A stellar night for the whole family

The University of Western Sydney Observatory will be running a Family Astronomy Night on Saturday 12 March 2011 from 8pm to 10pm.
On the night, the Director of the Observatory Dr Ragbir Bhathal will speak about the possibility of life on Mars.
"Mars has fascinated astronomers since the 19th Century, including the Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli who believed that Martians constructed canals on the surface of the planet as a means of spreading water," says Dr Bhathal.
"Schiaparelli also drew the first maps of Mars and named the geological features with the names from the bible and ancient mythology."
Dr Bhathal says he will also discuss the latest findings on Mars, as well as the future plans by human beings to make it a habitable planet.
In addition to hearing Dr Bhathal speak, guests will have the opportunity to view the night sky through the Observatory's computerised telescopes. In the autumn night sky, there will be the possibility of viewing Mars, as well as other spectacular celestial objects.
WHAT: 'Is there life on Mars?'
WHEN: Saturday 12 March 2011, 8pm to 10pm
WHERE: UWS Observatory, Building AO, Werrington North Campus, Great Western Highway.
COST: $12 adult, $8 child, $35 family
For more information, visit: www.uws.edu.au/observatory
To book, phone (02) 47360135 or email r.mccourt@uws.edu.au

Provided by University of Western Sydney