Sky trails in the Southern Tablelands

The Southern Tablelands Science Hub invites community members in Young, Goulburn and Picton to join artists, scholars and astronomers at a series of free astronomy events this September. The Burrung Murruway, Sky Trails, Masarat Alsama event series includes free panel discussions and practical star gazing evenings for the whole community.

Meet invited guests including astrophysics student and Wiradjuri woman Kirsten Banks, art historian and medieval sciences Islamic scholar Dr. Sam Bowker, artist Khaled Sabsabi and artist and Wiradjuri man Peter Swain.

The Macarthur Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes in Goulburn and Picton to allow participants to explore the stars and wonder at the night sky. There are planets, constellations and much more to look at through these powerful telescopes.

Kirsten Banks will lead nightime viewings to help people find the Dark Emu, a significant Indigenous constellation. Discover the ancient astronomical instruments that were used to guide travellers as they traversed seas and continents and how the stars have influenced art and artists and continue to influence them in the present day.

The evening lectures will be presented in a relaxed atmosphere that allows scientists and artists to speak with the audience about scientific and creative practice and cultural influences. Their presentations will cover Western, Indigenous and Islamic approaches to astronomy.

The artists will talk about how astronomy and cultural myths are a source of inspiration and the traditions they use to develop artworks which draw on this knowledge.

Each session will include a free interactive activity to enable children and young people to participate by making a glow lamp using recycled materials. Their creations will be used to create  patterns associated with the night sky and constellations in the southern hemisphere.

Schools program

Also on the Burrung Murruway, Sky Trails, Masarat Alsama program will be presentations and workshops delivered in high schools in Young, Goulburn and Picton, with guest appearances by Kirsten Banks and Peter Swain.

Artworks created by young people during the schools workshops will also be on show to the community at each of the evening events.

Event details

These free events are open to the community and anyone with an interest in art and astronomy is invited to attend. Bring a picnic rug, your family and friends. A fund-raising BBQ will also be available at each venue.

YOUNG:
Monday, 10 September. Starts at 5pm at Young High School Hall, Campbell St, Young

GOULBURN:
Tuesday, 11 September. Starts at 5pm at Goulburn North Public School Hall, Union St, Goulburn (Parking off Chatsbury St).

PICTON:
Thursday 13 September. Starts at 5pm at Picton Botanic Gardens, Regreme St, Picton.

For more information contact Southern Tablelands Arts, the lead partner in the Southern Tablelands Science Hub. This event is supported by Inspiring Australia. Image courtesy of Felix Mittermeier from Pexels.