Emerald Secondary College students were recently treated to an out-of-this-world adventure while their feet were firmly planted on the ground.
During the first weekend of May, the school’s students attended the Victorian Astronomy Convention, a biennial conference for amateur astronomers, this year hosted by Mount Burnett Observatory (MBO) at the school.
The school’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students joined MBO members and other aspiring astronomers around the state to learn about the latest in space research.
MBO president James Murray said hosting the conference was a great way to make connections with fellow astronomical societies.
“Many of our members had never thought of going to an astronomical conference, but having one on their doorstep was an opportunity too good to miss. And now that they have seen one they want more,” Mr Murray said.
Close to 100 people attended the event, which included a range of “dynamic” presenters, including leading Indigenous astronomy researcher Duane Hamacher and Louise Hartley, who discussed gender balance in astronomy.
According to Ms Hartley, studies show that girls and women want to participate in physics and astronomy at the amateur and professional level, but for many reasons they drop out until they are vastly outnumbered by men.
“The result is that many women miss out on an engaging pastime, or potentially a fulfilling career in science, and our society misses out on the contribution those women might have made,” she said.
Other topics discussed at the local talk include astronomy for beginners, astrophotography and gravitational waves.
Mr Murray described the event as a successful one.
“Yes (it is) because of the connections people made,” he said.
“We think there is a renewed interest in Victorian astronomy – as a community of groups, each with something to add to the whole.”
For more information visit www.vastroc.net or www.mtburnettobservatory.org
