Uncover the Cosmos at the ASV Messier Star Party

Uncover the Cosmos at the ASV Messier Star Party

Due to the high weather forecast the event will now be held on Sunday only. BOOK NOW.

The Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) is bringing its highly anticipated Messier Star Party to Greater Hamilton this March long weekend. As the largest astronomy club in Australia, the ASV has a rich history stretching back over 100 years dedicated to connecting communities with the night sky.

The ASV has an incredible history spanning over 100 years since its founding in 1922. It is now the largest astronomy club in the southern hemisphere! One little known fact about the ASV’s origins – the Society began with just 12 founding members meeting in the old Melbourne Observatory building. How fitting that over a century later, they now have over 1,800 members and continue to be based out of and help care for the Observatory’s facilities. It’s amazing to think of how much the ASV and access to astronomy has grown from those humble beginnings. Their mission to share the wonders of the night sky with communities across Victoria remains as strong today, and events like the Messier Star Party allow both newcomers and experts to learn from each other under the guidance of this well-established organisation.

Now, for the first time ever, the Society is taking its star-studded event on the road to regional Victoria. On Sunday 10th March 2024, the ASV invites you to journey beyond the city lights at their Messier Star Party taking place at the Hamilton Harness Racing Club on Caldow’s Road in Hamilton. With members traversing from Melbourne and various regional centres across Victoria, it promises to be an incredible celebration under spectacular Southern Grampians dark skies.

Charles Messier was an 18th century astronomer who catalogued over 100 “fuzzy” objects in the night sky, including star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. At the Messier Star Party, ASV members will have high-powered telescopes on hand to explore these enchanting objects and help unravel some of their mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophile or just starting out on your celestial adventures, it’s sure to be an educational and inspirational evening under the stars.

We reached out to ASV President Mark Iscaro who shared “this event is a chance for the community to view celestial objects not usually visible with the naked eye and to learn about astronomy through our knowledgeable volunteers. We hope it inspires more people to get excited about exploring the cosmos.” Be sure to arrive early for a front row seat to peer through telescopes into the vast universe.

Pack a picnic, bundle up warmly and connect with our cosmic surroundings. Bookings are essential for this memorable star party – don’t miss your chance to see what the night sky holds during a guided tour with astronomy experts. Uncover the galaxies, nebulae and wonders that await at this unique regional event under an inky, unpolluted sky.

You can also follow updates and behind-the-scenes views on the Astronomical Society of Victoria’s social media channels – Facebook and Instagram. By supporting events like this, we can help foster greater appreciation for astronomy in our region. Be sure to also secure your accommodation for the long weekend, as local properties will book up quickly.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from the experts of ASV and peek into the heavens alongside other enthusiasts. It promises to be an enchanting evening under an unpolluted country sky. Book your place today at asv.org.au and gaze deep into the universe during this one-of-a-kind regional astronomy event right here in Greater Hamilton.