Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory in Yeal | Charitable organisation

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory

Locality: Yeal

Phone: +61 8 9575 7577

Address: 1098 Military Road 6503 Yeal, WA, Australia

Website: http://gravitycentre.com.au

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• Observatory

25.01.2022 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - From beyond the Grave(ity) Discovery Centre.

25.01.2022 Last night saw the last class for Astronomia Photographica - Astrophotography Course. A practical night was held under the dark skies at the GDC Observatory (perfect place to do so). It was great to see so many students putting their new-found astrophotography skills to practice. A huge thank you to Astrophotographer Extaordinary, Andrew Lockwood, who taught the finer points on becoming a successful astrophotographer. To all the students who attended, please feel free to send... in your images from last night to show off your image. For those who are interested in signing up for Astronomia Photographica, we will be running another course early/ mid November.

25.01.2022 LIVE-SKY Astronomy UPDATE Tomorrow night is GO!!... The Moon has gone, the sky will be clear, the stars shining bright so let's show off our gorgeous dark skies LIVE from the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory. I'll be using one of the Observatory's scopes while my usual refractor will be harvesting photons from the Cosmos (astrophotography). So join us at 9:30pm WAST for another installment of LIVE-SKY Astronomy. See y'all then!

25.01.2022 Our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, will be hosting a Community Astronomy night out in the wheatbelt town of Quairading (east of York) next Thursday, the 17th of September. If you want some "Dark Sky/ Stellar Photonic therapy" you take a trip and #WanderOutYonder to explore our great State. For more information, contact the Quairading Community Resource Center. ... #Astronomy #Stargazing #QuairadingCRC #WATourism

24.01.2022 EXTRA STARGAZING DATES ADDED Extra dates added for September/October school holidays. Go to https://gravitycentre.com.au/observatory/ to book online or call 95757577 to secure your place now.

24.01.2022 First Sunday of the month guided tours are back! Sunday the 1st November is our next guided tour of the GDC, we will also be holding a Day Observatory Session at 1.30pm so those who book will be able to observe the Sun through one of our Solar Scopes. Session times are: 11.00am - Guided tour of the GDC... 1.30pm - Solar Viewing To make a booking please visit our website https://gravitycentre.rezdy.com//day-tour-of-the-gravity-d or call us on 9575 7577. #perthisok #perthtodo #astronomy #gdcobservatory

22.01.2022 Clear skies Tonight!! Let's check out some cool stuff around Orion, Taurus and Canis Major!

22.01.2022 Yesterday our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, visited the students at Wongan Hills District High School. After a full day teaching the students about the Solar System and its family of planets, the sky cleared for a perfect Astronomy Observing Session. #WonganHillsDHS #wanderoutyonder #education #morethanstargazing #astronomy

21.01.2022 LIVE-SKY Astronomy NEWS FLASH!!! Live Broadcast of the "SUPER BLOOD MOON." (Perigee-Syzygy Moon to be correct) on Wednesday, 26th May 2021.... Once again, the Solar System is showing off its beautiful mechanics where we will see the Sun, Earth and Moon lining up. Our Chief Astronomer, Rick Tonello, will be bringing to you LIVE the rising Lunar Eclipse. The best part about this is you can watch it LIVE on LIVE-SKY Astronomy (with expert commentary) AND watch it REALLY LIVE from your backyard with your own telescope or bino's!! Broadcast will start at 5:30pm WAST - the Moon will already be in Penumbral Shadow (it won't be as bright as usual). First Umbral Contact (where the moon turns orange/ red) will be at 5:46pm WAST. Start of Totality (Where all of the Moon is totally in shadow/ Orange Red colour) will be at 7:10pm WAST. If the weather gods are displeased with him, Rick will have to relocate to a "Super-Secret" location where (hopefully) the skies will be clear!! Either way, we're hoping to bring you this awesome event LIVE.. We would love to see you all tuning in and asking questions (and saying "Hi!"). Invite all your friends! #LunarEclipse2021 #astrotourismcapitalofwa #astronomy #Moon #darkskieswa #superbloodmoon2021 #perthWA #wanderoutyonder

