A new astronomy and science complex with a multi-function auditorium accommodating up to 200 people for live presentations with extensive displays of meteorites, minerals, megafauna, astronomical images and items of scientific interest.
The centre houses three observatories. An adjoining roll-off roof observatory houses multiple large telescopes for public viewing nights, including one of the largest privately-owned telescopes in Australia. Also adjoining the auditorium is a 6.7 metre domed observatory which has a dual function as a planetarium theatre for simulated night sky views and audio-visual presentations.
The complex includes a purpose-built, split-roof observatory for the historic Hewitt Camera, one of only two built by the British military in the 1960’s for 5.5 million pounds to track missiles and satellites and later used for astronomical research at Siding Spring Observatory. The Hewitt Camera has been upgraded to digital photographic capabilities, feeding live colour images of deep-sky astronomical objects to the auditorium’s projection screen.
Radio astronomy dishes and equipment are being installed at the complex. Extensive outdoor spaces enable the facility to host major public astronomy events.
The complex is the headquarters of the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club Inc with approximately 120 active members.
Group tours are by application please connect with us for further details.
