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Perth Observatory
  • 08 9293 8255
  • Home
  • About
    • About The Perth Observatory
    • Our History
    • WA Government Astronomers
    • Our Museum
    • Our Astroshop
    • Our Library
    • Our Fairy Doors
    • Accessibility At Perth Obs
    • Sustainability At Perth Obs
    • Sustainability & Positive Impact
    • Our Annual Reports
    • Our Strategic Plan
  • Tours
    • Night Events
      • Night Sky Tours
      • Focusing On Our Moon Tours
      • Exclusive Night Tours
      • Star Adoption & Private Tour
      • Chinese Night Tours
    • Day Events
      • School Day Tours & OSHC Tours
      • Group Day Tours
      • Sunday Guided Day Tours
      • Sunday Kids Workshops
    • Offsite Events
      • Offsite Stargazing Nights
      • Public Talks
      • School Incursions
    • Things To Do In the Perth Hills
  • Special Events
    • Lunar Photography Workshop
    • Fairy Afternoon Tea
    • Halloween Night Sky Tour
    • Paint and Sip
    • Astronomy 102 Course
    • Astrophotography Workshop
    • Doctor Who Night Tour
    • Breath Beneath the Stars
    • Geminids Night
  • Hire
    • Corporate Events
    • Weddings
    • Your Function
  • Astronomy
    • Astronomical Research
    • Our Telescopes
    • Night Cameras
    • Night Cameras EOI
    • R-COP Telescope
    • Sun and Moon Tables
    • Worl Wangkiny – Aboriginal Astronomy
    • Institute of Astronomy Public Talks
    • Stargazing for Fun Book
    • Science And Education Partners
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Memberships
  • Get Involved
    • Become A Volunteer
    • Donations
    • Support A Priority Project
    • Sponsors And Partners
  • Blog
  • Contact

Perth-Lowell Telescope Restoration

The Perth-Lowell Telescope. Image Credit: Roger Groom
Recent Donors
  • Be the first to donate now

Please donate to help restore the Perth Observatory’s Lowell Telescope and bring it back to astronomical research. Originally funded by NASA and acquired by Lowell Observatory of Flagstaff, USA, the telescope was installed at Perth Observatory on a permanent loan basis. In 1977, the Perth-Lowell Telescope played a crucial role in discovering the Rings of Uranus as part of the International Planetary Patrol Program (IPPP).

With your contribution, the Perth-Lowell Telescope can continue to make significant contributions to current astronomical research, including the exploration of black holes and exoplanets. By restoring this important telescope, we can renew international astronomical research at Perth Observatory and unlock new discoveries about the universe.

Please consider making a donation to support the restoration of the Perth-Lowell Telescope and help advance our understanding of the cosmos. All donations are tax-deductible and a tax receipt will be provided.

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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Recent Donors:

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The Moon is slowly ghosting us 👻 … drifting 3 The Moon is slowly ghosting us 👻 … drifting 3.8 cm away each year. So when you peek through our telescopes, you’re seeing it further away than your grandparents did!

#PerthObservatory #RandomSpaceByte #AstronomyFacts
Happy International Astronomy Day Everyone!!!!! " Happy International Astronomy Day Everyone!!!!!

"Astronomy is the science of the harmony of infinite expanse." - John Scott Russell.

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #InternationalAstronomyDay #InternationalAstronomyDay2025 #IAD #IAD2025 #AstronomyDay #AstronomyLovers #AstronomyCommunity #AstronomyForEveryone #PerthAstronomy #WAAstronomy #StargazingAustralia #PerthObservatory #AstronomyDownUnder #AustraliaStargazing #LookUp #NightSky #Skywatching #AstroOutreach #Stargazing #SpaceLovers #ScienceOutreach #SpaceInspiration #perthobservatory #perthobs
✨reasons why i hate volunteering @ the perth obs ✨reasons why i hate volunteering @ the perth observatory✨

#perthobservatory #joinus #pleasejoin #weneedyou
Ready to escape into nature this long weekend? @ex Ready to escape into nature this long weekend? @experienceperthhills' guided hikes are selling fast, but there are still spots left on these five epic trails! Join award-winning local guides from The Hike Collective and Off The Beaten Track WA for a journey filled with nature, stories, connection and adventure.