21.01.2022 OK Ghouls and Goblins, set this in your calendar (write it in blood if you must).... LIVE-SKY Astronomy will be broadcasting DEAD and Direct from the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory on Halloween Night! (Saturday 31st October 2020, starting at 10:00pm WAST).... So, lay back in your coffin or warm your feet by a fiery pentagram and enjoy our spooky broadcast..... if you dare..... #wanderoutyonder #GDCObservatory #tourismwa #halloween2020

21.01.2022 The wildflowers are gorgeous and today was a perfect day to wander and look.

21.01.2022 SPACE EXPLORERS SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM The final space explorers program of the April school holidays will start tomorrow at 11am, there will be another session at 1.30pm. Have your child’s questions and curiosities about space satisfied with our ‘Space Explorers’ program! Perfect for ages 5 and up (and with plenty to interest mums and dads) this program will teach kids all about our local solar system through interactive activities and teach them some of the skills it ...takes to become an astronaut!This will include interactive lessons and fun activities based around the requirements to become an astronaut! All included in general admission. To make a booking visit https://gravitycentre.com.au/school-holiday-program/ or give us a call on 9575 7577 #spaceexplorers #schoolholidayprogram #gdcobservatory #astrotourismcapitalofwa #whatsonperth

19.01.2022 With last nights beautiful dark, clear skies at the GDC Observatory, GDC Astronomers Rick and Mitch stayed on until the small hours of the morning catching photons from distant nebulae. These two images were taken by Chief Astronomer, Rick Tonello, through a Takahashi 130 Reflecting Telescope. The first image is of two, famously beautiful nebulae, The Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8) and the Trifid Nebula (Messier 20). M8 (right) and M20 (left) are two emission nebulae. This means ...that stars within their structure are pumping out vast amounts of radiation causing the surrounding gas to ionise (glow). M8 is approximately 4300 Lys away while M20 is about 5200 Lys distant. The second image is of NGC 6188 aka "The Fighting Dragons." This curious association of emission and reflection nebulae is about 3800Lys distant. Located in the constellation of Ara (The Altar), this constellation is embedded within the southern Milky Way that is rich with interstellar dust clouds that obscure our view of more distant star clouds. #astrotourismcapitalofwa #astronomy #darkskieswa #darkskyweek2021 #wanderoutyonder #perthisok

19.01.2022 Sunday Observatory Sessions We now offer public observatory sessions every Sunday, as well as every Friday and Saturday! If you would like more information please give us a call on 9575 7577.... To make a booking visit www.gravitycentre.com.au/observatory/ #wanderoutyonder #astrotourismcapitalofWA #perthisok #whatsonperth #gdcobservatory

18.01.2022 EXTRA STARGAZING NIGHTS Next available dates for stargazing are 7.00pm Wednesday 30th September, 9.00pm Saturday 3rd October, 7.30pm Thursday 8th October. Call us on 9575 7577 or visit https://gravitycentre.com.au/observatory/ to book now!

17.01.2022 Today Mark's 60 years since humans took their first, tentative step into the great cosmic ocean. Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gargarin, was the first human to leave the confines of this planet and usher in a new era in human history. #astronomy #PerthWA #WanderOutYonder #astrotourismcapitalofWA #YurisDay #space

17.01.2022 Competition closed The winner has been notified! Thank you to everyone for taking part. GIVEAWAY... We are running a giveaway competition for the opportunity to win a family pass to our first sunday of the month guided tour and solar viewing on 1st November. TO ENTER; 1. Like & share this post 2. Like our facebook page 3.Tag 3 friends on this post Winner will be announced on Thursday 29th October.

