Astrotourism WA has released a series of 22 dark sky stargazing events to celebrate the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse and promote Western Australia’s world-class night sky to eclipse chasers and visitors from around the world.
The Eclipse Discovery Tour dark sky stargazing events are planned to coincide with the weeks around the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse. Events begin on 25th March with the first stargazing night in Three Springs and the final event in Narrogin on 28th April. During the month-long celebration, events will cover four regions and visit towns such as Wickepin, Perenjori, Mingenew, Murchison Settlement, Gascoyne Junction and Onslow.
The aim of the events is to disperse visitors across WA’s regional areas and encourage eclipse chasers to stay longer on their holidays. The events will promote WA’s dark night skies and the emerging space science industry. Visitors will also be able to view through telescopes to see special Southern Hemisphere star clusters, constellations and the Magellanic Clouds, not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
Telescopes will be out under WA’s dark night sky to wow visitors and eclipses chasers coming to see the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse.
Western Australia’s clear and dark skies offer an experience second to none for recreational stargazers and nature lovers. Dark Sky Tourism is becoming a huge new driver for visitors to WA.
Carol Redford, CEO of Astrotourism WA said: “Places such as Jurien Bay’s Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre, on the Astrotourism Towns map, is receiving an average of one enquiry a day from visitors asking where local stargazing places are.”
“Western Australia is perfectly placed to become the stargazing capital of the world and grow a Dark Sky Tourism economy across the State. We have many comparative advantages that make us an ideal destination to access a pristine dark night sky where the billions of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy can be seen as they are meant to be.”
“The total solar eclipse gives Western Australia a moment in time where the global spotlight will shine on our beautiful State. It’s the perfect time to showcase our dark sky tourism and what incredible space science projects are in our own backyard.
“The development of this tourism niche offers huge opportunities for regional operators and destinations – from desert tours, traditional Aboriginal cultural experiences, nature-based camping, festivals, photography and education-based experiences.”
The Eclipse Discovery Tour are free events support by Tourism WA, CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Scitech and Curtin University. The tour is also supported by WA’s Astrotourism Towns and 18 regional Local Governments.
The Eclipse Discovery Tour
A series of stargazing events around Western Australia, a world-class dark sky tourism destination and space science epicentre!
- Visit an Astrotourism Town
- Enjoy a dark sky stargazing event
- Stay longer and travel a dark sky itinerary
Celebrating the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse in Western Australia!