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Candy Telescope Restoration

Mike Candy Telescope. Image Credit: Matt Woods
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Please consider making a donation to support the restoration of Perth Observatory’s “Comet Hunter” Near-Earth Asteroid Object Telescope.

With NASA identifying over 20,000 known Near-Earth Objects in 2019, it is crucial that we are able to track and monitor these objects to prevent potential collisions with Earth. As physicist Stephen Hawking recognized, asteroid collisions pose a significant threat to our planet, with the potential to cause tsunamis, firestorms, and impact winters.

In 1991, the Perth Observatory commissioned the Mike Candy Telescope, a groundbreaking asteroid and comet tracking telescope named after the former Government Astronomer of Western Australia. However, this telescope is in need of restoration in order to continue conducting Near-Earth Asteroid research.

Perth Observatory is a registered not-for-profit organization and is listed on the deductible gift recipient registry, meaning all donations are tax-deductible and a tax receipt will be provided. You can make a donation via direct bank transfer (EFT) or by using the donation form on our website. Your support will help ensure the safety and protection of our planet.

Donation Progress:

$5000

Direct Bank Transfer (EFT) Details:

Bank: Bendigo Bank
Name: Perth Observatory Gift Fund
BSB: 633 000
Account: 161 794 516

Please Note: If you'd like a tax receipt for you EFT donation please email us at treasurer@perthobservatory.com.au

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😂🪐💕 BREAKING: Venus and Jupiter Caught Ca 😂🪐💕 BREAKING: Venus and Jupiter Caught Canoodling Over Perth! 💕🪐😂

If you've been looking towards the north west after sunset and wondering why two bright "stars" seem to be getting uncomfortably close to each other, you're not imagining things. Venus and Jupiter are having a very public celestial meetup.

Tonight and tomorrow night (9 and 10 June), the two brightest planets in our evening sky will appear less than 1.6° apart, making them look like they're sharing a romantic moment in the night sky.

This event is known as a planetary conjunction, an apparent alignment of objects in the sky. While Venus and Jupiter appear side by side from our perspective here on Earth, they're actually nowhere near each other in space. Venus is currently about 181 million kilometres from Earth, while Jupiter is about 901 million kilometres away.

That's a bit like two people appearing to stand next to each other in a photo, except one is in Perth and the other is somewhere near Bali.

For the best view of this cosmic canoodling:

🌅 Look towards the north west about 45 to 60 minutes after sunset.
🤏 The pair will be separated by less than a pinkie finger's width when held at arm's length.
✨ Venus will be dazzling at magnitude -4.0.
✨ Jupiter will be glowing nearby at magnitude -1.9.
⭐ Look to the left of Castor and Pollux in Gemini.

So if you're outside tonight, take a moment to enjoy one of the sky's most charming sights.

Just remember:

❤️ They're not actually close.
❤️ They're not dating.
❤️ Jupiter already has 95 moons and doesn't need any more attention.
❤️ Mercury is definitely feeling left out.

📸 If you manage to photograph this cosmic romance, share your pictures below!

#Perth #WA #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #astronomynews #spacenews #astronomy #space #perthevents #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #AstronomicalEvents #CelestialEvents #Venus #Jupiter #Conjunction #PlanetaryConjunction #NightSky #Stargazing #SolarSystem #AstronomyCommunity #photography #astrophotography #nightphotography #nightscape #perthobservatory #perthobs
The International Space Station (@iss) will fly ov The International Space Station (@iss) will fly over extremely bright on Wednesday, June 10th at 6:53 pm (Mag -3.4), and on Saturday, June 13th at 6:05 pm (Mag -3.6).

To use the attached maps, face south and hold the map above your head, and you'll see the path of the flyover.

#spotthestation #internationalspacestation #spacestation #iss #Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthnow #perthgram #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #perthhappenings #ThisisWA #wanderoutyonder #perthhills #perthisok #perthlife #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #perthentertainment #seeperth #whatsoninperth #stargazing #nightsky #perthobservatory #perthobs
Vale Alan Hale (1958–2026) 🌠 It is with grea Vale Alan Hale (1958–2026) 🌠

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of astronomer Alan Hale.

Alan's wife, Vickie, announced that he passed away on the morning of 6 June 2026.

Alan Hale will forever be remembered as one of the co-discoverers of the magnificent Comet Hale–Bopp, one of the brightest and most widely observed comets of the modern era. On 23 July 1995, Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp independently discovered the comet that would later bear both of their names.

When Comet Hale–Bopp swept across our skies in 1997, it became a once-in-a-generation celestial spectacle. Visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months and captivating millions of people around the world, it inspired countless future astronomers and rekindled a sense of wonder about our place in the Universe.

