Astrofest

Saturday November 28 is 'Astrofest', an astronomical extravaganza for the International Year of Astronomy. This event will take place at Curtin Stadium & Edinburgh Oval, and will feature a range of interesting and engaging activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy whether they're 'astro-nerds' or 'cosmic-newbies'.

Astrofest will have;

- Science shows

- Hands-on activities

- Rocketry

- Competitions

- Space Domes (inflatable planetariums)

...and even a ‘Moonwalker’ bungee ride!

Plus! Science talks given by local astronomers, stalls and displays from local societies, groups, organisations and Universities, an Astrophotography exhibition, daytime observing of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter with optical and radio telescopes.

More! A special presentation called ‘Pluto and the Ueber-nerds’ given by Professor Fred Watson of the Anglo-Australian Observatory and then a look at the West Australian night sky through scopes of every shape and size imaginable.

Download the Astrofest Flyer here 772.08 Kb and get a group together!

For more information please contact

Where

Location: ‘Curtin Stadium’ on the Curtin University of Technology Campus, Bentley

The stadium is situated on the east side of the campus as indicated below.

Curtin Stadium, Bentley

Still need a bit more help to know where you're going?

Visit Curtin University at Google Maps to get customised directions, straight from your driveway.

Get involved

Win an 8" Dobsonian telescope just by sending in your form and coming down to Astrofest!!

Register for Astrofest!

Astrofest is a free event too, so it won't cost anything to register the whole family.

Astrofest Preview Night

Peter will help you explore the planets of our solar system and show just how huge the universe is with a unique demonstration called 'Powers of 10'.
So make sure you listen to afternoons on 720 ABC between November 2 - 6 for the daily Astrofest code word and definition. Then enter both of these online at ABC Perth website to go in the running to win!

Event: Astrofest Preview Night
Date: Friday November 13
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Location: Horizon – the Planetarium

Event Guide

Day time activities

* Click on the maps for a downloadable version

BYO or have a look through some of the largest telescopes in WA under the guidance of expert Astronomers.

Presentation by special guest Prof Fred Watson: Pluto and the Ueber-nerds

When is a planet not a planet? When it's a dwarf-planet, perhaps? So what's the difference?

In 2006, astronomy's governing body, the International Astronomical Union, wrestled with this very question at their General Assembly in Prague.

Before we knew it, media all around the world had declared that Pluto had been 'dumped' from its status as the ninth planet, hinting that it had been unfairly thrown out of the Solar System. And in 2008 things got worse, with Pluto joining the lowly ranks of a new class of objects with the unflattering name of Plutoids.

In this entertaining and fully illustrated journey through Pluto's eventful history, Fred Watson debates whether pragmatism and good science should prevail over sentiment and tradition.

Speakers

An impressive array of well-respected speaker will be delivering astro-talks throughout the day. A schedule of the presentations is below, so you can make sure you don't miss a beat.

Presentation Synopses

Since 2006 an Autonomous All-Sky Desert Fireball Camera Network has been established in the Western Australian Nullarbor. Today, four satellite monitored cameras designed to operate in extreme desert conditions have been developed and deployed in the Nullarbor. Orbits are calculated from fireballs, and meteorite fall positions (over an area of approximately 400,000 km2) are determined for later recovery. Data from a prototype camera operating over a two year period indicated that 8-12 meteorite falls may be detected per year. In the sparsely vegetated Nullarbor, it is expected to recover around 4 observed meteorite falls per year. The Network’s first success was the recovery of three fragments of the same meteorite that fell on 20 July 2007.This exciting project will dramatically increase the number of recovered meteorites with known orbits, and improve our knowledge of the number and size range of meteorites falling to Earth each year.

Bio
Associate Professor Alex Bevan is Curator of Mineralogy and Meteoritics at the WA Museum, an Honorary Research Fellow at UWA, and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Imaging at Curtin University. Alex’s early research focused on the effects of catastrophic collisions between minor planets during the early history of the Solar System. His wider research interests extend to metallurgy and materials science. At the WA Museum he brings to bear thirty years of research experience both here and overseas.

* * *

Dr Andrew Williams
Searching for life beyond Earth

Almost every astronomer, if asked for their opinion, would say that the existence of life outside the Earth is not just possible, but almost certain, and probably very common. This talk will describe the extraordinary single-celled life forms recently discovered on Earth, the places within our own Solar System that simple - or even complex - life could exist right now, and the rapidly increasing rate of discovery of planets outside the Solar System, all of which have led to the development of a new field of science - Astrobiology.

