STARGAZERS will gather in Balranald to see and hear about the beauty of the night sky later this week
As part of their touring exhibition of the 2022 David Malin astrophotography awards, South West Arts is bringing Astronomer and Powerhouse Museum curator Sarah Reeves to Balranald.
Ms Reeves will host a free 45-minute presentation about both astronomy and astrophotography from 5pm at Balranald’s Theatre Royal on Thursday.
The audience will then be invited to look skyward and appreciate the beauty of Balranald’s night.
South West Art administration and projects officer Brooke Doughty said the event would explain some of the winning images and offer insights into how they were taken.
“The whole idea is that we will have the exhibition there for people to see,” she said. “As well as having Sarah here talking about what some of the photos show us, as well as the process of how they are shot.
“She will do a 45-minute presentation inside, before we all head outside to have a look ourselves.
“Sarah has actually been licensed to use a laser pointer in the sky to point out constellations and all kinds of other things.”
“Even if it’s cloudy, we have devised a back-up plan, but we hope that isn’t necessary.”
The exhibition rolls into Balranald after stops in Barooga and Deniliquin, but Ms Doughty says Balranald is one of the best stargazing spots across the country.
“We actually have the best terrain here for night sky photography,” she said.
“Balranald is one of the best places to go to try your hand at it.
“We encourage so many people from the area to enter the awards, because there is so many categories for people to enter in.
“Because of the lack of light pollution and the flat terrain, it’s just the perfect place to get these photos.”
Those interested can find ticket links for the event on Balranald Facebook pages or on the Balranald Shire website.
Ms Doughty said the shire been a big supporter of the event, “as have the New South Wales Government through their reconnecting regional community events funding”.
