This page details events happening in the sky and the latest news from the observatory.

New Images

The images below are some test shots taken with our new camera set up. They were taken on Sunday the 8th of August 2010 and Friday 13th of August (Moon and Omega Cent). I'll put them on our gallery page soon. They are nice examples of the sorts of things we show you at the observatory.

Above, is globular star cluster M22, taken through one of our telescopes. Below is an image, again through the telescope of the open star cluster the jewel box, located near the Southern Cross. Both images are only test shots!

Below are images taken on the 13th of August.  Globular Star cluster NGC 5139, Omega Cent (not far from the southern cross) and the other is the crescent Moon.

Lunar Eclipse Night of the 26th of June 2010

Despite some rather persistent and annoying cloud, the lunar eclipse "Open Night" was quite successful. The cloud was fairly thin, so the moon was readily seen. We had a few visitors turn up with cameras in hand to take photos and enjoy the evening. Many thanks to those that turned up. We were also able to show a few constellation in breaks in the cloud. Below are two images of the partial lunar eclipse.

Images of the Lunar Eclipse of the 26th of June 2010. The moon was partially immersed in Earths Shadow. (Bathurst Observatory Research Facility Images)

Open Nights, our new sky tours!

We are very pleased to announce that by popular demand we are offering night tours again at the observatory. I have received numerous requests by the public and school groups to offer my services for tours again. As such we are going to offer from June some tours. We are calling them "Open Nights" as we will be showcasing the night sky without an observatory dome to get in the way of seeing the whole night sky. We will use a computer equipped telescope to view and enjoy the night sky. Tour dates and times will be posted on the home page and the news page. Booking will be essential!!!!! If these tours are popular, we will make them a regular monthly or weekly event.

Negotiation Under Way for the Big Scope!

The big 0.5 metre telescope plans are well underway, with discussion taking place as to how we can best use such a telescope. If all goes to plan, the telescope may arrive in the next few months for testing and evaluation.

Tornado Passes by the Observatory.

On the 18th of December 2009, a small tornado passed by about 1km to the North of the observatory. It was just before 5:30 pm local time and the twister developed quickly with the thunderstorm. There was some heavy rain, but little thunder. The tornado moved eastwards and lasted some 4 to 5 minutes before "knotting" up and breaking down.  See images on the bottom of our Gallery page.

Meteorite Research and Classification Backlog.

Please note that I have lately received a large amount of meteorites to work on, so classifications submitted now would likely take 36 months to complete! Also, there have been some unexpected breakdowns with the EMP unit that has also delayed much of the current work. As such I currently prefer not to take on anymore new samples, until I can clear the backlog of waiting material. If however the sample is urgent or somehow special, I will see what I can do.

The main hold up is the microprobe analysis, so if you have another laboratory that can undertake the analysis for you, I am happy to undertake the rest of the process including the petrology. I am also happy to hear from any institution that may be interested in joint research work. 

NEWSFLASH! I now have another university willing to do the probe work, however there will be a fee charged to cover this cost.

New Display Centre

We are keeping the detail secret at present, but there are major plans for our meteorite displays. Details in coming months!

Another Strange Hobby

Not only is the observatory working on meteorites and astronomy related projects, but we are now also restoring an old steam engine. Although not related to astronomy, the observatory operator has an interest in old engines and the old steam engine is one of a few old engines that may be worked on this year. The current project is a 1910 Marshall M.P class horizontal steam engine. We hope to have it fully restored for its 100th birthday.

We have had a flurry of work on the old Marshall engine and will soon have it ready for painting and then the big task of reassembly can take place. We are still on target to have it finished for late 2010.

A.N.U Assists in Research

The Australian National University in Canberra is assisting with the meteorite research. This should help clear the huge backlog of work and meteorites awaiting classification. A.N.U have some of the latest analytical tools so we are very excited to have A.N.U on board.

The Milky region near the Southern Cross (Crux)

NGC 104, Just one of the things we study at the observatory