17.01.2022 Astronomia Photographica An Introduction to Astrophotography We've all seen the stunning images of the Cosmos. Have you ever wondered "How do they take those photos?" or "How can I take those photos?"... Now is your chance to learn the Scientific Art of Astrophotography from award winning astrophotographers, Andrew Lockwood and Rick Tonello. This four week course will show you how to utilise your camera to capture these fleeting messengers of light and how to process that information on your computer using free software. A practical night under the dark skies of the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory is included in the course. Theory Classes are held in the comfort of your own home via ZOOM. Each Zoom session lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. Class Dates: Class #1 - Tues 3rd November Class #2 - Tues 10th November Class #3 - Tues 17th November (Practical Night at GDC Observatory) Class #4 - Tues 24th November Cost: $90 per person For a full course synopsis, please contact our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, [email protected] #astrophotography #PerthWA #observatory #photography

17.01.2022 At the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory, we're trying to protect our precious night sky from the light pollution of Perth and potential sources of light pollution surrounding our Precinct by creating a Dark Sky Reserve. We've had a win with the release of Dark Sky Position Statement published by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage in late 2020 that will seek to protect the Gravity Precinct (and other astronomical zones across WA) from future sources of light pollution. Unfortunately, this form of light pollution is now found in a realm that is beyond our influence and our governments control. #astrotourismcapitalofwa #astronomy #darkskiesWA #lightpollution

16.01.2022 Available now on https://gravity-discovery-shop.myshopify.com/

16.01.2022 A message from our Chief Astronomer; Tonights rising Full Moon won't be pink! I think we had this conversation last year... Anyway, it'll appear a dirty-orange colour due to the recent burning out in the hills and the natural atmospheric conditions. It should prove to be quite a sight, especially as this is a Perigee (Super) Moon. The effect will be more enhanced if you observe it rising close to the horizon where you have "reference frames" (eg buildings, trees, power poles,... cats, dogs etc). It's a bit of trickery your brain plays on you called "Ponzo's Illusion." Because you know the size of, say, a building, your brain will compare it to the rising full Moon and say; "That looks rather large!" Anyway, if you do go out to observe the rising Perigee Moon, please wear your mask and socially distance from other "Lunatics." Enjoy!! #astronomy #PerthWA #WanderOutYonder #astrotourismcapitalofWA #SuperPinkMoon2021

15.01.2022 A few images taken from the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory last night by our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello. They are of the Lagoon Nebula and Trifid Nebula (M8 & M20) and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Joining Rick last night was Andrew Lockwood. Andrew shot that incredible time-lapse sequence that we posted earlier today along with some other images regions of our amazing Milky Way. Andrew & Rick run "Astronomia Photographica" where you can learn the Scientific Ar...t of Astrophotography from the Dark Skies of the Gravity Precinct. The next round of classes are scheduled for mid-November. Hope to see you out under out dark, starry skies. #WanderOutYonder #astrophotography #astronomy #PerthWA

15.01.2022 Once again Covid-19 has paid us a visit, forcing us to retreat to our homes. What better way to spend a Monday night in lock down than learning about our Universe!

15.01.2022 Whats on next week? Lots happening next week at the GDC Observatory! Wednesday 14th April ... 10am until 1pm - How Ridiculous meet and greet Thursday 15th April 11am and 1.30pm - Space Explorers program 7.30pm - Observatory session Friday 16th April 11am and 1.30pm - Rocket making program 7.30pm - Observatory session Saturday 17th April 11am until 3pm - Solar observation Sunday 18th April 11am until 3pm - Virtual reality experience 7.30pm - Observatory session If you have any questions please give us a call on 9575 7577 #schoolholidayprogram #wanderoutyonder #astrotourismcapitalofWA #gdcobservatory #whatsonperth #perthisok

14.01.2022 LIVE-SKY Astronomy Technical difficulties FIXED!! LETS GO!!

13.01.2022 Spaces still available for our Astrophotography course starting November 3rd. Astronomia Photographica An Introduction to Astrophotography We've all seen the stunning images of the Cosmos. Have you ever wondered "How do they take those photos?" or "How can I take those photos?"... Now is your chance to learn the Scientific Art of Astrophotography from award winning astrophotographers, Andrew Lockwood and Rick Tonello. This four week course will show you how to utilise your camera to capture these fleeting messengers of light and how to process that information on your computer using free software. A practical night under the dark skies of the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory is included in the course. Theory Classes are held in the comfort of your own home via ZOOM. Each Zoom session lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. Class Dates: Class #1 - Tues 3rd November Class #2 - Tues 10th November Class #3 - Tues 17th November (Practical Night at GDC Observatory) Class #4 - Tues 24th November Cost: $90 per person For a full course synopsis, please contact our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, [email protected] #astrophotography #PerthWA #observatory #photography See more

11.01.2022 ***LIVE-SKY Astronomy*** ***UPDATE*** Join GDC Observatory's Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, this Wednesday, 3rd February at 8:30pm WAST for another installment of LIVE-SKY Astronomy (this time with clear skies.....we hope).... See you all then! Might even look at doing a Solar Observing Session on Thursday for the fun of it.

