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Astronomy under the telescope

13 May 2009

The Sir John Monash telescope, which will be on display as part of Astronomy in a Nutshell. Picture courtesy Monash University Archives IN1799.

A new exhibition, Astronomy in a Nutshell, will be launched tomorrow at the Monash Science Centre as part of Monash celebrations for the International Year of Astronomy.

Organised by the Centre for Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics, it will give visitors a brief introduction to the history, culture and science of astronomy.

It includes observational equipment from the Mount Stromlo collection, profiles of two prominent Monash astronomers and the Sir John Monash telescope, which was donated to the university by Sir John's grand-daughter Elizabeth "Betty" Durré in 1985.

Visitors can also learn how much they would weigh on a neutron star or white dwarf.

This year has been designated by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union as the International Year of Astronomy.

It is significant as it is the 400th anniversary of Galileo's observations of the night sky using a telescope as well as the 40th anniversary of the Moon landings.

A range of activities at local, national and international level are planned to help everyone enjoy and appreciate our knowledge of the Universe around us.

Monash is playing a lead role in the Victorian celebrations. To date the University has hosted two public lectures and star viewing sessions that have attracted more than 400 people.

Astronomy in a Nutshell will be on display at the Monash Science Centre until the end of 2009.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.