Best Holiday Stargazing Activities

Country Western Australia is perfect for stargazing and has some of the darkest night skies in the world.  We’ve hooked you up with some great stargazing activities you can do while on holidays.

 

Best Stargazing Objects to See



Jan 6th – 13th The Moon & Jupiter

On the 6th the Moon will be sitting just above Jupiter to form a pretty encounter, with Saturn and Mercury also in the evening sky. Each evening Saturn and Mercury will move closer together, and on the 13th will be only 3.4° apart.

Find out more




See the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) makes regular passes across our skies! It’s an amazing sight to see and you don’t need a telescope or binoculars to see it. Visit the Heavens Above website, put in your location details and click on ISS to see when it will pass over your place!

Find the next pass




Find the Constellation, Orion the Hunter

Orion the Hunter is a famous summer constellation and it is up in the early evening to see now. Look directly to the east. The brightest star you’ll see is Sirius. Directly to the left of Sirius is what is often referred to as the “Saucepan”. The “Saucepan” is part of the Orion constellation. The three bright stars of the base are Orion’s belt and the handle is his sword.

Here's how to find Orion

Best Stargazing Books to Read




The Annual Australian Astronomy Almanac

The Annual Australian Astronomy Almanac is our all-time favourite book. It has everything you need, to know about what’s happening in the night sky for the year. From what’s up in the night sky to meteor showers, this book gives you a diary, months in advance so you can really plan what you’d like to see for the whole year.

Visit our online shop




Sky & Telescope Australia Magazine

This magazine is considered a ‘bible’ by amateur astronomers and provides the latest astro news from around Australia and the world. It’s one of Australia’s most respected sources for the latest developments in astronomy and space exploration. .

Sign up here

Great Places to Visit to go Stargazing




Cervantes

Cervantes is a great coastal destination for stargazing and astrophotography and the Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park, is an iconic destination for daytime and night-time visitors. The ancient limestone pillars are the perfect backdrop to capture the starry night sky with your camera. Nearby Lake Thetis offers the chance to discover Stromatolites plus enjoy a lazy day on one of their stunning beaches.

Visit Cervantes




Wickepin

Home to wildflowers, walk trails, rolling pastures, big skies, scenic lakes and rich heritage, the picturesque Shire of Wickepin is the perfect place for a country stargazing getaway. Wickepin has some incredible places for stargazing and astrophotography. You’ll take a step back in time when you explore this historic town.

Visit Wickepin

Time for an astro-getaway?

So, with time on your hands during the holidays, why not go outside to look upon our marvellous starry skies and  delve deeper into the breathtaking world of space!

EXPLORE WHAT WESTERN SKIES HAVE TO OFFER

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