10.01.2022 Our wayward Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, is Wandering Out Yonder tonight in the wheatbelt townn of Quairading. He reports clear skies and rugged-up attendees ready for a night of Stargazing under the beautiful, darks skies of rural WA.

09.01.2022 Today our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, is visiting the students at #WonganHillsDistrictHighSchool . With talks about the Solar System, Solar Viewing during the day and five large, portable telescopes to observe through at night, the students will have a truly "Out of this World " experience. #astronomy #education #stargazing #WonganHills #morethanstargazing #WanderOutYonder

09.01.2022 November Stargazing Tours Join us on one of our night tours to explore the universe. Our Astronomers will take you on a tour of the cosmos and show off the amazing nebulae, open clusters, globular clusters and planets. Call us on 9575 7577 or visit https://www.gravitycentre.com.au to book now. Saturday’s are booking up fast, book in advance to avoid disappointment. ... #wanderoutyonder #tourismWA #astronomylovers #perthisok #whatsonperth

08.01.2022 Very interesting research project showing the effects of a carefully implemented LED Streetlight change over and its effects on the night sky. Seems like the main "polluters" aren't streetlights but rather other sources of Artificial Light at Night (billboard lights, monument lights, sport ground lights etc). This is encouraging news for our Dark Sky Reserve initiative we're striving for at the Gravity Precinct and surrounds.... #darkskiesWA #lightpollution #DarkSkyReserve #gravitycentre #astronomy

08.01.2022 CALLING ALL WILDFLOWER & STARGAZING LOVERS We are pleased to announce we have partnered with Adams tours to provide extra day and night tours to the GDC. Wildflower tours with lunch, and Stargazing tours with dinner are now available to book through Adams website. https://www.adamspinnacletours.com.au/.../gingin.../ <<< Click here to book Wildflower tours. https://www.adamspinnacletours.com.au/.../gingin-stargazing/ <<< Click here to book stargazing

08.01.2022 Rick and his team of astronomers take the public on a tour of time and space last night. Of interest, this is the level of relative time compression you would see if you were travelling away from the observatory at 99.9999139% of the speed of light... Much easier to shoot a timelapse, though.

07.01.2022 Koorda Starry Nights Weekend 23rd and 24th April 2021 The Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory along with the Koorda Community presents a weekend of Starry Nights. Proudly sponsored by Tourism WA.... Head to Koorda for the Anzac day long weekend and join in our stargazing activities with our astronomers. Friday and Saturday will be packed full of free astronomy events for the whole family. FRIDAY 23RD APRIL Session 1: 9.00 3.00 Free presentation at Local School/ Solar Observing (School students only) FRIDAY NIGHT Session 2: 7.20 9.30 Community Astronomy Night. SATURDAY 24TH APRIL Session 3: 9.00 5.00 Astro Photography Exhibition Session 4: 10.00 11.30 General Astronomy Classes Part One Session 5: 11.00 12.00 Rocket Making (kids) Session 6: 12.00 2.00 Solar Viewing Session 7: 1.00 2.30 General Astronomy Classes Part Two Session 8: 4.00 6.00 Astroscape Photography Class Session 9: 4.00 6.00 Tame your Telescope class SATURDAY NIGHT Session 10: 7.30 9.30 Astroscape Practical Session Session 11: 7.30 9.30 Local Aboriginal Astronomy Storytelling and Telescope viewing Shaun Nannup Session 12: 7.30 9.30 Tame your Telescope Practical Session

06.01.2022 Our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, took some time today to image our Sun. Sun Spot AR 2781 is currently dominating the surface of our local star - a break in the sun spot drought. #Sun #astronomy #PerthWA #WanderOutYonder #astronomycapitalofWA

06.01.2022 Tourism vouchers accepted at the Gravity discovery centre.

06.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart to hear of the passing of Astronaut Michael Collins. Our sincerest condolences to the Collins Family of the passing of a true hero and legend. Not only did he have a distinguished career as a test pilot, he was also an Astronaut during the Gemini and, most famously, Command Module pilot for the Apollo 11 mission.... Godspeed Michael Collins, you will be missed, but always remembered.

