The Gilgandra Observatory Current Viewing!

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Night Viewing Southern Cross, Pointers and Carina

The Southern Cross and Pointers are seen most of the year. The best time to see them is in winter. We can clearly see both now and they look great! The Jewel box is sparkling with its wonders, everyone should see this gem of the sky.
At the moment we are viewing the region around the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds.Full moon

We will make sure you see Stars, Open Clusters and Globular Clusters, also the Moon (when visible)! We'll try and find a magnificent Nebula, the birth places of stars!

 

Often we are asked to find Galaxies, when there are good ones around we'll have a look but remember they are millions of light years away and won't hit you in the eye!

 

Jupiter
Throughout the year we will see the two best planets, Jupiter and Saturn!

Saturn
Everyone must see the rings of Saturn with their own eyes.

  There are other objects to see and the best way is to come and visit us!

Check out these pictures from Siding Spring of other objects we view!

Planets Nebulas Clusters Galaxies Comets


Day Viewing Venus Venus! Jack with Dr and Mrs Dawe. 		 
Venus can easily be seen during the day. People often don't realize you can see Venus with the naked eye! In fact Dr John Dawe, director of Siding Spring Observatory, had it pointed out to him by Jack Estens many years ago.  
We also observe Sun spot activity on the sun. These appear as black regions on a projected image of the sun, through a refracting telescope onto a screen. The image is as nearly as good as the one obtained by the Solar Observatory at Culgora, Narrabri.
 

Unfortunately we are unable to open the Observatory during the day outside school holidays. 

During the NSW school holidays we will open for Day visits by appointment only.


Updated:19/11/2006