Profile
The Port Macquarie Astronomy and Science Centre (Observatory) is run by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association Inc. a non profit voluntary group of people interested in promoting Science especially Astronomy. The observatory is situated in Rotary Park behind Town Beach a short distance from the centre of Port Macquarie.
Open Nights
Open Nights are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Doors open 7.00PM Sessions start at 7.30PM.
Bookings (on our website) are preferred but “walk-ins” are welcome.
Open Night visitors can expect to enjoy a presentation on various Astronomy related topics and/or a telescope viewing through our 14” telescope (weather permitting). Learn about the significance of what you’ll see and how the stars are like time machines, with their light taking millions of years to reach us!
Special events are scheduled regularly – see our website for details! These can include:
- Special guest speakers from Academia or other Astronomical Associations
- Let’s talk Astronomy – Meet us for a chat
- Night Sky Observations in dark spots with best seeing conditions
- Family Events with public Night Sky Observation
- Presentations to groups such as school, church, tourist and community service groups
- The Observatory is also open to the public on other occasions when there are significant astronomical occurrences.
Members can enjoy get-togethers, free attendance at our regular presentations and use of our “dark sky” site at “Moripo Park”, West of Wauchope.
The facilities, including state-of-the-art presentation technology and catering facilities, can also be hired for conventions and workshops.
Our new Astronomy and Science Centre Project
The magnificent new Observatory is the culmination of about 15 years’ work, funded by both the Federal and NSW State Governments. We have spent that time developing, understanding and refining the suggestions of our members after numerous workshops and consultations. The building replaces the previous observatory which was built by Rotarians in 1962 on the same site.
