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Perth Observatory
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  • Home
  • About
    • About The Perth Observatory
    • Our History
    • WA Government Astronomers
    • Our Museum
    • Our Astroshop
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    • Our Fairy Doors
    • Accessibility At Perth Obs
    • Sustainability At Perth Obs
    • Sustainability & Positive Impact
    • Our Annual Reports
    • Our Strategic Plan
  • Tours
    • Night Events
      • Night Sky Tours
      • Focusing On Our Moon Tours
      • Exclusive Night Tours
      • Star Adoption & Private Tour
      • Chinese Night Tours
    • Day Events
      • School Day Tours & OSHC Tours
      • Group Day Tours
      • Sunday Guided Day Tours
      • Sunday Kids Workshops
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      • Offsite Stargazing Nights
      • Public Talks
      • Incursions
    • Things To Do In the Perth Hills
  • Special Events
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    • Astronomy 102 Course
    • Summer Lecture
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    • Hills Symphony Orchestra Concert
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  • Astronomy
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☀️ Wondering why today feels sooooo long? It’s not just because it might be your last day of work for 2025 😉 Tonight, the December Solstice officially occurs at 11:03 pm (AWST). This marks the start of astronomical summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also the longest day of the year for us here in WA. At the solstice, the Sun reaches its southernmost point in our sky, sitting 23.5 degrees south of the equator. The place on Earth where the Sun appears directly overhead is called the Tropic of Capricorn. Fun fact, due to Earth’s slow wobble through space, known as precession, the Sun is now actually in the constellation Sagittarius, not Capricorn, when the solstice occurs. In the 21st century, the December solstice falls on 21 or 22 December right through to 2043, with the occasional 20 December appearance returning later this century. From tonight onward, the days will slowly begin to shorten as the Sun starts its long, gradual journey north in the sky, a reminder that Earth is always in motion, even when it feels like time is standing still. Enjoy the extra daylight, summer has officially arrived 🌞 #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthhappenings #space #spacenews #astronomy #astronomynews #decembersolstice #december #southernhemisphere #summersolstice #summersolstice2025 #summer #solstice #summerseason #summertime #summerphotography #summers #summersun #summervibes #perthobservatory #perthobs
Once again this year, our Perth-Lowell Telescope D Once again this year, our Perth-Lowell Telescope Dome was lit up for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Our colleague Jodie Sims took this photo of the Perth-Lowell Telescope Dome lit up with the Pleiades star cluster over the dome In Greek mythology, the Pleiades (The 7 sisters) were seven sisters, daughters of the Titan Atlas and the sea nymph Pleione. The sisters were pursued relentlessly by Orion the Hunter. To protect them, Zeus placed the sisters in the sky as stars. Even there, Orion continues to chase them, which is why the constellation Orion appears to follow the Pleiades across the night sky. One detail that has fascinated skywatchers for centuries is that only six stars are usually visible to the naked eye. In the myth, this is explained by Merope, who dimmed her light out of shame for loving a mortal, unlike her immortal sisters. #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #NoExcuse #OrangeTheWorld #16DaysOfActivism #16days #perthnow #perthgram #perthlife #perthtodo #perthhappenings #ThisisWA #wanderoutyonder #perthhills #perthisok #perthlife #whatsoninperth #photography #astrophotography #nightphotography #nightscape #nightsky #perthobservatory #perthobs
🎶✨ Music Under the Stars for the Whole Family 🎶✨ Music Under the Stars for the Whole Family ✨🎶 The Hills Symphony Orchestra is returning to the Perth Observatory for a very special outdoor concert, and families are warmly invited to join us for an evening of music, stars, and togetherness. To book your spots, click here: https://loom.ly/0Hvj2eo 📅 Friday, 28 February ⏰ 7 pm (Gates open from 6 pm) 📍 Perth Observatory Settle in with your picnic rug, outdoor chairs, or bean bags and enjoy a magical musical journey themed “Our Place in the Universe”. The orchestra will perform a fun and family-friendly program featuring music from iconic films, games, and beloved classics, all set beneath the night sky and surrounded by our historic telescope domes and peaceful bushland. Arrive early to