EVENT: Astrofest 2011

Astrofest 2011 will take place on Saturday March 12th at Curtin Stadium on the Curtin University campus in Bentley.

A celebration of astronomy, science and the amazing West Australian night sky, this family friendly event will provide a fun, free and engaging educational experience for all.

With activities, displays and telescopes of all shapes and sizes, Astrofest 2011 is sure to get people of all ages and backgrounds switched on to astronomy and science.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with local astronomers and scientists, hear indigenous interpretations of the night sky presented by Aboriginal Elder Dr Noel Nannup, and experience an AstroArt exhibition featuring the work of WA astrophotographers and artists.

On March 12th the Sun will set just after 6:30pm, with Mercury and Jupiter not far behind. The waxing crescent Moon will be less than a week old, presenting spectacular views of the terminator and craters. To the South will be the Southern Cross, The Jewel Box Open Cluster, Omega Centauri, a globular cluster and our galactic neighbours the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Saturn will also rise just before 8pm.

Before the sun sets, Astrofest will start at 5:00pm with displays, information booths 'space domes' and activities. Night sky observing will get underway at about 7pm.

Astrofest is coordinated by the 'Astronomy WA' collective, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Scitech and the WA branch of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC-WA).