Night Sky Secrets in Cairns, Queensland, Australia | Retail company

Night Sky Secrets

Locality: Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 4000 4091

Address: 321 Sheridan St 4870 Cairns, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.nightskysecrets.com.au

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25.01.2022 Great to see Mars and the moon close tonight

25.01.2022 Comet Neowise has joined us in the northern skies

24.01.2022 Over the next 3 mornings we will get to enjoy the annual Persids meteor shower with around 60 meteors an hour from our northern location. Look from about 4:30am above the northern horizon, the moon will interfere somewhat with the fainter meteors, but many are bright in this shower. Tell us here how many you saw and your area !

24.01.2022 Well... it would be remiss of me not to share this finding ! Its all over the news media outlets. If there is life in the clouds of Venus .... https://rdcu.be/b7bDS

24.01.2022 Just to let all our customers know, we will be open on Monday but CLOSED on Australia Day.

24.01.2022 Amazing Meteor off the coast If tassie. From the angle of entry. Duration and the fact it does not explode as a fireball, I would say it’s an Atmospheric Grazer. Entering and exiting with enough mass to continue on its way ! https://careerswithstem.com.au/research-vessel-captures-aw/

23.01.2022 Comet Neowise 2020 IS visible in the western sky NOW Just to the right of Leo Minor. Easy to find with 15x70 Binos Grainy Photo of a screen on SLR, will upload full version later

23.01.2022 Not content just to open a new store, we are up in Cooktown doing our first Planetarium shows this year, catching up from a cancelled #nationalscienceweek event for Cooktown State School This morning we look forward to welcoming students from #Lakelanddowns primary school

23.01.2022 One of our most popular products at this time of the year is telescopes , especially those for beginners. One of the most popular has been the 3 tabletop Dobsonian, as it’s easy to use, affordable comes with 4 eyepieces, moon filter, star and moon chart & a carry bag. New stock arriving in store this week in time for Christmas ! https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au//saxon-mini-dobsonian-/

22.01.2022 Hi Folks I hope you all have a great Labor Day Long weekend, we will be closed on Monday for the Labour Day Holiday. Lots of new scopes in Stock ! Here is a little sampler:

22.01.2022 Had a great makeover of the fossicking section in the shop today by a very organised Taylor We have more Garrett AT Max detectors in the way. Coupled up with an NEL Sharpshooter coil, they are a great gold detector with a sub 0.5g detection capability with extra depth on the tried and trusted AT Gold ! We also have an easy to use Minelab 440 Vanquish for hire by popular demand. #ATmax #minelab #garrett

22.01.2022 We have a variety of magnifiers and microscopes here at Nightskysecrets. This handy little unit is rechargeable, LED illuminated & is to clip on your mobile phone . Great for mineral or biological ID and sharing your images. Best part is they are only $25 !

22.01.2022 Many of you may be aware that Telescopes of all kinds have been in short supply. Especially those of larger Aperture (bigger mirror). These are the scopes that allow you to see orherwise invisible Nebulae & Galaxies and other deep sky objects. Well.... I have access to 1 only - 8 Go-To tracking Skywatcher Dobsonian. New stock not otherwise available until February 2021 ! Act Quickly- PM me if your interested.... https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au/teles/8-go-to-dobsonian/

22.01.2022 Wow , we are very excited to get one of these scopes back in stock, in store. These Celestron 8SE Go To tracking scopes have been a classic scope for decades in the world of Astronomy, now updated with the latest software and electronics. If you want a telescope with serious aperture, still quite portable, long focal length and razor sharp views, this is your scope ! *** Only 1 in stock ***... https://www.celestron.com.au//nexstar-8se-computerized-tel

22.01.2022 We are OPEN for business here at Nightskysecrets, cyclone Warning or not Looks like we will dodge it yet again (fingers crossed) When it does pass it’s usually a great time for all our favourite things: Astronomy (clear skies often follow), Fossicking (everything gets stired up!) Birdwatching (once they come out of hiding !)

22.01.2022 One of the regular questions we get asked at Night Sky Secrets is how deep will the detector go ? This is a good demonstration with the Garrett Ace Apex, a multi frequency detector with an 11 DD coil. This target gave a strong repeatable Non Ferrous signal. Lots of digging revealed this bent brass flange of some type at 14 (35cm) deep. So how deep will the detector go ?... Well it depends how big the target is, the bigger the target the deeper you will find it. This is subject to how mineralised the ground is, in this case it was sand, so it was easy ! See more

22.01.2022 Impressive moon and planets tonight ! https://www.abc.net.au//july-sky-guide-full-moon-/12416474

21.01.2022 Well... it would be remiss of me not to share this finding ! It’s all over the news media outlets. If there is life in the clouds of Venus .... https://rdcu.be/b7bDS

21.01.2022 For more information on our astronomy tours visit our trybooking page https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=604635

20.01.2022 There is a national shortage of telescopes, however we have just received an airfreight shipment factory direct from Kson. Check them out while they last !