Bio
Andrew studied at UWA, and liked student life so much he ended up with a PhD in Physics in 1997 before he finally had to join the 'real world'. His research project was to automate the main telescope out at Perth Observatory and use it to set up an automatic search for exploding stars (supernovae). As part of this project, he built the first digital camera in WA, to use on the telescope, and wrote an awful lot of software to control the telescope and new digital camera.

Since then Andrew has been working full time at Perth Observatory, a tiny WA State Government institution, now part of the Department Environment and Conservation. As well as supernovae, he has been involved with other research topics including SETI (hunting for aliens) and gravitational microlensing (when the gravity of distant stars magnifies the light from even more distant stars, like a giant natural telescope). The highlight of the microlensing work was helping to discover a planet in 2005. Recently, he's gotten involved in radio astronomy, helping to build the 'Murchison Widefield Array', a radio telescope being built in WA at the proposed site for the massive 'Square Kilometre Array' telescope.

* * *

Dave Cooper
Two Planets, One Future

David Cooper, President of the Mars Society Australia will promote Australia's role in the coming expansion of Human activities into the rest of the Solar System, especially the Moon and Mars. He will discuss the Mars Society's projects and the consotiums being formed to make sure Australia has a role in this exciting century.

Mr Cooper and other Directors will also be available at the Mars Society stand to discuss such things as Mars Rovers, Space Elevators, Educational Outreach and Exploration.

* * *

There’s a lot to consider when taking the plunge and buying a telescope. David Nicholson will discuss the myriad of options and how to make the right decision for you.

Bio
Now a retired Electronics and Communications engineer I was responsible for starting the Golden Grove Observatory in the mid '90's as Perth's first commercial observatory.  In 2001, in conjunction with Prof. David Blair, setup the Southern Cross Cosmos Centre in Gingin as the first stage of the Gravity Discovery Centre complex.  Although now not an owner of the observatory, I am on the board of the Gravity Discovery Foundation and I still have a close connection and interest in astronomy.

"This photo was taken when I was showing some people around the Gingin Observatory. The interesting fact about the photo is that it was taken at 10.40 at night using only Moon-light!  It is a 30 second exposure at ISO 3200," David Nicholson.

* * *

Dr James Biggs
2012 and earlier hoax cosmic catastrophes I have survived

This talk is a light-hearted astronomy-based talk concerning 'cosmic hoaxes'. It will concentrate on the hoax catastrophes that the speaker has survived during his lifetime. These hoaxes present the opportunity to discuss some basic astronomy as well as provide the audience with some tools they can use to discern hoax from truly amazing astronomical discoveries.

Bio
Dr James Biggs is Government Astronomer for Western Australia / Director of Perth Observatory and Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University of Technology, and, James Cook University, QLD.

His research interests (when he gets time) include:
• Asteroid, comet and transient source detection, monitoring, imaging and photometry
• Radio pulsars
• Signal processing
• Astronomy education and outreach, and public conceptions of astronomy.

* * *

John Jacob
Moon Landing Hoax Theories:  What real evidence do we have for the Apollo program?

In this presentation, aerospace engineer John Jacob reveals the behind-the-scenes evidence and examines what it says about the Apollo program in plain English.  What evidence was returned from the Moon, and how do we know that it is genuine?  Who actually witnessed the moon landing taking place on the Moon?  What would someone have to have known, before it was known, to have created even a temporarily successful fraud?  What is today's most compelling evidence that it actually occurred?  Join us for this unique event and find out how we know the Moon landings were real.

Bio
John Jacob has a degree in Physics and a Master's in Aerospace Engineering.  As a researcher and skilled science communicator with over 25 years' experience, John has become a frequent presenter and speaker here in Perth since his arrival on our shores 8 years ago. John operates an R&D consultancy business, has a number of web sites, and writes an online newsletter.  John is a frequent guest speaker at the Gingin Observatory, the Gravity Discovery Centre, the Inventor's Association of WA, Trinity School for Seniors, various Probus and Rotary clubs, and just recently, the annual conference of the Science Teachers Association of WA.

* * *

Paul Luckas will talk about two areas where amateurs can contribute to science research - Supernovae discovery, and Minor Planet follow-up.

He will explain the details of his observatory, equipment and techniques, and summarise his research program, discoveries and current focus - Near Earth Objects.

He specialises in the use of high-end, but relatively low cost, amateur equipment to conduct astronomical research, and has deployed robotic telescopes both overseas and in Australia.

Competitions!

Astrophotography Competition

Astrofest 2009 is proud to announce the inaugural Astrophotography Competition. To find out more click on the Astrophotography tab above.

