IMAGES: Two shortlisted images in the 2022 CWAS ‘David Malin Awards’ by Central West astro photographers. Top is The Gas Giants by Niall MacNeill and above is Orion the Hunter by Rodney Watters. They are both from Bathurst.
Star gazers and astrophiles are rejoicing about the return of the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) AstroFest returning this weekend after a two-year forced hiatus brought on by COVID-19 restrictions.
The one-day conference takes place in the Starlight Room of the Parkes Services Club tomorrow, 23rd July. The guest speakers will provide fascinating insights into various aspects of modern astronomy.
On Sunday, 24th July events will move to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre for daytime astronomy and talks.
The keynote address, or ‘John Bolton Lecture’ will be presented by Dr John Reynolds this year. John is the former officer in charge of the Parkes Observatory and is currently the Head of CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) Operations. He will present the plans for the future of Australian radio astronomy in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) era at 4:30pm in the Starlight Lounge tomorrow with a $10 entry free. Free entry for school students in full uniform.
Other speakers include Tori Tasker from the Australian Space Agency with detail on Australia’s plans for the Moon to Mars programme, including the options for an Australian human spaceflight program, which she is leading.
Blake Estes of Coonabarabran’s itelescope.net Observatory, and Garry Copper, of the Tamworth Astronomy and Science Centre, will provide details of their impressive facilities.
Another highlight of AstroFest is the announcement of the prestigious 2022 CWAS ‘David Malin Awards’ in astrophotography. The official opening of the Astrophotography Exhibition will take place from 10am on Sunday at the Parkes Observatory’s Visitors Centre. Daytime astronomy viewings will also be held (weather permitting) on the lawns of the Visitors Centre.
Registrations are required to attend the full conference. Visit www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/ for more.