20.01.2022 "Australia Day medal recipient 'distressed' prime bird habitat to be razed for new jail." Article by Emily Baker. Comment your thoughts below.

19.01.2022 We will do a launch demo when this great new detector arrives !

18.01.2022 "Gravitational waves reveal lightest black hole ever observed" Article by Adrian Cho. Comment your thoughts below

18.01.2022 Spectacular bird's-eye view? Hummingbirds see diverse colours humans can only imagine: Team trains wild hummingbirds to discriminate UV colour combinations. Article by Princeton University. Comment your thoughts below.

18.01.2022 A critically endangered bird's epic 10-day non-stop journey from Brisbane to China. Article by Dea Clark. Comment your thoughts below.

18.01.2022 Well ... not one to jump to conclusions but I think we just had a daytime bolide enter the atmosphere over the western Tablelands behind Cairns. This Trail is what I saw in the west as I came out from the bike path along the Barron. Thinking back just a few minutes before I saw a bright flash through the trees which I put down to car headlights but now I think otherwise ! Or a rocket launch ? The Trail faded quickly within a minute or so, as seen in this series of shots. An...y other reports in this in cairns Cairns FM 89.1 ABC Far North See more

18.01.2022 Lets hope for clear skies

17.01.2022 Well, THIS week is the Annual ETA Aquarids Meteor Shower and the weather finally seems to be on our side ! Latest Blog Post from Nightskysecrets with all the details https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au/eta-aquarids-meteor-sho/

16.01.2022 With Backorders arriving in store on some very popular products, we are OPEN for limited trading hours between 11am & 2pm today and tomorrow 30th Dec. The much awaited Saxon Mini Dob has FINALLY! arrived today. Plus the very popular Garrett Ace Apex, the best new detector on the market.

16.01.2022 Great episode of Northern Vibe tonight with my old friend & Eclipse Chaser Dr Kate Russo

16.01.2022 With many products in short supply it is great to finally get stock again of the Bushnell Equinox 6x50 Nightvision Monocular’s. If you are one of the many customers who have been asking us about Nightvision come in and see us now !

16.01.2022 Our annual FNQ Astronomers Astro Camp is back !

15.01.2022 A lots of folks think astronomy is expensive and out of reach ? This little tabletop Dobsonian reflector busts that myth. A great Lillie starter scope to whet your appetite for astronomy with widefield clusters, lunar and a first look at the planets. Ultra portable and just $149 ! In stock , in store now.... https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au//saxon-mini-dobsonian-/

15.01.2022 "Astronomers Discover Youngest Magnetar Ever." Article by Sci News. Comment your thoughts below.

14.01.2022 Daytime Bolide (meteor) captured over Gordonvale today, Reported by WIN News. Here is a grab from dash cam footage captured and I have been contacted with eyewitness accounts. Did you see it ?

14.01.2022 We are quite pleased to gain a bit more identity at our new shop from today. Should be a bit easier for folks to find us now. It’s the kind of signage I have envisioned have since I opened my first shop 5 years ago. Thanks Chloe & Adam from inspired signs for a great design & fitting Look out for us as you drive north on Sheridan St & pass Dunwoody’s

13.01.2022 With Most Telescopes, Binoculars & Detectors now well stocked both in store and with our suppliers, we have teamed up with etika fairer finance on Purchases from $30 to $1000 from our website. This 3 best selling entry level tabletop shown here, is in stock - in store. *** Best of all YOU GET 15% OFF* compliments of etika fairer finance *** *(Online purchases only)... However you can elect to pick up in store for any purchases from our website. Please contact us if you need any help in selecting the product that will best meet your needs. https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au//saxon-mini-dobsonian-/

13.01.2022 The First in a Series of Telescope How To’s Telescope Basics #1 Aligning your Red Dot finder:... It’s safer to align once the sun goes down, so this is the time to align your red dot finder with what you see through the eyepiece. Start with the low powered eyepiece (20mm or 25mm?). 1. Find a distant tree or power pole and Center a prominent feature in the eyepiece and focus. 2. Turn on the red dot finder to full brightness, then adjust the 2 knobs (front & Rear) in sequence until the red dot is on the object in the Center of your eyepiece view. 3. You will now be ready to observe using the same eyepiece at night. 5. Point the red dot at the object in the night sky that you want to observe. (Dim as required) 7. You can refine that alignment as you switch to higher powered eyepieces. (Smaller numbers)

13.01.2022 The most advanced medium aperture scope currently in stock, one only from a long standing back order, check it out !

