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The Sydney Observatory is one of the most popular sites of Sydney, ever packed with tourists and locals. The 1858 tower is not only the first observatory of the country; it is also one of the oldest accomplishments of Australia in the field of science. It is today a popular destination, trying to unravel the mysteries of the outer space to the enthusiasts, and bringing the distant sky close to the star gazers of the city. History of the Observatory: Designed by Alexander Dawson, the initial structure was a dome for keeping an equatorial telescope. After functioning as a mere time-ball tower till 1880, the observatory surfaced to prominence when Henry Chamberlain Russell drafted the astronomical atlas of the world. This was in fact, the world’s first photographs of the outer space. For decades, the tower served as an indispensable guide in Australia’s astronomical studies. It even helped in navigation and meteorology until it was transformed into a museum in 1982. The Observatory today: The Sydney Observatory today is an authentic guide in imparting astronomical education, and with its telescopes, the observatory continues to unveil to the city a sky that remains hidden to the naked eye. The huge sandstone building houses two telescopes for public viewing, of which the 29cm refractor telescope is the oldest one to be in use in Australia.
The observatory had had several modifications after being undertaken by the Power House Museum in 1982. It now consists of- - A 3-D space theatre
- An ancient 29 cm telescope, a computerized 42cm telescope and a hydrogen alpha solar telescope
- A planetarium
- A lecture room for hosting debates and lectures on astronomical issues
- A shop for collecting souvenirs
- Lush gardens Hosting star gazers at night, and inviting viewers to see the historic building in day, the building today has every element to make it a favorite destination for all age groups. Doing a vital service to Australia’s scientific development, the observatory has been credited as a building of ‘state significance’, and has been listed as a heritage site.
Programs undertaken here: The Sydney Observatory conducts a number of programs to ensure a complete educative and entertaining experience to its visitors. Telescope tours are operated everyday to introduce the visitors to the star spangled sky. The 3-D space theatre is a fascinating show inviting the audience to delve into an odyssey to the outer space. It conducts several educational programs packed with interactive sessions and games for an interesting learning. For instance, there is a rocket launching workshop, where children can design their own rockets and learn the technology behind the process. There are sessions for Chinese astronomical stories and alien face paintings. They are dressed as astronauts and with the photo session that follows, a trip to the observatory can be quite exciting. Special programs are held even for the day care groups. The most exiting one is probably the Name a Star program which allows the visitors to name any unnamed star listed in the Sydney Southern Star Catalogue. The observatory runs its own publication and has printed several important titles relating to astronomy. Location of the Sydney Observatory:
The observatory is perched on top of the observatory hill.
Address:
Sydney Observatory, Po Box K346,
Haymarket, NSW 1238, Australia.
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