Welcome to Sydney City Skywatchers
Based at Sydney Observatory and established in 1895, Sydney City Skywatchers carries forward a proud tradition of providing a forum dedicated to amateur astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts in the city. Since our beginnings our aims to service the amateurs in astronomy have not changed. We are inclusive and welcome new members from Sydney and beyond. To see what we have been up to have a look at our facebook page.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. It is upon their ancestral lands that Sydney Observatory, the home of Sydney City Skywatchers, is built. As we share our own knowledge and learn about astronomy and its heritage, may we also pay respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country.
2024 Speaker and viewing program
Our monthly program is designed to appeal to our members' different interests and to stimulate cosmic curiousity. The evening begins with short members reports prior to the keynote speaker.
Monday 5 February, 6:30pm
From Madsen to Beames: Reflections on Sydney Amateur Astronomy 1885–1960 and some ‘Large Telescopes’. Professor Wayne Orchiston,
Monday 4 March, 6:30pm
Sydney Observatory tour
Sat 16 March, 7:00pm
Viewing night Barangaroo
Wed 3 April, 6:30pm
Ken McEwen presents his experience in backyard spectroscopy.
Monday 6 May, 6:30pm
'Radio Astronomy' presentation by Professor Ron Ekers
Monday 3 June, 6:30pm
'Meteorology history in Australia' presentation by Dr Richard Whittacker
Monday 1 July, 6:30pm
Is there life out there in the Universe? by Dr Luke Barnes
Dr Shea Esterling presents Dark Skies and Indigenous Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Carolina Foster presents 'Why do galaxies slow down as they age?'
Dr Nandini Sahu presents 'Weighing black holes and dark matter' and our AGM (online)
Assoc. Prof. Milena Radnovic presents mathematics, astronomy and the ancient world (hybrid at Sydney Observatory and online)
End of year celebration (in person)