Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre
Highlights
- Unique observatories featuring one of Australia's largest private telescopes.
- Experience stunning simulated night skies in a dual-function planetarium.
- Located in Tamworth, perfect for major public astronomy events and tours.
Overview
A new astronomy and science complex with a multi-function auditorium accommodating up to 200 people for live presentations with extensive displays of meteorites, minerals, megafauna, astronomical images and items of scientific interest.
The centre houses three observatories. An adjoining roll-off roof observatory houses multiple large telescopes for public viewing nights, including one of the largest privately-owned telescopes in Australia. Also adjoining the auditorium is a 6.7 metre domed observatory which has a dual function as a planetarium theatre for simulated night sky views and audio-visual presentations.
The complex includes a purpose-built, split-roof observatory for the historic Hewitt Camera, one of only two built by the British military in the 1960's for 5.5 million pounds to track missiles and satellites and later used for astronomical research at Siding Spring Observatory. The Hewitt Camera/telescope has been upgraded to digital photographic capabilities, feeding incredibly detailed, live colour images of deep-sky astronomical objects to the observatory's projection screens.
Radio astronomy dishes and equipment are being installed at the complex. Extensive outdoor spaces enable the facility to host major public astronomy events.
The complex is the headquarters of the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club Inc with approximately 250 active members.
Group tours are by application please connect with us for further details.
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FAQs
Accessibility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
Have a wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room
Have accessible seating areas in theatrette
Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked
Have step free access to the conference or function room
Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints
Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone
Use Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)