Beyond his famous discovery, Alan was a passionate advocate for astronomy and science education. He authored numerous books and articles, gave talks around the world, and dedicated much of his life to sharing the night sky with others. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and generosity helped make astronomy more accessible to people from all walks of life.

For many astronomers, both professional and amateur, Comet Hale–Bopp was their first unforgettable celestial event. Alan's discovery left an enduring mark on astronomy and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Our thoughts are with Vickie, his family, friends, colleagues, and the global astronomy community during this difficult time.

Clear skies, Alan. Thank you for helping millions of us look up with wonder. 🌠💫

"The stars belong to all of us, and through your work, you helped bring them a little closer."

#Perth #WA #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #astronomynews #spacenews #astronomy #space #AlanHale #ValeAlanHale #RIPAlanHale #astronomer #Comets #CometHaleBopp #HaleBopp #AstronomyLovers #AmateurAstronomy #AstronomyLife #ScienceEducation #Skywatching #AstronomyCommunity #ForeverInOurHearts #ClearSkies #RememberingAlanHale #RestInPeace #GoneButNeverForgotten #perthobservatory #perthobs
🌕📸 HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO TAKE A PHOTO OF T 🌕📸 HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE MOON THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A BLURRY WHITE DOT?

You know the feeling. The Moon looks absolutely magnificent in the sky. You grab your camera, line up the perfect shot, press the shutter... and somehow end up with a tiny glowing blob that looks like a distant streetlight.

We're here to fix that.

Join us on Friday, 26 June for our Lunar Photography Workshop at Perth Observatory and learn how to capture stunning images of our nearest celestial neighbour.

Led by the legendary Roger Groom from Astro Photography Australia, you'll learn everything from camera settings and equipment selection through to image processing techniques that turn a good Moon photo into a spectacular one.

After a one-hour theory session, you'll head outside and connect your camera to some of the largest and best telescopes in Western Australia. Whether you want a beautiful full Moon portrait or a close-up showing craters, mountains and ancient lava plains, we'll help you get the shot.

📅 Friday, 26 June
⏰ 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
📍 Perth Observatory
🎟️ $120 per person
👥 Maximum 20 attendees

We support a wide range of camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Pentax, Micro Four Thirds and more. Mobile phones can also be mounted to our telescopes, though we recommend bringing a supported camera if possible.

And don't worry if the weather decides to be difficult. If clouds roll in, we'll swap the practical photography session for a behind-the-scenes telescope tour and a detailed image processing demonstration.

The Moon has spent 4.5 billion years getting photogenic. It's about time you took advantage of it.

To book, use the Linktree link in our profile description.

🌕 The Moon is ready for its close-up. Are you?

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthevents #perthtodo #perthlife #perthisok #perthgram #perthhappenings #perthcreatives #photography #astrophotography #lunarphotography #moonphotography #nightphotography #nightscape #LearnPhotography #PhotographyWorkshop #moon #lunar #fullmoon #luna #moonlovers #astrophoto #CaptureTheMoon #perthobservatory #perthobs
Vale Geoffrey Thomas ✈️ It is with great sadn Vale Geoffrey Thomas ✈️

It is with great sadness that we learn that aviation journalist @geoffreyjthomas has taken his final flight.

For decades, Geoffrey was one of the most respected and recognisable voices in aviation journalism. Whether it was a major airline announcement, a new aircraft entering service, an aviation safety issue, or breaking news from anywhere in the world, Geoffrey was often the first person journalists, broadcasters, industry leaders, and aviation enthusiasts turned to for expert insight.

His knowledge of the industry was extraordinary, but it was his passion for aviation that truly set him apart. Geoffrey could speak with equal enthusiasm about the latest airliner technology, airline history, or the future of flight.

For many Australians, Geoffrey became the face and voice of aviation reporting. His calm, measured analysis was a regular feature on television, radio, and in newspapers whenever aviation made headlines. He was trusted because he combined deep expertise with integrity and a genuine love of the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Geoffrey was simply a wonderful person. Generous with his time, encouraging to aspiring journalists, and always willing to share his knowledge, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him. The aviation community has lost one of its greatest advocates, and Australia has lost one of its finest journalists.

Our thoughts are with Geoffrey's family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #GeoffreyThomas #ValeGeoffreyThomas #AviationJournalist #AviationLegend #AviationCommunity #AviationNews #AviationExpert #AviationLife #AviationLovers #PilotLife #AirlineIndustry #AviationMedia #Journalism #CommercialAviation #AviationHistory #BlueSkies #LegacyOfFlight #WingsOfMemory #ForeverInOurHearts #RestInPeace #GoneButNeverForgotten #perthobservatory #perthobs
🌙✨ A Relaxed Night Under the Stars ✨🌙 P 🌙✨ A Relaxed Night Under the Stars ✨🌙

Perth Observatory is pleased to offer a special Low Sensory Night Sky Tour on Tuesday, 16 June, designed for autistic people, families with autistic children, and anyone who may benefit from a quieter, more relaxed environment.