enjoy a picnic as the sun sets over the Perth Hills. Our Observatory shop will also be open, with soft drinks, water, and ice creams available to purchase 🍦 🎟 Ticket prices • Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): $70 • Adult: $30 • Concession: $20 • Child (ages 5–17): $10 This is a relaxed, welcoming event perfect for families and music lovers of all ages. Don’t miss this unique chance to experience live orchestral music under the stars ⭐ #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthhappenings #perthtodo #perthgram #perthevents #seeperth #WalkingOnADream #ThisisWA #justanotherdayinwa #wanderoutyonder #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #experiencewa #family #familytime #whatsonwa #mustdowa #sceneinperth #concert #CosmicSymphony #MusicUnderTheStars #HillsSymphonyOrchestra #perthobservatory #perthobs
Hey, book your free spots at the State Library of Hey, book your free spots at the State Library of Western Australia for a free screening of A Search Beyond the Stars, a documentary exploring the remarkable history of Western Australia’s role in space exploration and the significant achievements along the way. Following the screening, stay for a panel conversation diving deeper into the film, the stories behind it, and WA’s enduring connection to space science. You can book your spot using the Linktree link in our description. 🎥 A Search Beyond the Stars 📍 State Library of Western Australia 🗓 18 December ⏰ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm 🎟 Free event Created by Producer Luke Riches and Writer / Director Daniel Riches, this film forms part of WA Reflections, a short documentary series pairing emerging filmmakers with unique Western Australian stories preserved in the State Library’s collection. If you love documentary storytelling, space history, or discovering WA’s hidden scientific legacy, this one’s for you. #Perth #WA #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #PerthHappenings #PerthWeekend #ThisisWA #FamilyFriendly #PerthEvents #AstronomyForKids #experienceperth #experiencewa #ThingsToDoInPerth #SeePerth #SummerEventsWA #FreeEventPerth #FamilyFriendlyWA #perthentertainment #SearchBeyondTheStars #WAReflections #WAFilm #WADocumentary #StateLibraryWA #perthobservatory #perthobs
✨🌠 Geminids Meteor Shower 2025 🌠✨ If yo ✨🌠 Geminids Meteor Shower 2025 🌠✨ If you only watch one meteor shower this year, make it the Geminids. The Geminids peak on the night of Sunday 14 December into the early hours of Monday 15 December, with the best activity expected between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am AWST. Better still, this year we’re blessed with a Waning Crescent Moon, meaning darker skies and more meteors. From the outer suburbs of Perth and the Perth Hills, you can expect around 10–15 meteors per hour, while dark locations across Western Australia could see 30–50 meteors per hour during the peak. Even nights either side of the peak can still put on a great show. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which rises around 10 pm, but the trick is to look 30–45 degrees away from Gemini to catch longer, brighter streaks across the sky. Our Geminids event at the Observatory is now sold out, but you don’t need a telescope to enjoy this show. Head somewhere dark, dress warmly, lie back, and enjoy one of the best celestial displays of the year. For the ultimate experience, consider travelling into the Central Wheatbelt; even a simple rest area will deliver stunning skies. Clear skies and happy meteor watching! 🌌 #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #spacenews #space #astronomynews #astronomy #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthhappenings #whatsinthesky #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #experiencewa #nightsky #stargazing #whatsinthesky #meteor #meteorshower #geminids #geminids2025 #photography #astrophotography #nightphotography #perthobservatory #perthobs
It is with immense pride that we share the wonderf It is with immense pride that we share the wonderful news that our very own Ken Stranger, Facilities and IT Manager, Finance Officer, and Acting Operations Manager, has been recognised at the State level with both the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2025 Outstanding Service Award by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). This is a massive and well-deserved honour. Ken contributes thousands of volunteer hours to the Observatory and is one who keeps everything running, often behind the scenes, always with dedication, care, and professionalism. The awards were presented at a special event last Friday by Matt Swinbourn MLC and DBCA Director General Stuart Smith, celebrating volunteers who make outstanding contributions to Western Australia’s parks, wildlife, and communities. On behalf of everyone at the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, thank you, Ken, and a huge congratulations on this incredible achievement. We are lucky to have you! #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthhappenings #VolunteerOfTheYear #OutstandingService #VolunteerRecognition #ThankYouVolunteers #WAvolunteers #DBCA #CommunityChampions #ProudMoment #MakingADifference #perthobservatory #perthobs
