Astrofest 2021

Held at Curtin University, the event on 13 November 2021 will bring members from the science community, educators and the general public together to experience, learn and enjoy astrophotography, science shows and the opportunity to try out some of WA’s biggest telescopes.

Usually held in February, the event was postponed due COVID-19 restrictions and moved to a November date. This year’s ”Parade of Planets” will see a very different sky for visitors which according to Scitech’s Planetarium Coordinator Leon Smith can be one of the best times to view Jupiter and Saturn.

“In November this year we get to celebrate the benefits of a terrific alignment of orbits: The two giants of the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, which will be visible high in the sky flanked either side by Venus and the moon. This is also one of the only times of the year we get to see the two great constellations Scorpius and Orion in the sky at the same time. As Scorpius (or Maui’s fishhook for all you Moana fans) sets in the west, the great hunter Orion will be rising in the east, the chaser and the chased following each other across the sky. Who is chasing who?”

As part of the event, Scitech will be featuring two shows on the Stadium stage. Under Pressure explores just how much pressure we’re really under as we use nothing but the ocean of air around us, and Burning Melting Saving uses curiosity and experimentation to find out how science, technology, engineering and maths can help us solve some of the biggest world’s problems.

The Scitech Domes will be also making a welcome return and be providing ten minute immersive space experiences. These portable planetariums will explore the night sky, the solar system, and look at how our human curiosity has driven our growing knowledge of the universe.

The event will have over 15 stalls that either specialise in astronomy or astronomy education, talks with leading astronomy experts, and the 2021 Astrophotography Exhibition, now in it’s twelfth year.

Astrofest is a fantastic opportunity for budding astronomers to be educated, informed and inspired. For more information visit astronomywa.net.au

Perth Astrofest “Parade of Planets” 2021
Date:              Saturday, 13 November 2021
Time:             5.30pm – 9.30pm
Location:     Curtin Stadium, Curtin University, Bentley.
Cost:              Free event