We understand that traditional events can sometimes feel overwhelming, so this evening has been designed to provide a calmer experience with reduced crowding, smaller group sizes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Using our collection of telescopes, you'll have the opportunity to discover some of the most fascinating sights in the night sky, including star clusters, nebulae, distant stars, and, when visible, the Moon and planets.

Our friendly volunteer astronomers will be available throughout the evening to answer questions and offer guidance, but participants are welcome to engage as much or as little as they wish. Sky object fact sheets will also be available to help you learn more about what you're observing.

⭐ Limited numbers to help create a comfortable experience

🕢 Session 1: 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm (maximum 30 participants)
🕗 Session 2: 8:15 pm to 9:00 pm (maximum 30 participants)

💲 $20 per person
📅 Tuesday, 16 June
📍 Perth Observatory

You are also welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes before your session to explore our museum and view the 2024 Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition.

Whether you're a lifelong astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a welcoming way to experience the night sky, we'd love to share the universe with you.

🎟️ To book your spots, use the Linktree link in our profile description

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #perthisok #perthgram #perthhappenings #ExperiencePerthHills #LowSensory #LowSensoryEvent #AutismFriendly #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #InclusiveEvents #AccessibleEvents #FamilyFriendly #PerthFamilies #PerthKids #SensoryFriendly #AutisticCommunity #InclusiveWA #perthobservatory #perthobs
Ever looked up at the night sky and thought, "I'd Ever looked up at the night sky and thought, "I'd love to photograph that"... only to end up with a blurry white blob that vaguely resembles a potato?

Our Astrophotography Workshop is here to help and you can book by using the Linktree link in our profile description

Join us on Saturday, 13 June, for a full day and night of learning how to capture the wonders of the universe. Whether you're dreaming of photographing the Milky Way, creating stunning star trails, capturing meteor showers, hunting aurora, or taking your first deep-sky image through a telescope, we've got you covered.

Under the guidance of renowned astrophotographer Roger Groom and our Perth Observatory volunteers, you'll learn:

🌌 Wide-field nightscape photography
⭐ Star trails and meteor photography
🧭 Polar alignment and tracking
🔭 Telescope astrophotography
📷 Image calibration and processing basics
🌠 How to turn your camera from an expensive paperweight into a portal to the cosmos

As darkness falls, we'll head outside and put theory into practice beneath the beautiful Perth Hills skies. You'll have the chance to use specialist tracking mounts, connect your camera to telescopes, and capture galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters for yourself.

No matter whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, this workshop is designed to help take your astrophotography to the next level.

📅 Saturday, 13 June
⏰ 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm (doors open 12:30 pm)
📍 Perth Observatory
💲 $280 per person

Warning: Side effects may include staying up far too late, becoming obsessed with weather forecasts, arguing with clouds, and developing a strong desire to spend your life savings on astronomy equipment.

Book your place now and start capturing the universe, one photon at a time! 🚀📸

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthevents #perthlife #perthtodo #perthisok #perthgram #perthhappenings #perthcreatives #experienceperthhills #photography #nightphotography #astrophotography #AstrophotographyWorkshop #nightscape #nightscapes #astronomy #space #camera #milkyway #milkywaychasers #nightsky #MilkyWayPhotography #DeepSkyPhotography #perthobservatory #perthobs
Towel Day Towel: noun A soft, absorbent object o Towel Day

Towel: noun

A soft, absorbent object originating on the planet Earth. Widely regarded as the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.

The Guide notes that while towels are commonly associated with drying oneself after becoming wet, this represents only a tiny fraction of their practical applications.

A towel can be wrapped around you for warmth while crossing the cold moons of Jaglan Beta.

It can be used as a sail on a miniature raft down the slow, heavy River Moth.

It can be waved in emergencies, worn as a cape, used as a pillow, employed as a makeshift tablecloth, and, in extreme circumstances, used for drying oneself.

Most importantly, anyone carrying a towel automatically appears organised, competent and in possession of a plan.

This is true regardless of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Every year on 25 May, inhabitants of Earth celebrate Towel Day in honour of, the man responsible for teaching several generations that the Universe is far stranger, funnier and considerably less organised than they had previously suspected.

Participants are encouraged to carry a towel at all times today.

Not because you'll necessarily need it.

But because the Universe tends to respect that sort of thing.

And if there's one thing we've learned from the Guide, it's this:

DON'T PANIC.