Astrofest Art & Model Competition

Have you got a great idea for an alien? A plan for a futuristic base on Mars? Or maybe a design for the spaceship we need to get us there?

This is your chance to put your skills to the test and get cosmically creative for the first ever Astrofest Art & Model Competition.

With several age categories and great prizes for the winners this is a competition not to be missed.

A number of entries will be exhibited at Astrofest and winners will be announced as part of the event.

Entries can be of absolutely anything as long as they’re cosmic, so start your project!

Download the Art and Model comp entry and conditions.pdf

Download the Art and Model Competition Flyer here

P R I Z E S

• A selection of the best artworks and models will be exhibited as part of Astrofest on November 28 at Curtin Stadium in Bentley.

• The best entry across the two disciplines (art or model) will receive a new 8 inch equatorial mounted telescope courtesy of Binocular, Telescope and Optical World in Malaga, valued at RRP $700.

• The top entry in each of the four school aged categories for both art and model competitions will receive a ‘Young Collectors 2009 Space $1 Coins album’ courtesy of The Perth Mint and valued at RRP $79.95 ea.

• The top entry in the ‘Big Kids’ category for each competition will receive a ‘First Man on the Moon’ 1oz Silver Proof Coins courtesy of The Perth Mint and valued at RRP $107.50 ea.

• 2nd and 3rd prize entrants for each category will each receive a 2010 ‘Astronomy’ calendar courtesy of Astrovisuals and valued at RRP $14.95.

• The top 3 of each category will also receive a certificate indicating their achievement and their contribution to Astrofest 2009.

Astrophotography

Astrofest 2009 is proud to announce the inaugural 2009 Astrophotography Competition, in

Click flyer to download your entry form!

To mark this special occasion, astronomers and photographers are invited to enter their astrophotography in the competition.

The theme for the competition is ‘Western Australia at Night”. A selection of the best photos submitted will be exhibited at Astrofest 2009 with selected photos also exhibited on the Astronomy WA web site.

The competition is open to any photographer or astronomer, (professional or amateur), adults and youth, who reside in Australia or who have visited Western Australia.

This year’s competition is an open competition. Entrants may submit astronomical photos such as star trails, night‐scapes, solar system objects (moon, sun, planets) or deep space images etc.

How to enter

1. Download the form and complete
2. Prepare your digital photo submission (up to 3 digital photo entries per person / JPEG format up to 3 MB maximum in size per photo. Please also include a low resolution image (up to 100KB JPEG format)
3. E‐mail your photo submission and entry form to the address provided on the form.

Submissions close 5pm, Friday 6th November and winning entries will be exhibited during Astrofest 2009 on Saturday 28th November at Curtin Stadium in Bentley.

The winning entries will be selected according to their aesthetic appeal, innovation and creativity, technical achievement and astronomical significance.

So get out your cameras and start snapping!

Judging will be carried out by John Goldsmith, producer of the “Celestial Visions” exhibition.

P R I Z E

Thanks to the generous support of Astrofest by Perth Mint our competitions feature some fantastic prizes.

Stargazers can celebrate their heavenly pastime with this outstanding commemorative marking Australia’s official participation in the International Year of Astronomy and the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s famous astronomical observations with a telescope.

• Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
• The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
  Coloured Reverse Design
• The coin’s reverse portrays two young people observing a coloured representation of the night sky with a telescope.
• As well as The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the design includes a stylised depiction of the Southern Cross constellation and the inscription INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY 2009.
• Australian Legal Tender
• Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse
• Extremely Limited Mintage
• The Perth Mint will release no more than 7,500 of these coins
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
• Presentation Packaging
  Each coin is housed in a black presentation case and superbly illustrated shipper accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Technical Specifications
  Silver Content (Troy oz) 1
  Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
  Fineness (% purity) 99.9
  Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135
  Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60
  Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00

For out more about prizes and what's on offer from Perth Mint for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy visit the Perth Mint

Looking For Inspiration?

Image Sourced: NASA. Image Credit: Richard Payne, Arizona Astrophotography

Visit the links to explore some of the most captivating celestial visions, from professionals.

The World at Night

Russell Croman Astrophotography

Philip Perkins, AstroCruise

Matt BenDaniel, Smarmatt

Supporters

Astrofest is only possible with the help, support and sponsorship of West Australian organisations dedicated to education, astronomy, science and local community. So Astronomy WA says thank you so the following supporters.

• Astronomical Group of Western Australia
• Astronomical Society of Western Australia
• Perth Observatory
• Gingin Observatory
• Gravity Discovery Centre
• Horizon Planetarium and
• Scouts Australia
• The Mars Society