Discover The Wonders of the Universe

City of Mitcham is located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.The Mitcham Library Service is a Public Library Service in Adelaide, South Australia.Mitcham Memorial Library, 154 Belair Road,  HawthornBlackwood Library, 215 Main Road,  Blackwood

City of Mitcham

An evening of astronomy talks, a night sky tour and telescope viewing.

Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre)

Join us for a unique and exciting Astronomy &amp; Stargazing experience with short talks about the night sky, the Universe, telescopes and astrophotography, a laser-guided tour of the night sky, as well as visual and electronic stargazing using advanced telescopes (weather permitting).Dr Kym Thalassoudis enjoys a life-long passion for Astronomy and Space with special interests in astronomy outreach, electronically assisted astronomy, and supernova photometry. Kym is a Past President of the Astronomical Society of South Australia.Program Details6:30pm Short Presentation on Visual &amp; Smart Telescopes (15 mins)This session introduces the telescopes that will be available on the night and how to use them. The limitations of conventional visual-only telescopes will be explained and how the emergence of revolutionary and afforable Smart Telescopes are enabling anone to explore the depths of the Universe like never before, including from light-polluted backyards.6:45pm Cosmic Perspectives Presentation (30 mins)This session provides a basic framework for understanding the night sky highlights the mindboggling size of the Universe, and showcases the types of celestial objects and phenomena that can be onserved on clear nights. The presentation will be illustated with photographs of different celestial objects, some taken from a light-polluted backyard. The talk will span the Earth-Moon Sysem, the Solar System, the Milky Way and Extragalactic Space.7:15pm Laser-Guided Tour of the Night Sky (15 mins)We now step outside where a bright laser pointer will be used to orientate guests with the night sky by pointing out planets, bright stars, constellations and the Milky Way.7:30pm Stargazing Session (60 to 90 mins)Computer-controlled telescopes will be used to show guests a selection of celestial objects in the night sky. For example, the Moon, visable planets, double and multiple star systems, rubyred carbon stars, wispy nebulae and star clusters. A separate imaging telescope will be used to photograph much fainter, more distant celestial objects, otherwise not visable to the eye through a telescope. Real-time imagery will be projected onto large screens for guests to view while seated comfortably indoors. The fainter celestial objects will be selected from a list of asteroids, comets, galexies, supernovae and quasars. Expert commentary will enhance the experience so guests can understand what they are viewing. Where possible, images captured during the session will be shared with guests.9:00pm Close Alternative Program (in case of bad weather)Unfortunately, it’s not possible to guarantee clear skies for stargazing sessions. Hence, an alternative stargazing-related program will be offered if bad or cloudy weather conditions prevail on the night. This program is flexible and may include short talks on: How to Find Celestial Objects, Selecting Binoculars &amp; Telescopes, and Getting Started in Astrophotography. The City of Mitcham welcomes all to this FREE community event.Program is aimed at adults and children 7 + Access to Tiwu Kumangka: Accessible carparks are available via the entrance on Young Street, with sealed pathway to building. Additional carparking available via Edwards Street carpark and on street parking.

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