✨ Choose your hike:

🌿 F.R. Berry Reserve, Gidgegannup – 3km
🌿 Lake Leschenaultia, Mundaring – 3km
🌿 Piesse Brook Interpretative Trail, Kalamunda – 3.4km
🌿 Armadale Settlers Common, Bedfordale – 4.5km
🌿 Kitty’s Gorge Trail, Jarrahdale – 16km

Make a day (or a weekend!) of it with local markets, cosy cafés, heritage pubs and boutique stays across the Perth Hills. 🍷☕🛏️

👉 Lace up, lock in your spot, and book your WanderFest adventure now:
https://experienceperthhills.com.au/campaign/wanderfest/

Proudly supported by the wagovernment, @experienceperthhills (Perth Hills Tourism Alliance), @destinationperth, @offthebeatentrackwa and @thehikecollective – working together to build vibrant, inclusive, and connected WA communities through outdoor adventure.

#Perth #WA #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #WanderFest #WanderFest2025 #ExperiencePerth #ExperiencePerthHills #SeePerth #ThisIsWA #WanderOutYonder #DestinationPerth #PerthWeekend #PerthLife #PerthEvents #VisitPerthHills #HikingWA #WAHikes #NaturePerth#PerthTrails #WAAdventure #NatureLoversWA #DiscoverPerthHills #PerthOutdoors #AdventurePerth #HikePerth #perthobservatory #perthobs
“A great thing about community groups is that th “A great thing about community groups is that they are just a small melting pot of whatever country it’s based in.” 🌏✨

Matt values how our team reflects the diversity and spirit of the wider community, bringing people together through a shared love of the cosmos.

🔭 Join our volunteer team today! Visit the link in our bio or visit us online: https://perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer 

#PerthObservatory #VolunteerVoices #StargazingTogether
Meet Jo, one of our newest volunteers at the Perth Meet Jo, one of our newest volunteers at the Perth Observatory.
She’s always had a love for space, and now she’s here to share that passion with others.

For Jo, volunteering is about more than telescopes and stars. It’s about connecting with people, sparking curiosity, and passing on the wonder that’s inspired her for years.

If you’ve ever felt that pull toward the night sky, maybe it’s time to share it too.

Start your journey today! Click the link in our bio or visit us online to fill out the volunteer form: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer 

#PerthObservatory #Volunteering #MakeADifference
🌆While the city winds down, the sky wakes up. A 🌆While the city winds down, the sky wakes up. At the Observatory, the real night scene begins. No flashing strobes, just the quiet glow of galaxies above. Volunteering here means trading party lights for starlight, and sharing that wonder with others. 🌌

Start your journey today! Click the link in our bio or visit us online to fill out the volunteer form: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer 

 #PerthObservatory #Volunteering #MakeADifference
Not from a galaxy far, far away... right here in P Not from a galaxy far, far away... right here in Perth. Be the Jedi of the night sky. The stars need you.

Start your journey today, you must. Volunteer, you will. 

 Link in bio or visit: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer”

 #PerthObservatory #Volunteering #MakeADifference
C/2025 R2 (SWAN), formerly known as SWAN25B, was d C/2025 R2 (SWAN), formerly known as SWAN25B, was discovered on 11 September 2025 by Vladimir Bezugly using imagery from the SWAN instrument onboard the SOHO spacecraft.

Right now, the comet is shining at around magnitude +6.9 – just on the edge of naked-eye visibility under very dark skies. With binoculars or a camera, you’ll have a much better chance of spotting it. Look low in the west after sunset (around 7:30 pm AWST) in the constellation Virgo, near the bright star Spica and Mars.

WA’s coastline, with the Indian Ocean to the west, will be a prime spot for capturing photos of the comet and its beautiful 2.5-degree-long tail – that’s about five times the width of the full Moon!

