Every year the Mount Magnet community comes together for a weekend ‘Astro-rocks fest’ celebrating the sky above and the ancient landscape below this unique part of Australia.
One evening of the festival is always the Mount Magnet Astrofest, coordinated by ICRAR on behalf of the Shire of Mount Magnet with the Mount Magnet Visitors Centre.
This year’s Astrofest saw more telescopes than ever brought out by volunteers from Perth, including one of the largest privately owned telescopes in the State! Amateur astronomers from the Astronomical Group of WA (AGWA) brought their personal telescopes out for locals to enjoy, and were joined by Rick Tonello from Astronomy Education Services who led the observing on the oval over the evening, as well as the laser guided tour of the night sky. Roaming scientists from Fireballs in the Sky were also out on the oval helping people learn how to spot meteors.
Scitech’s science shows went off with a bang, and visitors enjoyed their trip through the Universe inside the space dome. Meanwhile, indoors the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition was on display for visitors to enjoy, as well as the opportunity for attendees to make their own Stargazer and learn about the SKA with ICRAR. Finally the evening finished with a ‘bang’ with glow in the dark water rockets launched over the oval by the local kids.
Thank you to the Shire of Mount Magnet and the entire town for welcoming us to their beautiful environment, we’re already looking forward to heading back for next year – the skies in Mount Magnet can’t be beat!
Alex ‘Ollie’ George, 2017 NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year and Badimaya Elder welcomes Astrofest visitors to his Country.
Observing the Sun at Mount Magnet Astrofest.
Observing Saturn as the sun sets allowing other bright stars to come out.
Rick Tonello from Astronomy Education Services demonstrating the path the International Space Station took over Astrofest on the night.
Observing through the largest privately owned telescope in WA. Credit: Kim Steele
The Murchison Widefield Array mini tile on display for everyone to check out. Credit: Kim Steele
Observing the Moon at Mount Magnet Astrofest. Credit: Kim Steele