Sydney Observatory's Late-Night Program

Overview

Sydneysiders, it's time to look up — and pair your stargazing with astronomy talks, tunes, performances, and drinks and bites to eat from leading New South Wales producers. That's all on the agenda at Sydney Observatory's new late-night series, which'll turn looking at the heavens into a party.

Kicking off on Saturday, October 8, the program's debut session doubles as the launch of Dr Nick Lomb's Australasian Sky Guide for 2023, too. It's the go-to resource about the southern night sky, complete with details of starry happenings to look forward to, viewing tips, and monthly sky maps. In this latest version, there's also an article on Wiradjuri constellations by Wiradjuri woman and PhD astrophysics candidate Kirsten Banks — and she'll be there on the night as part of the lineup of speakers, who'll chat between telescope views of Saturn, Jupiter and the moon.

Scott Donkin

From there, Sydney Observatory's late-night lineup will return monthly — except in December, when the city is too busy looking at Christmas lights rather than the shining heavens. The November date, on Tuesday, November 8, is timed for a total lunar eclipse, while the Sunday, January 22 event will celebrate Lunar New Year, the Wednesday, February 22 session links in with World Pride, and the Saturday, March 25 fun will coincide with Earth Hour.

Dates have been set until mid-2023, in fact, including a rare daytime event on Thursday, April 20 for the partial solar eclipse, backing it up a few weeks later on Saturday, May 6 for the full moon, and returning on Friday, June 22 for 2023's winter solstice.

While entry is free, bookings are still essential. You'll be paying for whatever you eat and drink, of course, and also hanging out a historic Sydney's historic spot that dates back to 1859.

Paul Haese