✨ Key Facts:

☄️ First confirmed by amateur astronomers, with an estimated brightness around magnitude 7.4.

☄️ Rapidly brightened from magnitude 11 in August to around 6.2 by 16 September.

☄️ Reached perihelion (closest to the Sun) on 12 September at just 0.5 AU (75 million km).

☄️ Will make its closest approach to Earth on 19 October 2025 at 0.26 AU (39 million km).

☄️ Earth crosses its orbit on 5 October 2025, which may trigger a meteor shower.

☄️ Crosses the celestial equator on 3 November 2025, making it easier to see from the northern hemisphere too.

Astronomers are still debating its future. The comet could fade quickly, hold steady, or even disintegrate – so catch it while you can!

Pro tip: Use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to help locate Spica and Mars, then scan nearby with binoculars.

Fun fact: While perihelion is well pinned down, its aphelion (farthest distance from the Sun) is less certain. Estimates range from 250 AU with a 1,400-year orbit (Minor Planet Center) to an incredible 22,554-year orbit (NASA/JPL).

Image Credit & Copyright: Team Ciel Austral

#Perth #WA #spacenews #space #astronomynews #astronomy #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #westernaustralia #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #AstronomyLovers #stargazing #astrotourism #StargazingPerth #PerthAstronomy #nightphotography #astrophotography #nightscapes #astrophoto #SkyWatching #CelestialEvent #comet #comets #CometSWAN #perthobservatory #CometHunting #perthobs
🎉 We’re proud to share some exciting news – 🎉 We’re proud to share some exciting news – Perth Observatory has been named a Finalist in the 2025 @perthairport WA Tourism Awards for Business Excellence! ✨

This recognition is a true reflection of our incredible volunteers, whose passion and dedication keep our history alive and our night skies accessible, as well as our wonderful visitors who continue to support and share in the experience. 🌌

We look forward to celebrating with so many inspiring tourism businesses at the Gala Dinner on November 8. 🏆

Thank you for being part of our journey – we couldn’t do it without you! 💙

Thanks to Tourism @westernaustralia and the @tourismcouncilwa for thinking so highly of our submission.

#perth #wa #westernaustralia #perthnews #wanews #communitynews #perthlife #perthgram #perthhappenings #SeePerth #VisitPerth #perthisok #perthtodo #exploreperth #WATourismAwards #TourismAwards #TourismExcellence #WATourism #AstroTourism #experiencewa #experienceperthhills #experienceperth #justanotherdayinwa #ThisisWA #wanderoutyonder #Stargazing #StargazingWA #SeeTheStars #perthobservatory #perthobs
There’s a quiet kind of magic at Perth Observato There’s a quiet kind of magic at Perth Observatory. 

Up here, it’s more than just guiding people through the night sky. It’s sharing moments that last a lifetime. Like the awe on someone’s face when they see Saturn’s rings for the very first time, or the stillness of the night that makes you feel part of something bigger. 

Volunteering isn’t just giving your time. It’s gaining memories that will stay with you forever.

Start your journey today! Click the link in our bio or visit us online to fill out the volunteer form: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer 

 #PerthObservatory #Volunteering #MakeADifference
“Why shouldn’t you volunteer?” That’s the “Why shouldn’t you volunteer?” That’s the question Nadia asked herself back in 2022. She’s been part of the Observatory family ever since.

For her, the best part is watching people see the night sky through a telescope for the very first time. The awe. The amazement. The moment they’re hooked. Even those who never thought they’d care about astronomy leave with a new spark of curiosity.

That’s the magic of volunteering here — you don’t just share the stars, you share wonder.

Start your journey today! Click the link in our bio or visit us online to fill out the volunteer form: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/get-involved/become-a-volunteer 

 #PerthObservatory #Volunteering #MakeADifference
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337 Walnut Rd Bickley WA 6076

337 Walnut Rd Bickley WA 6076

(08) 9293 8255

info@perthobservatory.com.au

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ABN 14 565 272 536

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