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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Here are some questions we get asked the most...and if YOU have a question about us or an astronomical related question..
just email us.. mao123<at>bigpond.com Just remove the '<at>' and replace it with the @ symbol.
Q. Why build in Maidenwell?
- MAO was chosen for its dark skies - no light pollution.
Q. How and when do we make a booking?
- All you have to do is phone or email your chosen date you want to visit, as bookings ARE essential.
We do not do any night shows when its close to a Full Moon - too much moonlight.
Best times are listed on the main Menu above under Stars and Planets, etc,
Q. Do we come at night if it's cloudy?
- If its raining, no, but if the skies look 'iffy' in the afternoon, just call the observatory an hour or two before leaving home for a 'heads up' as to how the weather is at Maidenwell.
If the night is clear when you arrive and the skies cloud up later on during your night show, we adjourn into the Star Theatre to finish the session off.
Q. What do you do at night before looking through your big telescopes?
- We generally start the program with a short Planetarium showing of the night sky before moving out onto thr sports field adjacnet to the Observatory.
It is here the astronomer takes you on a green laser guide tour of the night skeis - pointing out variuos constellations, stars, and plaents etc. before moving over to the Observation Deck to look through the big telescopes.
Q. What do we get to see in the telescopes?
- Depending on what time of year it is, each season has many different things to observe. On moonless nights you get to see to see The Milky Way, coloured stars, star clusters, Nebulae and galaxies. On the Moon nights you get to see the Moon and planets up close. Saturn is generally seen in the first half of each year with Jupiter in the last half. Winter is best for the Milky Way, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Carina and Summer is best for Orion and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.
Q. If I wear reading glasses do I use them?
- No. Only those who wear glasses for long distance vision need to leave them on as the telescopes will be focused for 20-20 vision.
Q. Is it hard to look through your big telescopes?
- No. Each telescope has its own height adjusting pier that can raise and lower the scopes to the height of any observer, including those in wheelchairs.
Each telescope has a small kitchen type ladder to lean on that helps to steady oneself when looking through the eyepiece.
Q. When is the best times to star gaze?
- Any night that is cloud-free and that is within the dates you see in the Moon and Stars tab on left in Menu.
We do not operate on nights close to a Full Moon because of its strong light which 'drowns out' many constellations and stars.
Q. What do I need to bring on my observing night?
- In winter, dress up for the cold. Keep the head warm too, as you will be sitting out in the cold night air. Even in Summer, it can still get a bit cool particularly for those who come from the coast, as they do not experience rural weather. On warmer nights or in summer, again dress for it. Average night temp. in Summer is about 15 Deg.C and in Winter about 5 C.
Q. What is the main attraction in the Day Session?
- View the Sun on the big screen from a colour video camera attached to the Solar telescope in the white dome outside.
You also get to view a special 10 minute video about the Sun which shows and explains in graphic form, the Solar 11-year cycle,
Solar Prominences, Flares and Sunspots and how these violent electro-magnetic storms affect Earth and how Auroras form.
This is followed by other short video clips about the Solar System and the Universe. All this take an hour.
Q. Will all my questions be answered re astronomy?
Q. Do I get to anything to take away to remind me of my visit?
- Yes! Memories of what you saw in the telescopes and what you were told. We are not entertainers. We're astronomers.
Q. Does the observatory have free Loyalty Cards?
- Yes. This card is valid for 12 months from date of issue.
- On the 1st to 3rd visit you pay full price but on the 4th visit you get 25% off.
- On the 5th to 7th visit you pay full price and on the 8th visit you get 50% off.
- On the 9th to 11th visit is full price with the 12th visit FREE.
Q. Where can I get Meals and Accommodation in Maidenwell?
- You can get a nice meal at the new cafe or pub. Book your meal at the pub on 4164 6133 and just make sure you get there BEFORE 5.30pm to place your order.
Q, Can I take astro images from your Observatory?
- Yes you can for a fee. Bookings are essential for this special session and only on Moon nights.
Q. How close-up is the Moon through your telescopes?
- On extra steady nights when the night air is still above, we have seen 8-10 kms dia. craters on the Moon.
That's like viewing a car's rego plate 60 kms away. But that's only guess. We do get however, extremely steady clear skies at Maidenwell.
Q. Why are you so happy in your work? (kids question)
- Because I like to see others enjoy themselves just like I have been doing for most of my life.
Q. How far can you see in your telescopes? (kid's question)
- Our telescopes can see beyond the stars......
Q. Have you been into Space or to the Moon? (kid's question)
- Not lately due to budget restraints. Rocket fuel prices are skyhigh just now.
Q. How many stars are there in the Milky Way? (kids question)
- Our Milky Way galaxy has more stars than grains of sand on a typical beach.
Q. How big are your Telescopes and can you see Aliens in them? (kids' question)
- We have three Meade 14 inch diameter mirror F10 Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes capable of magnifying up to 800X.
- No, we don't see Aliens at night, because they are shy and don't liked being looked at.
Q. Have you ever been visited by an Alien? (another kids question)
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