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Laser pointers >1mW banned from April

In April 2010 a variation to the Summary Offences (Dangerous Articles and Prohibited Weapons) Regulations will come into effect that classifies handheld laser pointers >1mW (including most green laser pointers) as a prohibited weapon. Exemptions are provided for ASSA members. Members who possess the affected laser pointers should read guidelines prepared by ASSA on their safe use, and return a signed copy of the guidelines to the Secretary.

download the guidelines

Registrations for NACAA XXIV now open

The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers (NACAA) will be held in Canberra over the Easter long weekend (April 2-5). Registration is only $265, and includes attendance at the technical programme on Saturday and Sunday, BBQ dinner on Friday night, convention dinner, and BBQ dinner at Mt Stromlo Observatory on Sunday night. Delegates will also be able to participate in deep-dive workshops and an excursion to the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex on Monday.

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more... March Meetings

Astronomy Education:
The Night Sky

Wednesday 3 March, 7:00pm

Join us for a discussion of the night sky and the mechanics of the celestial sphere. Learn how to find your way around the sky and become familiar with common terms. We will also look at some of the brighter stars which are high in the sky in autumn and how to find them. Visitors welcome.

General Meeting:
The Great Melbourne Telescope

Wednesday 3 March, 8:00pm

Presented by Barry Cleland, ASV
The Great Melbourne Telescope GMT was the largest fully steerable telescope in the world for almost 30 years. It was a product of Marvel- lous Melbourne and Victoria's period of massive growth and wealth that was fed by the gold rush of 1851. Our guest speaker this month is Barry Cleland from the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV), who will describe how and why the GMT came into being as well as its goals, achievements and problems; and also how, in 1869, Melbourne won the right to build the GMT to study southern nebulae (now known to be galaxies). Barry will also outline a plan of the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV), the Museum of Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens to rebuild the GMT in its original building for use as a public viewing facility.Visitors welcome.

more .. Upcoming Viewing Nights

Public viewing nights commence 8:30pm

TONIGHT

  • Stockport Viewing Night Members Only
  • Southern Viewing Night Members Only

Saturday 20 March

  • Stockport Viewing Night Members Only
  • Whyalla Public Viewing Night

Friday 26 March

  • The Heights Public Viewing Night

Saturday 27 March

  • Black Forest Public Viewing Night

more events...

more .. Today's Sun & Moon

Sunrise: 7:12am
Sunset: 7:38pm

waning crescent

Times are calculated for Adelaide and are approximates only.