Today, we celebrate the beating heart of the Perth Today, we celebrate the beating heart of the Perth Observatory, the people who give their time, passion, knowledge, humour, and energy to keep this place shining. Our volunteers are mentors, guides, storytellers, telescope whisperers, problem solvers, archivists, gardeners, creators, and quiet heroes behind the scenes. Every night tour, every school group visit, every workshop, every photograph shared online, every piece of history preserved, and every smile on a visitor’s face is possible because of you. You welcome people from all over the world, you inspire the next generation of stargazers, and you keep Western Australia’s oldest observatory alive, relevant, and loved. From the domes to the museum, from the telescopes to the grounds, your impact is felt everywhere. You make a difference that stretches far beyond the hilltops and well into the night sky. On behalf of everyone at the Perth Observatory, ✨ Thank you for everything you do ✨ Thank you for the passion you bring ✨ and thank you for helping people fall in love with the Universe We are proud of you, grateful for you, and endlessly inspired by you. Happy International Volunteers Day. 💙🌙 #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthgram #perthlife #perthhappenings #perthhills #IVD2025 #InternationalVolunteersDay #InternationalVolunteersDay2025 #IVY2026 #VolunteerYear #EveryContributionMatters #Volunteers #ThankYouVolunteers #VolunteerAppreciation #CommunitySpirit #WACommunity #AstronomyCommunity #SupportLocal #AstronomyOutreach #ScienceEducation #VolunteersMakeItHappen #ProudVolunteer #perthobservatory #perthobs
The International Space Station (@iss) will fly ov The International Space Station (@iss) will fly over extremely bright this Saturday at 8:22 pm (6th of Dec - Mag -3.7). To use the attached maps, face south and hold the map above your head, and you'll see the path of the flyover. Image Credit: Matt Woods (@matthewlwwoods) #spotthestation #internationalspacestation #spacestation #iss #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthnow #perthgram #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #perthhappenings #ThisisWA #wanderoutyonder #perthhills #perthisok #perthlife #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #perthentertainment #seeperth #whatsoninperth #stargazing #nightsky #perthobservatory #perthobs
🌍✨ DEFENDING EARTH: A Night of Space, Science 🌍✨ DEFENDING EARTH: A Night of Space, Science, and Big Questions! ✨🌍 Looking for a summer night out that’s exciting, educational, and perfect for the whole family? Join us under the stars for a special evening with Associate Professor David Coward, one of Australia’s leading experts in asteroid tracking and planetary defence! 👉 Book your tickets now using the Linktree link in our description Saturday, 31 January – Perth Observatory ⏰ 8 pm start, doors open 5 pm 🎟 Adult $30 | Concession $25 | Child (5–17) $20 Kids and adults alike will love learning about: ☄️ How we find dangerous asteroids before they find us 🌠 What happened during the Chelyabinsk fireball 🔭 How telescopes in WA help protect Earth 🚀 The incredible discoveries made right here in Australia Professor Coward has worked with NASA, tracked colliding neutron stars, hunted space debris, and even contributed to the first detection of gravitational waves. He’s the perfect guide through the exciting world of planetary protection! 🌿 Bring a blanket, warm clothes and enjoy the talk on our back lawn (weather permitting). It’s a great way to spark curiosity, encourage young astronomers, and enjoy a relaxing night in the Perth Hills. ✨ Whether you’re a family of stargazers, a space enthusiast, or just love learning something new, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Book your spots now and spend the evening exploring the science that keeps our planet safe! Video credit: ds-films (https://bit.ly/4iHTqLK) Music credit: Dark Ambient Soundscape Dreamscape by DELOSound (https://bit.ly/44MzvVQ) #Perth #WA #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #PerthHappenings #PerthWeekend #ThisisWA #FamilyFriendly #PerthEvents #AstronomyForKids #PlanetaryDefence #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #experiencewa #ThingsToDoInPerth #SeePerth #VisitWA #SummerEventsWA #FamilyFriendlyWA #perthentertainment #perthhills #WAEvents #perthobservatory #perthobs
