The Purpose of Southern Skies
Southern Skies will have as its core function the presentation of programs on astronomy and other sciences.
This will be achieved through the presentation of astronomy and science based planetarium shows, interactive science exhibits and telescope viewing of both the day and evening skies. Planetarium shows will be changed and updated on a regular basis.
Schools programs will be tied into the appropriate curriculum for the visiting group.
Courses and lectures
With a lecture room available as well as the planetarium itself, courses and lectures by any guest speaker from any field will be possible. Teach the Teacher courses in subjects such as the HSC Physics Astronomy elective can also be run.
School holiday programs
During school holidays special activities and workshops aimed at school aged children can be run. Special open nights with both the planetarium and observatory can also be conducted.
Exhibitions
Southern Skies can also host travelling exhibitions, such as those from the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Questacon in Canberra, or the David Malin Astrophotography Awards.
Functions
As an exciting and different alternative to standard locations around the region, functions as diverse as weddings, corporate events, product launches, conferences, festivals and charity events can be held at the complex.
Workshops
With a workshop space incorporated in the building design, workshops such as Making a Telescope can be offered.
Special events
The appearance of comets, supernovae and other one off astronomical events can be targeted through special viewing nights. Other events could include holding special nights for Taste Orange programs and evenings for days such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Local content
The facility will be used to showcase the local region and its culture through collaborative projects with NSW tourism, Orange City Council and other cultural, historical and social groups.
Classes
Different classes could also be held in the unique location of the planetarium. Imagine attending the class Tai Chi Under the Stars.
Information service
Southern Skies will serve as a source of information and knowledge for people in the local region.
Club meetings
The complex would also be an ideal location for science and astronomy clubs to hold their meetings.
Botanic Gardens
Southern Skies can also tie-in with events held in the Botanic Gardens, complementing and supporting their events. Another possibility would be a solar system walk located around the gardens and immediate locale.
Community Involvement
As part of the Central West community, OPI and Southern Skies has been actively supporting various groups within the region and conducting educational campaigns. Some of the more well known activities are listed below.
As a means to address the region’s astronomical and scientific curiosity, Southern Skies has been providing the weekly 2GZ-FM radio segment Celestial Matters since February 2009 and the weekly astronomical column Stargazing in the Central Western Daily since July 2005.
Southern Skies also regularly provides guest speakers to local schools.
In 2006 and 2008 OPI supported (and continues to support) Ronald McDonald House Orange with their fundraising Diamonds in the Sky dinners by providing the astronomical content for the evening.
Since its inception, Southern Skies has also been involved with Taste Orange’s Slow Summer program by holding public astronomical evenings during the week long activities.