28 - 29 September 2024

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 September. 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 function room of the Bushman's Motor Inn, 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).

The Conference Programme: Saturday, 28 September 2024

Venue: The Function Rooom of the Bushmans Motor Inn - Find map here

From 09:00

Registration

10:00-11:00

Trevor Barry : "Astronomy from Broken Hill Observatory"

11:30-12:30

Dr Andrew Zic : "The Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project: twists, turns, and space-time wobbles"

12:30-13:15

Lunch - Provided for all registrants

13:15-14:15

Dr Carole Jackson : "Australia & the Square Kilometre Array - 2024 update"

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":  Click here to view the livestream of the presentation     With Dr David Malin, Peter Ward, Alex Cherney, and Selena Simpson

16:30-17:30

Prof. Fred Watson AM : "More than a Big White Dome: The 50th anniversary of the AAT"  - The John Bolton Lecture

From 18:30	Conference Dinner The Bushmans Motor Inn Function Room - Find map here
	After dinner address by Steve Quirk : "Atlas of the Southern Night Sky"

The Conference Programme: Sunday, 29 September 2024

Venue: The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre

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

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