Contact us
- Association for Astronomy
- 7 Wally’s Walk
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- E: starinfo@mq.edu.au
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See celestial objects up close
The planetarium simulates the night sky including rare events like the transit of Venus or an eclipse of the Sun.
Come and be amazed by an up-close look at the motions of celestial objects, the surfaces of planets, deep sky objects, constellations and much more. You can take a tour of our local Solar System or peer into the depths of the galaxy. Presentations can be tailored to the interests and age of your group.
Our state-of-the-art planetarium projector system and portable seven metre dome is available by arrangement for groups of up to 40 people per session.
School, scouts and guides group sessions
The planetarium is a fantastic way to engage students in science. Our staff can present talks on topics of your choice, or we offer a great range of standard sessions for school groups, scouts and guides. We can also tailor events so that scouts and guides of all levels or ages can learn what’s required for their astronomy and space badges.
Complete this online booking form if you are a teacher, principal, scout or guide group leader interested in having the planetarium come to your school or hall, or interested in arranging a virtual planetarium session. The same form can be used to organise private bookings, off-site visits and tailored observatory sessions, as well as telescope and planetarium sessions.
A member of staff from the Association for Astronomy (AfA) will respond once they have been able to review your request.
Contact us at starinfo@mq.edu.au for general enquiries or for a quote. Note that costs for any private session will be determined based on complexity, duration, group size, and the amount of equipment and staff required.
School holiday planetarium sessions
Public planetarium sessions are often held during the January and July school holidays. These sessions seat up to 40 people, and limited chairs are made available for those unable to sit on the carpeted floor.
Unlike our on-campus Astronomical Observatory, these public planetarium sessions are not dependent on the weather so will go ahead rain, hail or shine.
Bookings are essential. All tickets for admission are sold online prior to the session start. We are unable to accept cash at the door and cannot sells tickets at the event. A link will be included here when tickets and session times are released. Note: tickets not currently on sale.
Planetarium dimensions and set-up requirements
If you would like to make a booking with us, please take a look at the following guide to our planetarium dimensions and set-up requirements.
- Our portable planetarium is 7m in diameter and inflates up to 4.1m in height.
- Set up time is quick and easy, taking approximately 20 minutes.
- The power required is 240V.
- The projector is a Digitalis Epsilon.