🌕❄️ December’s Full “Cold” Supermoon 🌕❄️ December’s Full “Cold” Supermoon Is Nearly Here! ❄️🌕 Get ready for the final full moon of the year, and it’s going out with a celestial bang, December’s Full “Cold” Supermoon! Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the temperature (although summer nights in WA are chef’s kiss for moon-watching). The “Cold Moon” is a traditional name given by the Old Farmer's Almanac as Northern Hemisphere cultures mark the arrival of winter. Down here, it’s more of a Warm-Evening-Perfect-For-A-Look Moon, but we’ll roll with tradition. 🌕 Why is it a Supermoon? Because the Moon will be a little closer to Earth in its orbit, it will appear slightly bigger and brighter in the sky. Not dramatically bigger, but just enough for your eyes and your camera to notice that extra glow. ✨ What to Look For: • A brilliantly bright full Moon rising in the east from 7:57 pm • Beautiful moonlit landscapes (great for photographers!) • Enhanced lunar features, craters and maria pop beautifully during a Supermoon • An excuse to step outside and enjoy our summer night skies 📸 Photo Tip: Use a tripod, zoom in, and drop your exposure a little, the Moon is brighter than you think! 🗓️ When to See It: The Cold Supermoon reaches fullness on Friday, December 5th at 7:14 am AWST, but it’ll look spectacular the night before and after too. #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #space #spacenews #astronomy #astronomynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #astrophotography #lunarphotography #moonphotography #astronomicalevent #beavermoon #coldmoon2025 #supermoon #supermoon2025 #DecemberSuperMoon #moon #fullmoon #luna #moonlovers #astrophoto #stargazing #perthobservatory #perthobs
Ready to capture Jupiter and Saturn in all their s Ready to capture Jupiter and Saturn in all their summer brilliance? Join us at Perth Observatory on Monday, January 6th, for a hands-on Photographing Gas Giants Workshop, perfect for astrophotographers looking to take their planetary imaging to the next level. You can book your spot using the Linktree link in our description. Summer is planet season, and Jupiter and Saturn are putting on an absolute show. With access to our telescopes and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to photograph these gas giants like a pro. Over the course of the evening, we’ll rotate a small group of twelve participants across four telescopes, giving everyone plenty of time to experiment, try different setups, and exchange techniques. Each telescope is equipped with a camera adaptor so you can record raw footage directly to your own camera, which you’ll be able to take home for processing and sharing later. Before we head out to the domes, we’ll start with a 30 to 45-minute theory session where you’ll learn about the equipment, software, and image-processing workflow, setting you up for success on the night. To get the most out of the workshop, you’ll need a good working knowledge of your camera and its settings, although we’ll guide you through the exact settings and techniques to use. If you’ve ever wanted to capture crisp, detailed planetary images, this is your chance. Spots are limited, so don’t wait. #Perth #WA #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #ThisisWA #astrophotography #photography #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #experiencewa #perthentertainment #perthhills #perthisok #camera #workshops #education #training #learning #learn #courses #nightsky #Jupiter #Saturn #perthobservatory #perthobs
Give a Christmas gift that is truly out of this wo Give a Christmas gift that is truly out of this world Looking for a meaningful present for the astronomy lover in your life, or someone who is simply impossible to buy for? Our Star Adoption Tour is a beautiful way to give them their very own place in the night sky, then visit the Perth Observatory to see it shining overhead. When you adopt a star, you will receive a personalised certificate and star map, and you can join us on a special guided tour where our volunteers will show you your star through our telescopes and share the stories of the cosmos. It is a thoughtful gift, an unforgettable experience, and a lovely way to support Western Australia’s oldest observatory. Explore the Star Adoption Tour here: https://loom.ly/RkFA9ZM Give a gift that lasts long after Christmas. The night sky is waiting. #perth #wa #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #gifts #giftideas #gifting #love #gift #Christmas #Christmas2025
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337 Walnut Rd Bickley WA 6076

(08) 9293 8255

info@perthobservatory.com.au

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ABN 14 565 272 536

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