Astronomical Society of Coonabarabran

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The Astronomical Society of Coonabarabran (ASC) was founded in 1992 at a public meeting held in one of the local schools. It aimed to serve the local amateur astronomical community whose existence was largely due to the proximity of Siding Spring Observatory.

The Society became an incorporated body in 1995 and currently has about 27 members most of whom are current or former employees of the various observatories at Siding Spring.

Coonabarabran is a small town of about 3000 people. It is located about 490 km north west of Sydney, Australia and is about 22 km from the observatories based at Siding Spring. As the self-proclaimed "Astronomy Capital of Australia", it is an appropriate place for an astronomical society to flourish. Click here to see a map showing where in New South Wales Coonabarabran is.

The society has a membership consisting of both professional and amateur astronomers. The equipment used by members include the naked eye and binoculars as well as telescopes, some of which are home-built. Some of our members are also keen astro-photographers.

The Societies main activities include monthly lecture meetings, occasional star parties and participating in astronomy outreach programs.

Aims of Our Society

The aims of our society are to engage in the study of astronomy, to promote awareness of astronomy and to assist individuals in their pursuit of astronomy.

Meeting Location and Times

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month in the Imperial Hotel at 7.30 pm. Our meetings are preceded by an optional dinner at 6.30 pm at the same location. The Imperial Hotel is on the corner of John Street and Dalgarno Street (as indicated by the red arrow on this map).