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Website under revision

We are currently revising the content and layout of our website. Over the next few months, the website will be changing to become more dynamic and user-friendly.

We welcome suggestions and comments regarding our new site. Please email any feedback to this address.

About the Perth Observatory

Perth Observatory is Australia's oldest continuously operating professional observatory and Western Australia's premier astronomical institution. In recognition of its scientific, cultural and historical significance, Perth Observatory was entered on the State's Heritage Register in 2005.

Located 25km east of Perth, the Observatory has served the state of Western Australia for over 100 years, providing information and education services, and conducting internationally recognised research.

Perth Observatory astronomers are Western Australia's professional astronomers - all have an enduring commitment to their field and at least 10 years experience in astronomy education and public outreach, and most have extensive research experience and appropriate university qualifications.

Perth Observatory is funded by the State Government of Western Australia and is a part of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Perth Observatory is a member of Astronomy WA

Useful Links

• Perth Observatory Sky Camera
• Perth Observatory: Current weather
• Sunrise/set; Moonrise/set; Moon phases
• Virtual tour of the Observatory
• Star Adoption
• Perth Observatory Blog
• Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
• Seniors Wotodo - Experience Perth
• Astronomy WA
• Department of Environment & Conservation
• Location map & contact details

 

            TRANSIT OF VENUS

On June 6 2012, Venus will transit over the disk of the Sun. Transits of Venus across the disk of the Sun are among the rarest of planetary alignments. During the interval from 2000 BCE to CE 4000, a total of 81 transits of Venus occur, that is, one every 74 years. However, they almost always occur in pairs (separated by 8 years) and so even a long-lived person may not get to witness a Venus transit in their lifetime. The next transit of Venus will occur in 2012. More than a century will elapse before the next pair of transits in 2117 and 2125.

Viewing the Transit of Venus

Observers in Perth can observe the transit from sunrise until 12:47pm. It should be noted that Venus will be in transit at sunrise. The entire transit will be visible from New Zealand and east and central Australia.

Activities at the Perth Observatory

Weather permitting, the Observatory will host a live feed of Transit of Venus images via a flat screen in the display room, located in the main administration building.

• Date:  6 June, 2012
• Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm
• Cost:  Gold coin donation

Please phone the Observatory on 9293 8255 for more information.

Follow our blog:

http://nightsky.perthobservatory.org.au/

Night Sky Report for April 13th, 2012:

The Space Station is often visible in the early morning; e.g. on Monday morning, early risers across the south-west of WA can watch it going NW to high overhead to SE from about 5:28 to 5:33:20am. Observers further afield, seek your predictions from www.heavens-above.com . At daybreak Mercury's prominent in the east and Saturn's at about the same height in the west. You won't see Mercury any further from the Sun than this. The waning Moon is a morning object, too. Last quarter's today, the morning half moon. Venus stands out in the NW sky at dusk, setting now at about 8pm. At the same time Mars is well up in the NE and Saturn's coming up in the east.

2012 Astronomical Diary

From Easter 2012 onwards... what can we see, and when?

Consult our astronomical diary to find out what's happening in our universe this year.

Feedback

Want to report an unusual sighting or have a question for one of our astronomers?

Please contact us via email and your query will be answered in a timely manner:

Email: perth.observatory@dec.wa.gov.au

Perth Observatory

337 Walnut Rd,
BICKLEY WA 6076
Email: perth.observatory@dec.wa.gov.au
Tel: (08) 9293 8255
Fax: (08) 9293 8138

Updated: 15 May 2012

Night Tour Season Completed

Night tours at the Perth Observatory have finished operating for the current season. The new season's brochure will be available on this site around August 2012, with the new season commencing in September 2012.

Click on our Activities Brochure (September 2011 - August 2012) for details of the remaining guided day tour dates.

Price Increase

PRICE INCREASE - Effective 1st February 2012         TOURS   Night Tours      Day Tours Adult     $27.00     $12.50 Child/Concession     $17.00     $7.50 Whole Night Session Booking     $825.00 Star Adoption Program     $285.00

Did you know?

We require payment of your tour booking within 5 working days of making the booking. Most people choose to pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) over the phone at the time of booking. We also accept payment by cheque, money order, or by cash or EFTPOS in person at the front office.

We regret that we are unable to hold or reserve your booking if we do not receive payment within 5 working days of you making your booking.

Please phone (08) 9293 8255 for further information and availability of dates.

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