Join us for a magical evening under the stars in Badgingarra. Discover two worlds in the night sky above with Yued Artist and Storyteller, Madeline Anderson, and Astrotourism WA Astronomy Guide, Riley Johnston. This special event includes a copy of the new Yued Aboriginal Astronomy Planisphere that features Weitj (Emu) in the Night Sky! Journey across the stars with a green laser pointer tour and marvel at Saturn, Jupiter and the brilliant Milky Way through telescopes before a spectacular Moon rise.

Details

When: 6.30pm – 9pm, Saturday 23 October 2021

Where: Badgingarra Primary School, McNamarra Rd, Badgingarra

What to bring: BYO chairs, torches, warm clothes, comfortable footwear, fly net, insect repellent. If you have binoculars or your own telescope, bring them along. If you don’t that’s okay – there will be telescopes set up that you can share.

Bookings: $25 adults, children 16 years and under are free! Book online here…

Tickets include a hamburger dinner, drinks and a special Weitj (Emu) in the Night Sky Aboriginal Astronomy Planisphere.

This event will go ahead rain or shine. In the case of cloudy weather, entertaining alternative presentations and fun activities for children will be held inside.

This is an alcohol free event.

Program

6.30pm: Badgingarra Primary School P&C Hamburger Dinner

Included in the event is a hamburger, drink, tea, coffee and hot chocolate with marshmallows.

7.00pm – 7.30pm: Welcome and Astronomy 101

Discover the wonderful world of astronomy in an introductory presentation by Astrotourism WA Astronomy Guide, Riley Johnston. The Universe is astounding and this will be a trip you won’t forget! Before going out to the stars, you’ll receive your own copy of the Yued Aboriginal Astronomy Planisphere that shows where the Weitj (Emu) in the Night Sky is located throughout the year.

7.30pm – 8.00pm: Night Sky Laser Pointer Tour

It’s a tale of two night skies. Hear about the Yued Aboriginal night sky and what it means for traditional life and culture. A Green Laser Pointer Tour of the constellations will show what’s up in the night sky.

8.00pm-9.00pm: Stargazing Through Telescopes

Make your way to the telescopes for a closer look at Saturn, Jupiter, star clusters and much more. Chat with Madeline Anderson about Yued Aboriginal Astronomy. It’s also a chance to ask those big questions about the Universe with Astrotourism WA Astronomy Guides. The Moon will rise at the end of the event at 9pm.

Where to Stay

Local accommodation in Badgingarra and nearby Dandaragan is listed on the Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre website. Camping at the new Karda Campground is a 30-45 minute drive from Badgingarra.

Sunday Morning Bushwalk

If you’re staying overnight, join community volunteers the next morning for a local bushwalk to enjoy the stunning wildflowers and peaceful bush in the Badgingarra area. Register your interest on the night with Sara Kenny at the Badgingarra Community Association.

Supporters

Spring into Parks is a WA Parks Foundation Initiative supported by Lotterywest.

Weitj (Emu) in the Night Sky Planispheres generously provided by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

Thank you to the Badgingarra Community Association, Badgingarra Primary School and P&C for hosting the event.

The Shire of Dandaragan is part of the Astrotourism Towns project promoting Badgingarra, Cervantes, Dandaragan, and Jurien Bay as destinations for stargazing and astrophotography. The Shire and local communities are working with Astrotourism WA to reduce light pollution in WA country towns so that we protect our world-class dark night sky. 

COVID Safety Plan & Guidelines

Astrotourism WA Pty Ltd has a COVID Safety Plan and is open and committed to maintaining the WA Government’s safety measures. We’re doing our part to keep you safe. Please respect the rules, our workers, volunteers and other customers.

Please read our plan and guidelines here…

More information

Three Springs Astrotourism Town

Tickets

$25 adults, children 16 years and under are free!

Milky Way Galaxy

Where to Stay

Make a weekend of it and stay a few nights to explore the area!

Go for Stargazing graphic

More Details

Download the flyer for the event program and more information.

Shire of Northam Logo

Supported by...

Spring into Parks is a WA Parks Foundation Initiative supported by Lotterywest.

Weitj (Emu) in the Night Sky Planispheres generously provided by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

This event is part of the Astrotourism WA project that’s promoting Badgingarra, Cervantes, Dandaragan, and Jurien Bay as destinations for stargazing and astrophotography.