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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

Monday 5 August, 6:30pm

Dr Shea Esterling presents Dark Skies and Indigenous Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Monday 2 September, 6:30pm

Dr Carolina Foster presents 'Why do galaxies slow down as they age?'

Wednesday 2 October, 6:30pm

Dr Nandini Sahu, topic TBC

Monday 6th November, 6:30pm

Assoc. Prof. Milena Radnovic presents mathematics, astronomy and the ancient world.

Monday 2nd December, 6:30pm

End of year celebration

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