Public Viewing Nights

Public Viewing Nights

Public viewing nights are a relaxed way to experience the night sky through ASSA members' telescopes.

Visitors can see suitable targets such as the Moon, planets, star clusters and bright deep-sky objects, while learning from volunteers who enjoy sharing astronomy with the community.

Public viewing sites, event details, ticketing information and weather-confirmation guidance are listed below. Please check the event status before travelling, as outdoor astronomy events only proceed when conditions are suitable.

Where Public Viewing Nights Are Held

Stockport Observatory

Stockport Observatory

Quarterly public star parties

ASSA holds public star parties at Stockport Observatory in February, May, August and November. Stockport is ASSA's main dark-sky observing site, located approximately 60 minutes north of Adelaide.

Best for: darker-sky public viewing, observatory visits and larger star party events

View site details and upcoming events

Hawthorndene Oval public viewing night

Hawthorndene Oval

Southern metropolitan public viewing site

Hawthorndene Oval provides a convenient Adelaide Hills location for public stargazing nights, approximately 30 minutes south of the Adelaide city centre.

Best for: southern-suburbs public viewing, Moon, planets and bright night-sky objects

View site details and upcoming events

What to Expect

Look Through Telescopes

ASSA volunteers set up telescopes and help visitors view suitable objects such as the Moon, planets, star clusters and bright nebulae.

Ask Questions

Public viewing nights are a good opportunity to ask about the night sky, telescopes, observing, astrophotography and getting started in astronomy.

Family Friendly

These events are suitable for curious beginners, families, students and anyone who wants a guided first look at the night sky.

Tickets, Weather and Confirmation

  • Public viewing nights are ticketed events. Details and costs are advertised closer to each event.
  • Viewing nights only proceed if the weather is suitable.
  • Before travelling, confirm the event status by checking the ASSA home page, Facebook, or by calling 0401 702 772.
  • Outdoor astronomy can be cold after dark. Dress warmly and wear suitable footwear.
  • Please avoid bright white lights near telescope areas. Dim red light is preferred around observers.

Check upcoming events

Choosing a Public Viewing Site

Site Approx. location Typical use More information
Stockport Observatory 60 minutes north of Adelaide Quarterly public star parties and dark-sky observatory events Stockport details
Hawthorndene Oval 30 minutes south of Adelaide Southern metropolitan public stargazing nights Hawthorndene details

New to Astronomy?

If this is your first time attending an astronomy event, you do not need to bring any equipment. Come along, dress warmly, and let the ASSA volunteers guide you around the sky.

Read Welcome to Astronomy