#perth #wa #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthhappenings #towelday #towelday2026 #towel #towels #douglasadams #towelselfie #hitchhikersguidetothegalaxy #dontpanic #perthobservatory #perthobs
UPDATE: the launch has been scrubbed for today Sp UPDATE: the launch has been scrubbed for today

SpaceX is launching Starship now

Watch here: https://loom.ly/QnXRVFQ

#perth #wa #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #space #spacenews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthgram #perthevents #perthhappenings #Starship #IFT12 #starbase #LaunchAmerica #elonmusk #superheavy #SpaceFuture #InnovationInSpace #SpaceXlaunch #Rocket #RocketLaunch #spacecraft #SpaceX #BocaChica #Texas #LonghornState #perthobservatory #perthobs
What do you get when you combine 664 Scouts, teles What do you get when you combine 664 Scouts, telescopes, STEM activities, an astronaut on the International Space Station, and an army of passionate volunteers?

One absolutely unforgettable week! 🚀⭐

During the April school holidays, Perth Observatory volunteers headed to Scouts WA's One Camp, where hundreds of Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers spent the week exploring, learning, building, discovering, and occasionally arguing that they definitely weren't tired and could stay up all night.

Over seven days, 664 young people aged 6 to 15 participated in activities, including 196 girls and 128 Scouts from regional Western Australia. It was a very different experience from our usual school tours, but the enthusiasm, curiosity and excitement made every minute worthwhile.

We also hosted four planned stargazing nights, with three successfully going ahead, welcoming 164 Scouts and Leaders to explore the night sky. While the camp schedule was packed, those who joined us were amazed by what they saw through our telescopes.

One of the standout moments was watching a group of Joey Scouts completely captivated by our SeeStar telescope. They sat around it asking questions, exploring object after object, and confidently informing their Leader at 9 pm that they weren't tired and would quite happily continue astronomy until sunrise. Future astronomers in the making! 🌌

The week also featured something truly extraordinary. Eighteen Scouts had the opportunity to speak directly with astronaut Jack Hathaway aboard the International Space Station as part of the ARISS amateur radio program. Not many kids can say they chatted with someone orbiting Earth at 28,000 km/h!

To every volunteer who gave up their time, shared their knowledge, hauled equipment, answered questions, pointed telescopes skyward, and inspired the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers, thank you.

You truly make the world a better place. ❤️✨
🚁🤖 Ever wanted to fly a drone, meet a robot, 🚁🤖 Ever wanted to fly a drone, meet a robot, or see what the future looks like up close?

Well, here's your chance!

The Community STEM & Drone Discovery Day is returning to Perth, and it's shaping up to be a fantastic free day out for families, students, budding engineers, future astronauts, and anyone who enjoys pressing buttons to see what happens.

Expect drones taking to the skies, robots doing robot things, hands-on STEM activities, interactive exhibits, artificial intelligence demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to spark curiosity in young minds.

Who knows? The child building a robot on the day might be designing spacecraft, developing life-saving technology, or exploring Mars in the future.

📍 Murdoch University
📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
🎟️ Free Community Event

Perth Observatory is proud to be supporting this fantastic event, so come along and say hello!

For more information and registrations, visit:
🌐 www.afaaustralia.org/event

The future isn't waiting. It's landing, rolling, flying, and occasionally beeping its way into Murdoch this August! 🚀✨

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia  #spacenews #space #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #STEM #STEMEducation #DroneDiscoveryDay #Robotics #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureScientists #FutureEngineers #PerthEvents #FamilyFun #MurdochUniversity #ScienceEducation #Technology #STEMLearning #DroneTechnology #SpaceEducation #CommunityEvents #FutureReadyKids #perthobservatory #perthobs
This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a hea This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who keep Perth Observatory shining.

From welcoming visitors and guiding tours, to sharing their knowledge through telescopes, maintaining our historic buildings and equipment, helping behind the scenes, supporting events, and inspiring thousands of people to look up in wonder, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do.

Last year alone, our volunteers donated over 25 thousand hours of their time, helping us preserve Western Australia's rich astronomical heritage while creating unforgettable experiences for visitors from across Australia and around the world.

To mark National Volunteer Week, we've illuminated our historic Perth-Lowell Telescope Dome and Meridian Dome in red. Red is the official colour of National Volunteer Week, representing action, passion, and safety. It seemed the perfect way to celebrate the people whose passion, dedication and generosity make so much of what we do possible.

Whether you've been volunteering with us for decades or have only recently joined the team, thank you for your enthusiasm, commitment, friendship and countless contributions.

The night sky may be full of stars, but this week we're celebrating the stars here on Earth.

Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers. Perth Observatory simply wouldn't be the same without you. ❤️

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustrlaia #NationalVolunteerWeek #NVW2026 #ConnectingCommunities #Volunteers #ThankYouVolunteers #PerthHills #VolunteerAppreciation #volunteeringWA #WAvolunteers #CommunitySpirit #Stargazing #SpaceEducation #VolunteerWeek #perthobservatory #perthobs
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