Professional photographer available, Photo Gallery link... Partial Lunar eclipse on June 26 at 8pm. See 'Moon nights' in Main Menu. Astronomy and photographic gear for sale... Canon EOS 1Ds FF 11 meg. DSLR pro-camera body for sale.
This facility is the largest self-funded Astro-Tourism business in Queensland owned and operated by full time astronomer - James Barclay, passionately devoted to his visitor's enjoyment of the night skies.
This where you come to view and learn more about the Cosmos and look through big telescopes of the Moon, Planets, Binary Stars, Star Clusters, Nebulae, Galaxies...
Stargazing shows run 7 nights a week (weather permitting and we have a minium of 2 persons to do a show)
Day shows in our Star Theatre only operate when we have a booking (Min of 4 persons).
Bookings essential for any show ....Ph. (07) 4164 6194 anytime between 9am - 6pm, 7 days a week.
Naked eye limit is Mv6.5. No Light Pollution meaning the darker the skies, the more stars you see.
TOKYO: It's no wonder you can't see Hoshi (stars) in Japan! Too much light..!!
You come to Maidenwell Observatory more Hoshi than Japanese population!
Photo taken by astronauts on the ISS - Feb. 2010.
Observation Deck...
Photo above shows the 40 seater observation deck with its sliding roof rolling back. In that building contains three 14 inch telescopes to view the Moon, Planets and the stars The white dome is the Solar Video Telescope used for our Day shows and the small green building is the Office/Shop/Display Centre. The 70 seater Star Theatre is behind the Display Centre.The tall post holds our weather station and one of many CCTV 24/7, Day/Night video cameras that scan the observatory and sports field.
At left is MAO director, astronomer and photojournalist - James Barclay.
With his incredible passionate knowledge of the Universe, he explains in simple English the what, where, when, why and how, of what you see.
On nights of no moon, you get to see a very beautiful starry sky! View huge glowing stellar nurseries - nebulae, beautiful star clusters, and distant galaxies.
On nights of the Moon, you will see our nearest celestial neighbor like you have never seen before! Some exceptional nights we can see craters 10kms diameter!.
All of our night shows include a Star Theatre presentation and a green (registered) laser show, as James takes you on a narrative guided tour of the night sky.
Schools and community groups can camp for free adjacent to the Obs.Hot showers and a modern kitchen with BBQ available for hire to these groups.
Night shows start at 7.30pm during Spring/Summer and 7pm during Autumn/Winter.
Min. of 2 adults to a max. of 40 for a night show. Min. 4 to max. of 70 for a day show. Day shows start times are flexible.
Day shows ideal for touring bus and coach.
If you want to do a night show with or without the Moon, click on Best Dates on left in Main Menu.
Bookings are essential for Day and or Night shows: Ph. 4164 6194 between 9am - 6pm 7 days a week or.... E-mail to mao123 <at> bigpond.com (Just remove the <at> and add the @ sign).
Our front road display sign...
This is our 5 x 2 metre road entrance sign with the Observatory on left in background
Main entrance is next to the Maidenwell rural fire brigade shed just off the Kingaroy-Cooyar road that runs through the town.
Modern kitchen with outside BBQ available for hire for schools and community groups only.
Caravans and/or motor homes clubs who are booked into the Observatory for a Day & Night show and want to stay a day or so on the Sports Field, must fill in this camping form. Without this OK from the regional council, you will not be allowed to camp there. Council rule.
Map of designated camping area look under Accommodation tab. MAO is also a CMCA member. A logo sticker is seen at top right of sign. If the sign says CLOSED it means we are not there on that day, as we do not live on site.
'Moonset Pub'
Photo by James Barclay
If you would like a similar photo of your home, farm or even a pub, just call James on 4164 6194 to chat of what you would like.
