14 - 15 July 2018

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 July. 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 Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre on Saturday, 14 July 2018. In a series of lectures, guest speakers will provide fascinating insights into various aspects of modern astronomy. On Sunday, 15 July, events will move to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre with a programme of daytime astronomy and talks.

On Saturday night, 14 July, the conference dinner will be held at the Quality Inn Parkes International Hotel.

Click here for Accommodation Information in Parkes.

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, 15 July, for the entire year. Dr David Malin, the world-renowned astrophotographer, will judge the entries. The 2018 CWAS "David Malin Awards" will be presented at a special ceremony held during the AstroFest conference on Saturday, 14 July. Following the AstroFest, the exhibition will tour to various venues across Australia beginning with Sydney Observatory in August. Canon Australia is supporting the competition with significant prizes.
• From 10:00 AM on the Sunday morning, 15 July, the 2018 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition will be officially opened at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre.
• Throughout the day on, Sunday, 15 July, 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).
• Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase at the Dish Cafe.

The Conference Programme: Saturday, 14th July, 2018

From 09:00

Registration

10:00-11:00

Donna Burton (Milroy Observatory):  "Taming The Beast"

11:30-12:30

Amy Shira Teitel (Vintage Space):  "Death of the Dyna-Soar"

12:30-13:15

Lunch - Provided for all registrants

13:15-14:15

Prof. Elaine Sadler (Sydney University / CASS): "The Revolution in Radio Astronomy"

14:30-15:00

Civic Reception:  Hosted by Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith

15:00-16:00

Presentation of the 2018 CWAS "David Malin Awards":   Presented by Dr David Malin.

16:30-17:30

Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell (University of Oxford): "The Curious Case of the Pulsating Star"  - The John Bolton Lecture

From 18:30

Conference Dinner - Quality Inn Parkes International Hotel.     Includes an after dinner talk - speaker TBA

The Conference Programme: Sunday, 15th July, 2018

From 09:00

Daytime astronomy by the CWAS members - all day (weather permitting).

10:00-10:30

Official opening of the 2018 CWAS "David Malin Awards" exhibition in the Bowen Room.

11:30-12:30

Amy Shira Teitel (Vintage Space):  "Right Stuff Wrong Time" - Free Public Lecture in the Bolton Room

So come along and enjoy the hospitality of the Central West and share an unforgettable astronomical experience. See you there.

CWAS AstroFest
Organising Committee

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