Media release

From: ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)

Dr. Brad Tucker, from the Centre of Excellence for All-Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D) and the Australian National University, together with Mr. Peter Swanton, also from ANU, will give the telescopes to Cowra and Orange high schools on May 17 and 18.

The scientists will talk to students about astronomy and show them how to use the telescopes, known as “eight-inch Dobsonians”. Once the sun goes down, they will host stargazing events for the public.

“In areas like the central west of NSW, away from city lights, the skies are very dark and filled with stars everywhere, a truly breathtaking sight,” said Dr. Tucker.

“But by using a good quality telescope you can see so much more. We hope that the students, schools, and the communities will be able to make good, continuing use of the ones we bring. I hope they go on to develop detailed and inspiring astronomy projects for years to come, as well as a passion and love of science.”

Mr. Swanton is a Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay man from Mackay, in Queensland. He currently works at ANU’s Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with Indigenous students in the area and introducing them – and the wider community – to Indigenous interpretations of the night sky,” he said.

The school visits are the first of many planned for around Australia. They are part of the project called Scientists Taking Astronomy to Regional Schools, or STARS, organised by ASTRO 3D and ANU.

The project will see working astronomers visit dozens of primary and secondary schools. They will conduct workshops, hold star-gazing evenings, and show students how to operate the telescopes and properly record the data they gather.

“Regional kids can study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at school, but access to STEM professionals and specialist programs is difficult because they are mainly located in larger towns and cities,” said ASTRO 3D’s Dr. Delese Brewster, one of the architects of the program.

“But regional kids have a huge advantage in astronomy. Our countryside has big skies with minimal light pollution. This program aims to inspire children across Australia to look up and explore the universe.”

STARS is funded by a Federal Government Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement grant, aimed at encouraging STEM education in schools.