The Victor Harbor Library is hosting SkyWatch and their educational planetarium program, with sessions for all ages, for National Science Week 2023.
SkyWatch Astronomy Education is a South Australian business that encourages people to learn about the night sky. The facilitator will present a 360-degree movie inside an inflatable planetarium ‘mirror dome’ related to the age group in attendance.
While experiencing the 360 degree movie Earth’s Wild Ride, participants in session 1 and 2 travel to the moon in the year 2081. They view the shadow of the moon crossing Europe before they are then transported back in time to an ice age, flying up the slopes of an active volcano, visiting with dinosaurs and more.
Participants in session 3 will experience the movie Oasis in Space which will take them on a ride through the solar system learning about discoveries made over the last few decades.
As well as showing an exciting 20-minute movie, the planetarium showcases the night sky and looks at the constellations, galaxies, nebulae, planets, Sun and Moon.
It also examines their movement across the sky from any time and place.
City of Victor Harbor Deputy Mayor, David Kemp, says this is set to be a great experience for all ages.
“From preschoolers to adults, this is about harnessing your curiosity, broadening your knowledge of space, astronomy, geography and prehistoric history in an interactive and exciting format.
“You’re never too young or old to learn about the wonder of space. The Victor Harbor Library is so excited to be offering this unique experience.”
The facilitator Dean Davidson, the owner of SkyWatch, is past President of the Astronomical Society of SA, and has been a keen amateur astronomer for many years.
