horizon. Such is the brilliance of this cosmic jewel. Notably, the Tarantula Nebula holds the distinction of being the most dynamic and active starburst region within the Local Group of galaxies.
Tarantula Nebula 2023 SPRING EDITION
Image Credit & Copyright: Peter Ward (Barden Ridge Observatory)
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NGC 2070
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What’s In December’s Skies By Matt Woods
2023 SPRING EDITION
Planets: Mercury kicks off the month in the constellation of Ophiuchus (The Serpent-Bearer), but quickly transitions into Sagittarius (The Archer), during the initial week. On the evening of Monday, December 4th, Mercury reaches its greatest elongation in the eastern sky. However, as the month progresses, it steadily draws nearer to the Sun, ultimately vanishing into the Sun’s radiant glare by mid-December. Meanwhile, Venus graces the early morning hours at the beginning of December, appearing in the constellation of Virgo (TheVirgin). As the month unfolds, Venus gracefully shifts into the constellation of Libra (The Scales). Mars, unfortunately, remains obscured by the Sun’s brilliance throughout December, rendering it invisible to the naked eye. Jupiter, on the other hand, takes centre stage throughout the night, positioned between the constellations of Cetus (The Sea Monster), and Aries (The Ram). Saturn, another planetary gem, adorns the evening sky within the constellation of Aquarius (The Water Bearer), before setting later in the evening. Uranus, the first of the Ice Giants, graces the night sky and can be spotted within the boundaries of Taurus (The Bull). Neptune, the most distant planet in our solar system, can be found nestled amid the constellations of Pisces (The Fish), and Cetus.
Mercury on the 15/12/23 at 08:30 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium
Venus on the 15/12/23 at 04:00 am. Image Credit: Stellarium
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune on the 15/12/23 at 09:00 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium
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Astronomical Events This Month: The Geminids Meteor Shower:
If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a dark location in Western Australia, you can expect to witness around 50 meteors per hour. The optimal viewing time is around 2:00 am (AWST). However, if your location lies closer to the equator, where the Gemini constellation (The Twins), reigns high in the sky, your meteor count may soar to an impressive 120 per hour. Moreover, you’ll be treated to an absence of lunar light pollution, thanks to a slender Waxing Crescent Moon that sets just prior to 10:00 pm (AWST). The Geminids were first discovered in 1862 and owe their existence to Earth’s journey through the remnants of the tail of asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This peculiar celestial body, classified as a rock comet, exhibits characteristics shared with comets, including a comet-like tail and surface jets. Gemini, the constellation from which the meteor shower takes its name, graces our night sky around 10:00 pm. For an optimal viewing experience, venture out after midnight when Gemini stands higher in the sky, as the shower intensifies with the passing hours of the night.
The Geminids Meteor Shower on the 15/12/23 at 02:00 am. Image Credit: Stellarium
The 2012 Geminids taken from Perth Observatory. Image Credit & Copyright: Roger Groom
The December Solstice: On the 22nd of December at 11:27 am (AWST), the December Solstice graces our calendar. This significant moment heralds the onset of astronomical summer for the southern hemisphere and the commencement of winter for the northern hemisphere. At this precise juncture, the Sun’s declination aligns perfectly at 23.5 degrees south, as perceived from our vantage point on Earth. The geographical parallel where the Sun directly hovers above during the December solstice is known as the Tropic of Capricorn. However, owing to the intricate celestial phenomenon of precession,
Equinoxes and Solstices. Image Credit & Copyright: timeanddate.com
2023 SPRING EDITION
The Geminids Meteor Shower is a celestial spectacle of paramount significance in the southern hemisphere. Mark your calendars for the night of December 14th to 15th, as this is when the Geminids will reach their zenith. The shower graces our skies for just over two weeks, spanning from December 4th to December 20th.
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the Sun now finds itself nestled within the astronomical constellation of Sagittarius in midDecember, marking a shift from historical references.
2023 SPRING EDITION
In the 21st century, the December solstice will grace our calendars on both the 21st and 22nd of December, until the year 2043, after which it will occasionally make its appearance on the 20th of December starting in 2080. The December solstice signifies that the southern rotational pole of our Earth tilts towards the Sun, embarking on its lengthy, apparent journey northward, which will continue until June. This phenomenon, known as the Precession of the Equinoxes, unfolds over a vast expanse of time, taking approximately 26,000 years to complete a single cycle or “wobble.” To put it into perspective, within an average human lifespan of 72 years, the equinoctial points would have shifted by one degree, roughly equivalent to twice the diameter of a Full Moon. This enduring cosmic dance reminds us of the grandeur and scale of our ever-evolving celestial landscape.
Things To Look At This Month: Orion Nebula: The Orion Nebula, scientifically catalogued as M42, emerges as a captivating diffuse nebula in the celestial tapestry, positioned to the north of Orion’s Belt, particularly visible to observers in the southern hemisphere. Nestled within the boundaries of the illustrious Orion constellation (The Hunter), this luminous celestial masterpiece stands out as one of the most radiant nebulae in our night skies, making it an exquisite sight for the unaided eye. The Orion Nebula on the 15/12/23 at 09:00 pm. Image Credit: Stellarium
This awe-inspiring cosmic creation, the Orion Nebula, resides at a distant 1,344 light-years away from our Solar System. Its vast expanse spans an estimated 24 light-years in diameter. Beyond its sheer beauty, the Orion Nebula has unveiled profound insights into the intricate process of stellar and planetary formation. It serves as a cosmic laboratory, where collapsing clouds of gas and dust give birth to new stars and planetary systems, shedding light on the very genesis of celestial bodies in the cosmos.
Orion Nebula 2023 SPRING EDITION
Image Credit & Copyright: Trevor Jones - astrobackyard.com
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Messier 42
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2023 SPRING EDITION
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A Quick Festive Look In The Astroshop!
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2023 SPRING EDITION
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SUPPORT PERTH OBSERVATORY
2023 SPRING EDITION
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE Help Perth Observatory through the Containers for Change scheme. Please take glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, and paper-based cartons between 150mL and 3L to your local refund depot and use the Perth Observatory (Scheme ID: C10424615). The Perth Observatory Volunteer Group will receive 10 cents for each container. Save the ID on your phone for every time you recycle your containers. Find your local refund depot and get more info on what containers are eligible for refunds here:
containersforchange.com.au/wa
Can’t get to a refund centre? We have a dedicated and labelled bin on-site for you to add your clean container donations when you next visit the observatory. Our maintenance volunteers collect donated containers and take them to the refund centre. Thank you for helping the POVG promote sustainable and environmentally conscious practices and diversifying ways for us to raise much-needed funds. Your help supports the continuing upkeep and running of Western Australia’s oldest observatory!
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2023 SPRING EDITION
The Funny Side
Contact Us Perth Observatory 337 Walnut Road 6076 Bickley, WA (08) 9293 8255 newsletter@povg.org.au perthobservatory.com.au