| Free public viewing nights Opportunity to explore the universe The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) was celebrated across the world to commemorate the occasion that Galileo turned his telescope to the heavens. Twinstar Guesthouse & Observatory at Ballandean participated in the celebration and provided the opportunity for local residents to enjoy the beauty of the night sky through the observatory's 46cm (18-inch) telescope. Following the success and popular demand, Twinstar Guesthouse & Observatory has decided to continue the night sky tour throughout 2010 offering this year's first free public viewing night in March. The observatory is part of a bed-and-breakfast accommodation business and generally not open to the public. However, on the public viewing nights, interested local residents will have the opportunity to explore the night sky under Ballandean's dark skies. (The free public viewing nights are provided as community service and mainly for local residents.) For visitors' safety and comfort, only six places will be available at each session and bookings are essential. (This event is not suitable for children under the age of 5 for safety reasons.) For enquiry and/or booking, call Twinstar Guesthouse & Observatory (4864 1135) or email (twin-star@bigpond.com). The general information on the night sky tour will be found here. This year’s free public viewing nights are scheduled as follows: 22 March, 21 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 16 August, 14 September, 14 October, 11 November, 9 December The starting time is usually 8.30 pm (QLD time), but may change. |
| Twinstar Guesthouse & Observatory |