The Society
Astronomy
Resources
The Heights Observatory
The Heights Observatory is a joint facility operated by the ASSA and The Heights School. The facility is located in metropolitan Adelaide, approximately 20km north-east of the city and is used primarily by school students to gain hands-on experience with their Astronomy studies and to show the public the night sky.
Telescopes
The Heights Observatory consists of two observatory buildings.
The Immanual Papalea Observatory contains a 12-inch (32cm) Cassegrain reflecting telescope built over 30 years ago. The telescope was formally housed at the Marryatville High School observatory and moved to The Heights School in 1989. It is operated manually, and is equipped with an electronic drive system to compenstate for the earth's rotation. The ground level of the building includes a photographic darkroom and an official seismic recording station operated by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources.
The Ingham Family Rooms is a roll-off roof building that doubles as a classroom for students studying astronomy. It contains a smaller computerised 10-inch Meade LX-200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Public Viewing Nights
The Society holds public viewing nights at The Heights Observatory once a month. There is no need to book - just turn up on the night at the advertised starting time (8:00pm, or 8:30pm during daylight savings).
The following admission fees are charged at public viewing nights:
| Adults: | $4 |
| Children under 15: | $1 |
| Members: | Free* |
* Members should ensure they are wearing their name badge so that they are not charged for admission.
Group Bookings
Private evenings can be booked at The Heights Observatory for your school, club or group. For more details, visit our Private Group Bookings page.
Getting to The Heights Observatory
The Heights Observatory is located on the grounds surrounding The Heights School at Modbury Heights. Enter via the driveway on Augustus Street and park in the carpark next to the observatory.
Weather Alert
Viewing nights will only proceed if the weather is suitable. If in doubt, confirm by calling (08) 8338 1231 before travelling to any observing session.