12.01.2022 What an awesome Total Lunar eclipse tonight more to say later ... PS: I was great to see over 50 people turn up to marvel at the Total Lunar Eclipse, including Dr Kate Russo the eclipse chaser and friends, Thanks Micheal Russo for the close up shots. Did a great live cross to ABC statewide with #kellyhigginsdivine. The diehard members of FNQ Astronomers and my wonderful wife Rosanne , braving the chill wind for an unforgettable experience

12.01.2022 Well, it’s our last day of retail for the year, with just 3 hrs of shopping till we close at 12 noon ! I want to put a big thanks you out there to you our customers, supporters, suppliers and friends who have help this Topsy Turvey year to end on a high note for Nightskysecrets. The feedback we are getting on the move to our new store has been very positive. So many of you are making the choice to support local / Buy local & we really appreciate that. Have a safe, happy and Merry Christmas with all your family and friends & we look forward to seeing you again in 2021 when we return to trading on Monday the 4th January.

12.01.2022 Inside the quest to use cosmic explosions as distance markers. Article by Bruce Dorminey. Comment your thoughts below.

11.01.2022 Time for some astronomy with clearer skies most days !

11.01.2022 The great conjunction is looking good tonight

11.01.2022 With the ongoing issue of stock shortages for telescopes of the Major brands such as Skywatcher, Meade, Celestron & Saxon, we now have a solution for some of these shortfalls. This package is a combination of a Kson 80mm refractor & a Saxon AZ3 tripod and mount. Available both on the website and in store. It’s a great crossover scope between a wide field astronomy scope and a spotting scope. https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au//kson-80mm-refractor-o/

11.01.2022 TONIGHTS planned Astronomy tour (Fri 10/7) is Postponed until next week date TBA. & weather dependant as always.

10.01.2022 For the last month or 2 we have been short on both Gold pans and panning kits .... Well they are back The Minelab Pro Gold kits with everything you need to get started fosssicking for Gold. NEW in store is the Keene 14 gold pans. These will make a great Christmas gift ! (For someone else or yourself ) plus all the other accessories and detectors you need. Get ready for one of the best wet season activities you can get into ! #goldpanning #Fossick #shoplocal

10.01.2022 Well, don’t miss tomorrow’s Total Lunar eclipse. Nightskysecrets will be hosting an event with our observing Group FNQ Astronomers we will be at the Bunny Seary lookout on Chewko Rd about 10 minutes outside Mareeba from 7:30pm. Too much risk of clouds in cairns. Along with 3 other locations I will do a live cross with ABC RADIO broadcast across the state, at 8:30 & 9:30 so listen out if you can’t be there. Best viewing from wherever you are will be with the naked eye or a pai...r of binoculars. Clear skies to you all. Here are the details of what you can see when, where we will meet and the moon you can expect to see mid eclipse! #totallunareclipse #abcfarnorth #lunareclipse2021 #fnqastronomers See more

10.01.2022 I hope you are enjoying tonight’s Perigee Full moon or so called Super Moon A Pink Moon by the American Moon Calendar.

09.01.2022 Curiosity Mars rover spots Earth and Venus in bright twilight sky. Article by Astronomy Now. Comment your thoughts below.

09.01.2022 Just 3 1/2 Trading days for Nightskysecrets till we take our Christmas Break We are in store 9 to 5 Mon to Wed. Then 9 to 1pm on Xmas eve. Lots of Xmas gift to ideas in store, come and see us

08.01.2022 With the delightful weather we are having our store will close at 4PM TODAY for us to do our Astronomy tour this evening. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=724952&

07.01.2022 "Eureka! Best family road trips for gold panning". Article by Leah Goulis. Comment below, what are your plans this school holidays?

07.01.2022 Well what an Amazing trip to Burketown ... Telescopes, Saltpans sunsets, Amazing night sky and Dingo Dreaming, great natural and cultural & historic experience. Plus they are in the process of becoming a dark sky town Thanks Peter & Yagurli tours for bringing me out here, I look forward to working together again.

06.01.2022 If your wondering why our fossicking Customers will drive the 5hrs to Georgetown, why we recommend it, Why there are 5 Cattle stations open for fossicking & why the determined find GOLD there, this map says it all. Every Golden triangle is a historical gold source Yes we issue Fossicking permits from the DNRM & have all the fossicking gear you need for your trip

06.01.2022 Our June Astronomy tour is tonight, so just a quick advice that our store will close today Fri 11th at 4pm.

05.01.2022 We are closed today, Monday the Anzac Day Public Holiday. We look forward to helping you with all your Telescope, Binoculars, magnifiers & fossicking needs when we return tomorrow. Lest We Forget

05.01.2022 Our tours are back ! Other dates will he added as bookings grow. https://facebook.com/events/s/2020-astronomy-tours-return-/301784087513696/?ti=icl

05.01.2022 "My dad launched the quest to find alien intelligence. It changed astronomy." Article by Nadia Drake. Comment your thoughts below.

