National Science Week offers a constellation of space and astronomy themed events.
Here is a selection:
Beyond The Stars: Seeing the sky through Aboriginal eyes: Saturday 16 August in Hobart (pictured)
We all look up at the same night sky, but we don’t all see the same thing. In this captivating and family-friendly talk, astrophysicist and Wiradjuri woman Dr Kirsten Banks invites you to reimagine the cosmos. Starting with familiar constellations like Orion and the Southern Cross, Kirsten gently unpacks the Western view of the stars before shifting the lens to reveal the profound simplicity and depth of Aboriginal sky knowledge.
Space Music Presented by Australian Baroque with NASA astrophysicist: Saturday 16 August in Perth
Dr Antony Brian – an astrophysicist, planetary geologist and Venusian volcanologist (who mapped the surface of Venus for NASA) – is on a mission to launch Baroque concertgoers into deep space.
In ‘Space Music’, he joins forces with Perth-based orchestra Australian Baroque providing accompaniment in the form of striking NASA images.
VR Explorer – Explore Space with Mission: International Space Station: Saturday 16 August in Darwin
Young space enthusiasts can go on a spacewalk and witness how astronauts eat, sleep and work on the International Space Station thanks to a free VR experience at Charles Darwin University’s Radicle Centre.
Opened in March 2025, CDU Radicle Centre is the first and only science centre north of Brisbane. Its reach extends to mobile workshops and exhibits with a fully-equipped science vehicle to provide resources and activities to remote schools.
Look to the Stars – Stargazing and Stellaris Exhibition Viewing: Saturday 16 August in Lake Macquarie, NSW
Explore the science of stargazing via a multi-sensory, 360-degree projection artwork Stellaris by Ryan Wild at The Cube (located in the Multi-Arts Pavilion). The work blends scientific storytelling with sound design.
Then, Speers Point Park, join the Newcastle Astronomical Society, as they point their telescopes to the sky above Lake Macquarie for a night of stargazing.
50 Ways to Die in Space Air Rocket Workshops – Saturday 16 August in Brisbane
Space: the final frontier. Beautiful. Intriguing. Mysterious. But if you go there, YOU WILL DIE!
Astrophysicist Dr Eileen O’Hely writes about the physics and physiology of existing – and ceasing to exist – in deep space.
The author of children’s graphic novel 50 Ways to Die in Space will explore the topic with illustrator Nico O’Sullivan.
Participants can also design and launch a paper rocket.
There will be multiple session times, including sensory friendly and Auslan interpreted.
More space and astronomy events
- Decoding the Universe – National Science Week at Swinburne: Wednesday 13 August in Melbourne, VIC. Features astrophysicists Dr Sara Webb, Dr Kirsten Banks and Dr Rebecca Allen.
- Astro Kids – Evening Observatory Tour: From Wednesday 13 August at the Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory in Yeal, WA
- Reaching for the Stars with Krystal De Napoli and Aunty Cheryl Cooper: Wednesday 13 August in Benalla, VIC
- Plants Beyond Earth: Thursday 14 Aug at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
- STEM Storytime Takeover- Space and Astronomy with Dr Brad Tucker from Mount Stromlo Observatory: Thursday 14 August in Canberra, ACT
- Reach for the Stars astronomy evening: Friday 15 August in Mount Martha, VIC
- A Night Under the Stars with the Astronomical Society of South Australia: Saturday 16 August in Stockport, SA
- The Universe Through All the Senses Planetarium Show: Saturday 16 August in Ulverstone, TAS
- Dark Sky Night – Stargazers Club WA: Saturday 16 August at Lower Chittering, WA
- Space is all Around – Evening at the Ballarat Observatory: Saturday 16 August in Ballarat, VIC
- Capturing the Cosmos Screening: Saturday 16 August in Ballarat, VIC
- Author Talk: First Nations Astronomy with A/Prof Duane Hamacher: Sunday 17 August in Ballarat, VIC
- Space Family Fun Day: Sunday 17 August in Toowoomba, QLD
- Astonishing Astronomy with Nitro Nat: Friday 22 August in Cowell, SA
- Out of this World: Australia in the space age: throughout National Science Week in Adelaide, SA