06.01.2022 WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL 2021 HOW RIDICULOUS MEET AND GREET DAY Public visitors please note you will not be able to access the GDC on Wednesday 14th of April until after 1pm as How Ridiculous will be on site doing a meet and greet which is a ticketed event.... https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-ridiculous-meet-greet-t #howridiculous #meetandgreet #gdcobservatory #wanderoutyonder #whatsonperth

06.01.2022 Due to popular demand we have added an extra stargazing event on Thursday 8th October. These are the only spaces we have left for stargazing in the school holidays. Please call us on 95757577 to book now.

06.01.2022 This image of the Milky Way setting over our Observatory roof was taken last night by our Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello. Last Night's visitors enjoyed the clear, dark skies of rural Gingin and observed many targets such as Jupiter, Saturn along with star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Guided by our astronomers, the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory is the place to explore the Universe - only a 1 hour drive north of the Perth CBD. #astronomy #WanderOutYonder #TourismWA #PerthWA

05.01.2022 LIVE-SKY Astronomy REMINDER Don't Forget - Joins Senior Astronomer, Rick Tonello, from the Poolside Observatory for another session of LIVE-SKY Astronomy. ... Starts at 8:30pm WAST Tonight, we'll explore the Orion Region and have a look at the objects we spoke about on Monday night. See you then!! #astronomy #PerthWA #WanderOutYonder #astrotourismcapitalofWA #perthlockdown

05.01.2022 LIVE-SKY Astronomy Delay in start time due to minor tech difficulties. Will start at 8:40pm (or earlier if I can)... My sincerest apologies to all LSA Fans

04.01.2022 Adams wildflower tours Adams are running Wildflower tours to the Gravity Discovery Centre on November 20th, 26th & December 9th. Visit https://www.adamspinnacletours.com.au//gingin-discovery-w/ to book now.... #adamstours #wanderoutyonder #tourismWA #wildflowers #gdcobservatory

04.01.2022 Gearing up for another night at the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory. #astronomy #PerthWA #WanderOutYonder #astrotourismcapital

03.01.2022 The GDC Observatory staff embracing the Halloween spirit....

03.01.2022 COVID CLOSURE UPDATE The Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is CLOSED due to the ANZAC weekend COVID lockdown. To reschedule bookings please leave a message on 9575 7577 or email [email protected]. We hope to be back on site on Tuesday 27th April to answer calls in person. Stay safe and we hope to see you soon.

03.01.2022 JUST LAUNCHED The Gravity Discovery Centre Gift Shop is now online! Click on the link below to start your christmas shopping!... https://gravity-discovery-shop.myshopify.com/

03.01.2022 Lunar exploration night Spaces still available for our lunar exploration night this Sunday 25th October. Call us on 9575 7577 to secure your place. ... **************************************************** Did you know that on the surface of the moon, you'd only weigh one sixth of what you weigh on Earth? You can learn even more about the moon on our Lunar Exploration nights! We’ll show you the moon in amazing detail through our telescopes, including features such as dark basalt plains (like the Sea of Tranquillity where the team from Apollo 11 landed!) and craters such as Tycho, whose ejecta lines can be seen clearly from Earth! You will also see other targets, such as open clusters and globular clusters on the night. Plus we'll even get you a photo of the moon on your phone, using one of our telescopes! #lunarexploration #wanderoutyonder #tourismwa #astronomy

02.01.2022 EXTRA STARGAZING NIGHT Due to popular demand, we have opened up an extra stargazing session on Saturday 3rd October 9pm-11pm. Call us on 9575 7577, or visit https://gravitycentre.com.au/observatory/ to book now!

02.01.2022 What an exciting and interesting possibility.