BDAS offers local and regional schools, clubs and community groups the opportunity to learn about astronomy and to see the wonders of the sky first-hand.
Viewing nights are available where participants can share the beauty of stars, planets and nebulae through large telescopes.
These evenings run for about 90 minutes. However, this is a flexible arrangement and our volunteers are usually happy to remain if some people wish to stay a bit longer. Actual start and finish times vary, depending on the time of the year - in particular when the Sun sets.
Our aim is to have about at least one telescope per fifteen participants, so that everyone will have the opportunity for long and rewarding views of the sky, and to ask questions and discuss what they are seeing with our volunteers at the telescopes.
The cost of star nights is $2 per person or $5 per family. As a non-profit organisation, BDAS will use this money to help cover the cost of bills, equipment, insurance and so on, so that we can continue to run these and other educational and outreach programs.
We also offer (indoor) presentations on general astronomy or, if requested, particular topics of special interest, for example curriculum material for schools.
The presentations provide up-to-date information on our rapidly changing view of the planets, stars and universe, utilising audiovisual material guided by our presenters, and answering questions from participants. We will provide our own projector, computer, screen and so on if required. Presentations usually run from 45 minutes to one hour. BDAS asks $50 for these presentations.
For regional schools and groups, beyond the Bendigo urban area, we also ask that our volunteers are reimbursed to cover petrol money at 25 cents per kilometre. We do of course use car-pooling as much as possible to limit this expense.
Bookings can be made by emailing our education co-ordinator from the Contact Us page, or by telephoning 5448 4616. It is important to book as far ahead as possible, preferably at least four weeks.