Hands-On Astronomy
Days: Any clear night
Duration: 2 hours
Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what’s up there? Or maybe you’ve seen images from Hubble or the James Webb Space Telescope and wondered what you were looking at? In this hands-on session, learn how to operate a telescope and then take the reins yourself to traverse the night sky. With a maximum group size of 4 astro-enthusiasts, this interactive experience lets you work closely with an astronomer. Learn astrophysics 101 (no maths involved, we promise!) and the basics of astrophotography with no prior experience necessary. Digital copies of images you take on the night are included. If you’ve ever been interested in astronomy and want a gentle starting point, this session is made for you.
Experience Includes:
Hands-on, small group size of 2-4
You run the telescope alongside astronomer-led explanations of your chosen targets
Content tailored to any experience level
Learn about different types of telescopes and how they operate
Astrophysics 101 - learn how our universe works through the eyes of a telescope, with no maths!
Astrophotography 101 - learn about amateur and scientific imaging while taking your own photos of celestial objects
Enjoy a selection of local coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and treats
Digital copies of your photos supplied to you the following day
Special take-home gift included
Please Note:
Suitable for ages 10+. Children (up to 15 years of age) need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Minimum tour size of 2
Night sky experiences are weather dependant, and clear skies are essential to our experiences. In the event of unsuitable weather or cloud cover, we may cancel or slightly adjust the start time to ensure you have the best possible experience. We monitor forecasts closely and will send you an email by 12 noon on the day of your booking (or up to 48 hours before) to let you know if your experience will be going ahead. In the case of a cancellation, we will offer a voucher/credit, which is transferable, valid for any of our tours, and can be used anytime within the next three years. If you would prefer to discuss rescheduling for an alternative date or request a refund, you are welcome to reach out to us via reply email within 24 hours of the cancellation.
Online bookings close at 12 noon on the day of an experience. Same day bookings after this time can only be made via phone at 0419 780 845 or email at info@sunshinecoaststargazing.com.au.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more info.