Astrofest, Australia’s largest free Space and Astronomy festival, will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2024, marking a significant milestone.
On Saturday, 9th November, space enthusiasts, families and curious minds are invited to join the festivities for an extraordinary experience at this iconic event at Curtin Stadium, Curtin University.
Visitors can look forward to gazing through numerous telescopes, exploring the planets, stars and other celestial objects. At the expo, they can discover the latest in space technology and science, visit the astrophotography exhibition, vote for the People’s Choice Award and marvel at the stunning images captured by local amateur photographers. There is an exciting Discovery Zone with fun interactive activities for kids, and in the Serious Science and Experts Live Zone, visitors can hear from local astronomers about what they are researching in space.
The event aims to inspire the community, foster curiosity and promote interest in science, space exploration and astronomy while showcasing the research being done here in WA, including the first mega-science project co-hosted in Australia, the SKA-Low radio telescope.
“Each year, Astrofest brings together people of all backgrounds who share a common passion for the night sky. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the wonders of our Universe and gain a deeper understanding of our place within it,” said Leah Kalimeris, Astrofest coordinator. “We are incredibly excited to offer this extraordinary event for free once again, ensuring that astronomy remains accessible to all.”
Since its launch in 2009 as part of the International Year of Astronomy, Astrofest has attracted over 54,000 attendees and been powered by more than 4000 dedicated volunteers, throughout its 15-year history. The award-winning event has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Western Australia’s science and astronomy community, offering engaging, family-friendly activities that bring the wonders of the Universe closer to home.
The event is free and open to the public, making it an ideal outing for families, students and anyone interested in space, astronomy and science. It is an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 9th November 2024
Time: 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Location: Curtin Stadium, Curtin University
To stay up to date on event details visit, astronomywa.net.au/astrofest
MORE INFORMATION
ASTROFEST
Astrofest is Australia’s largest free community astronomy event, dedicated to promoting the exploration and understanding of the Universe. It is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, and the local astronomy community, including major sponsors Curtin University, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), Scitech, CSIRO, the SKA Observatory and the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources.
CURTIN UNIVERSITY
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest university, with close to 60,000 students. Curtin has campuses in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Midland, as well as four global campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Mauritius.
ICRAR
The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is a joint venture between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia with support and funding from the State Government of Western Australia.
SCITECH
For more than three decades Scitech has brough engaging and entertaining science experiences to Western Australians, igniting a lifelong curiosity in the process. From the Scitech Discovery Centre to the Statewide team who travel across regional WA to teacher learning programs in schools to digital content, the not-for-profit organisation makes science accessible and fun.
CSIRO
As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We observe, explore, invent, and innovate to make the unknown known and enable discoveries to understand the Universe.
On behalf of the Australian and Western Australian governments we host the SKA-Low telescope at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia. We are also partnering with the SKAO on the SKA-Low telescope in Australia and working with industry and research partners to develop SKA technology and infrastructure.
SKAO
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is an international collaboration to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe, and benefit society through global collaboration and innovation.
The SKAO is building two of the most advanced radio telescopes on Earth: the SKA-Low telescope in Western Australia and the SKA-Mid in South Africa. In Australia, the SKAO collaborates with the Australian Government, the WA State Government, CSIRO, the Wajarri Yamaji, the Australian SKA Regional Centre, ICRAR and the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre.
We acknowledge the Wajarri Yamaji as Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, where the SKA-Low telescope is located.
MEDIA SUPPORT
Charlene D’Monte
ICRAR Media Contact | charlene.dmonte@icrar.org | +61 468 579 311 | +61 8 6488 7758
Lucien Wilkinson
Curtin University Media Contact | lucien.wilkinson@curtin.edu.au | +61 401 103 683 | +61 8 9266 9185
