Discover the Night Sky

Astronomer Dr Tanya Hill takes you on a guided tour deep into the cosmos in this series of special events.
Concrete Playground
Published on June 30, 2025

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Overview

The glittery night sky has long been a source of mystery and wonder, but, surprisingly, there aren't too many exhibitions or events across Melbourne that let you explore its depths—until now. Enter Discover The Night Sky, the Melbourne Planetarium's new monthly astronomy series hosted by renowned astronomer Dr Tanya Hill.

Blending science and storytelling with awe-inspiring visuals, this immersive five-part, after-dark program dives into a different cosmic theme each month. Each session is projected across a captivating 16-metre domed screen, paired with a powerful 7.1 surround sound system. Settle into a plush, reclining chair as you journey through the universe to uncover the science behind eclipses and exoplanets, the Milky Way and mind-boggling black holes.

Looking for a fun date night idea? Or something a little more inspired than the usual post-work pub beers? Discover The Night Sky is the antidote to midweek monotony. Stargaze through telescopes guided by amateur astronomers while sipping drinks and enjoying snacks from the Galaxy Bar.

Host Dr Tanya Hill says looking up at the beautiful night sky—especially shared with others—can force you to slow down and open up to new perspectives. "What I'm really excited about is sharing with people the things we can't plan for. There's always something new that's being discovered about the universe, and I want to take people behind the headlines. We'll do a deep dive into the research and details of any new discoveries—what we've learnt, how they come about, and what mysteries still need to be figured out."

Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply curious about the cosmos, the Melbourne Planetarium's Discover The Night Sky offers an engaging, educational, and beautifully immersive experience.

'Discover the Night Sky' will run on the last Thursday of the month from Thursday, July 31–November 27. Tickets are limited, to secure yours, visit the website.

By Elise Cullen, images by Eugene Hyland (courtesy of Melbourne Planetarium)

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