By John Sarkissian OAM
Twenty years ago, in 2004, the Central West Astronomical Society held its inaugural festival of astronomy, or AstroFest.
It was so successful, that it quickly grew to become an annual event.
It is now recognised as being the premier event of its kind in Australia, and this year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The Central West of NSW boasts some of the darkest skies in Australia, and as such it is a wonderful place to appreciate the wonders of the night sky.
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In an effort to foster, encourage, and promote astronomy in the region, the AstroFest endeavours to bring to the people of the Central West world-renowned astronomers, both professional and amateur, so they may share their enthusiasm and love of the heavens.
The CWAS AstroFest incorporates a one-day conference and a programme of associated events.
The conference will be held in the function room of the Bushman's Motor Inn, on Saturday, September 28.
In a series of lectures, guest speakers will provide fascinating insights into various aspects of modern astronomy.
On Sunday, September 29, events will move to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre with a programme of daytime astronomy and talks.
The keynote speaker at this year’s AstroFest is the popular science communicator, Prof. Fred Watson.
Professor Watson uses his expertise to inspire people’s interest in astronomy and science.
Educated in Scotland at the universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Fred worked at both of Britain’s Royal Observatories before joining the Anglo-Australian Observatory as Astronomer-in-Charge in 1995.
Today, he is best known for his award-winning radio and TV broadcasts, books, music, dark-sky advocacy and the Space Nuts podcast.
His work also includes providing expert astronomy advice to government.
This year sees Australia’s largest optical telescope, the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) at Coonabarabran, celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening in October 1974 by HM King Charles III, then Prince of Wales.
Originally owned and operated by the Australian and British Governments, the 3.9-m AAT made an immediate impact on optical astronomy.
Several exciting decades of discovery and innovation followed, maintaining the telescope in the forefront of astronomical research.
In an entertaining and copiously illustrated talk, Fred will give an overview of its history, working life and future.
Another special guest speaker is Dr Carole Jackson of the CSIRO.
In a talk titled, “Australia & the Square Kilometre Array”, Carole will give an update on how Australia is playing a major role in realising the new Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.
Also, Dr Andrew Zic, a young research scientist at CSIRO, will describe his groundbreaking work on the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project; an effort to detect gravitational waves predicted by Einstein.
In additional, noted amateur astronomers, Trevor Barry of Broken Hill, and Steve Quirk of Mudgee, will describe how their work contributes significantly to our understanding of the Solar System.
A highlight of the AstroFest is the announcement of the winners of the astrophotography competition, the “David Malin Awards”.
In a special ceremony held during the AstroFest conference on Saturday afternoon, a panel of distinguished Australian astrophotographers, headed by the world-renowned Dr David Malin, will announce the winners of the competition.
The following day, the associated exhibition will officially open in the Visitors Centre of the CSIRO Parkes Observatory.
Also, members of the CWAS will have telescopes setup on the lawns of Visitors Centre to view the stars and planets in daytime.
The Sunday events at the dish are free of charge.
The AstroFest is a wonderful way to learn about astronomy in the Central West.
Bring your family and friends, and come and see the real thing.
For registration details and further information on the AstroFest, visit: https://www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/
Attendance at the conference is free of charge for students who attend in their school uniforms.