05.01.2022 It’s been a while in the planning but it’s happening now, Nightskysecrets are moving to a new store. Our new high profile location is Shop 3 on the corner of Sheridan & Smith street in North Cairns. Our new Store will offer: - Ample parking - Easy Browsing - Room to try out products... - Onsite workshop - Late night shopping (Thus) - Better customer service Tomorrow is our last day in our shared store that we have had the time to consolidate and be able to bring you a great new experience. We are in business for the Curious, Looking Up-Out-Down. See more

04.01.2022 Amazing stories of Australian Meteorites !

04.01.2022 "Nabta Playa: The worlds first astronomical site was built in Africa." Article by Eric Betz. Comment your thoughts below.

04.01.2022 We now have good stocks again of all classes of binoculars from quality Fully Multi Coated, to HD & ED top of the range models. All the above are waterproof and Nitrogen purged for long life and all weather performance. We also stock quality German Made Steiner binoculars, for the most demanding of conditions. We also have new Waterproof compact 7x26 binoculars for under $100 Best thing is you can come in and try them all out to find which binoculars fit your budget and viewing needs. Brands include Kson, Bushnell & Steiner.

03.01.2022 The Ace Apex is almost here ! Should see Demo stock in store within the week The Ace Apex is almost here ! Should see Demo stock in store within the week

03.01.2022 We are are always adding new products to our line up at Nightskysecrets. We also like to try out and know the products we sell. So today I tried out the Minelab Vanquish 440 Detector. Test ground was the decomposed Granite and Quartz shores of Lake Tinaroo. Detector worked well, discriminating between what turned out to be lead (sinkers, bullet & slag) and copper (wire). Good not to dig any trash steel !... Like any detector you need to get to know what the numbers mean for that detector. Pros: Collapsable, affordable ($495), accurate discrimination, DD Coil, light weight, controller cover. Cons: no (manual) ground balance, controller not waterproof, instructions online. Equivalent: Garrett 400i (ability, discrimination & accessories)

03.01.2022 The First in a Series of Telescope How Tos Telescope Basics #1 Aligning your Red Dot finder:... Its safer to align once the sun goes down, so this is the time to align your red dot finder with what you see through the eyepiece. Start with the low powered eyepiece (20mm or 25mm?). 1. Find a distant tree or power pole and Center a prominent feature in the eyepiece and focus. 2. Turn on the red dot finder to full brightness, then adjust the 2 knobs (front & Rear) in sequence until the red dot is on the object in the Center of your eyepiece view. 3. You will now be ready to observe using the same eyepiece at night. 5. Point the red dot at the object in the night sky that you want to observe. (Dim as required) 7. You can refine that alignment as you switch to higher powered eyepieces. (Smaller numbers)

03.01.2022 It’s been a while in the planning. However I am happy to announce that we are moving to a new store. - More Parking - Room to browse and try out products - More floor stock - highly visible from Sheridan St ... - Open Thus. Nights for late night shopping. Last day on the Esplanade is tomorrow Wed. 14th Oct and we reopen on Monday 19th October at our new store on Smith St (Cnr Sheridan) Thanks to #cairnselectricbikes for sharing their store with us over the past 12months to help make this move possible See more

02.01.2022 We stock the full range of Garrett detectors and the question I often get asked is, are they as good as other brands, especially of the top of the line ATX deep seeking pulse induction detectors. A long time user of the ATX gave me the answer I was looking for with these images of gold found with the ATX from Sub 1g to over 1oz. All on the one setting in a detector that is 3m waterproof, works in ALL soil types from wet salty sand, heavy mineral rich clays to iron stone laden ground. #golddetector #garrett

02.01.2022 Very excited to see this comet and hope that our show in the Southern Hemisphere is as good later this month !

02.01.2022 With the holidays coming up, now is the time to start planning your observing opportunities. Tried and trusted for over 25 years the Astronomy 2021 Year book from Quasar Publishing is the best guide around Starting from right now in November 2020 is has all the planetary, deep sky and stellar info, articles, charts and pictures to keep you up to date with all the Astronomical events. Available instore and online: https://www.nightskysecrets.com.au//astronomy-2020-austra/

01.01.2022 Our tour dates continue to expand into July and August as visitors return to the far north and locals get out and about after our long lockdown. We welcome you to join us. If your an FNQ local, please contact us prior to booking. https://facebook.com/events/s/2020-astronomy-tours-return-/301784087513696/?ti=icl

01.01.2022 Well exciting times ... The Ace Apex has arrived in store and we are planning a launch at the Cairns Detecting Group get together planned for next weekend

01.01.2022 We have just received some great new optical instruments, this one in particular is impressive. Its a Wi-Fi Microscope which magnifies 100s of times and connects to your phone and is rechargeable. As seen here with a little piece of Quartz just a few mm across with gold inclusions. Available in store from Monday.