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The CWAS AstroFest is over the Moon
The Conference Registration fee is $50 per person
The Conference Dinner is $70 per person
The 2024
CWAS AstroFest is returning to the Central West. We have an exciting
programme of events, spread over two days, beginning on Saturday, 28
September 2024.
The Central West of NSW boasts some of the darkest skies in Australia, and as such it is a wonderful place to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. In an effort to foster, encourage and promote astronomy in the region, the Central West Astronomical Society is holding its annual festival of astronomy, or AstroFest, this July. The festival endeavours to bring to the people of the Central West world renowned astronomers, both professional and amateur, so they may share their enthusiasm and love of the heavens.
The CWAS AstroFest will incorporate a one day conference and a
programme of associated events. The conference will be held in the
Starlight Room of the Parkes Services Club, on Saturday, 28 September
2024. In a series of lectures, guest speakers will provide fascinating
insights into various aspects of modern astronomy. On Sunday, 29
September 2024, events will move to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre with a programme of daytime astronomy and talks.
The Associated Events:
- An astrophotography competition will be open to all amateur
astronomers in Australia. An exhibition of the best photographs will
be on display at the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre from Sunday,
29 September, for the entire year. The 2024 CWAS "David Malin Awards" will be presented at
a special ceremony held during the AstroFest conference on Saturday,
28 September. Following the AstroFest, the exhibition will tour to various venues across Australia, beginning in October.
- From 10:00 AM on the Sunday morning, 29 September, the 2024 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition will be officially opened at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre.
- Throughout the day on, Sunday, 29 September, daytime astronomy viewings will be conducted on the lawns of the Visitors Centre by members of the CWAS. Telescopes will be set up in the grounds of the Visitors Centre, for viewing the bright stars, planets, the Sun and the Moon during daylight (weather permitting).
- Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase at the Dish Cafe.
The Conference Programme: Saturday, 28 September 2024
| 10:00-11:00 |
Trevor Barry : "Astronomy from Broken Hill Observatory" |
| 11:30-12:30 |
Dr Andrew Zic :
"The detection of gravitatonal waves with a pulsar timing array" |
| 12:30-13:15 | Lunch - Provided for all registrants |
| 13:15-14:15 |
Dr Carole Jackson : "The SKA Low: History and Construction" |
| 14:15-15:00 | Civic Reception: Hosted by Parkes Mayor, Cr Neil Westcott |
| 15:00-16:00 |
Presentation of the 2024 CWAS "David Malin Awards": |
| 16:30-17:30 |
Prof. Fred Watson AM : "More than a Big White Dome: The 50th
anniversary of the AAT" - The John Bolton Lecture |
The Conference Programme: Sunday, 29 September 2024
| From 09:00 | Daytime astronomy by the CWAS members - all day (weather permitting). |
| 10:00-10:05 |
Welcome to Country by Aunty Rhonda, Wiradjuri Elder
| | 10:05-10:30 | Official opening of the 2024 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition in the Bowen Room. |
| 12:30-13:30 |
John Sarkissian OAM : "The Parkes BIG EAR: The IM-1 mission support" |
| Free Public Lecture in the
Bolton Room |
Click here for Accommodation Information in Parkes
Come and see the real thing and enjoy the hospitality of the
Central West.
CWAS AstroFest
Organising Committee
The 2024 CWAS AstroFest is proudly supported by
For all enquiries please email the AstroFest Organising Committee
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