ASSA Observatories & Observing Sites

ASSA has access to a number of permanent observatories and observing sites in South Australia. These facilities and sites are used by for various projects within the Society, including hosting of regular viewing nights for members and to show the public the southern skies.

Observatories

  • Stockport Observatory -- Primary Dark Sky Observatory
     The Society's primary dark sky site houses three large telescopes in two domes and a roll-away shed, a large lecture shed, and sleeping accommodation and amenities for members. It is located about a 60 minutes drive north from the Adelaide city centre.

Observing Sites

  • Hawthorndene Oval (Hawthorndene) -- Southern Metropolitan Site for Public Viewing/Stargazing Nights
     Hawthorndene Oval is the Southern Metro observing site where ASSA holds Public Viewing/Stargazing nights. The observing site is located in Hawthorndene in the Adelaide Hills about a 30 minute drive south from the Adelaide city centre.
  • Mawson Lakes (UniSA)  -- Northern Metropolitan Site for Public Viewing/Stargazing Nights
    UniSA Mawson Lakes is the Northern Metro observing site where ASSA holds Public Viewing/Stargazing nights. The observing site is located in UniSA Mawson Lakes about a 30 minute drive north from the Adelaide city centre.
  • Tooperang Hall -- Southern Dark Sky Site for Member-Only Viewing Nights
    The Tooperang observing site is used for member-only viewing nights. It is located about 60km from Adelaide on the Meadows to Goolwa Road.
  • Meldanda -- Northeast Dark Sky Site for Member-Only Viewing Nights
    The Meldanda observing site is used for member-only viewing nights. It is located about 90km northeast of Adelaide near Cambrai in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.