Astronomy

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res@arkaroola.com.au

ASTRONOMY

Arkaroola's Astronomical Observatories provide you with the rare opportunity to tour the universe

Being located in the far-northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola is fortunate to have a world class atmospheric transparency index and seeing quality due to its arid environment and elevation. Arkaroola's skies are exceptionally dark due to its distance from any towns, with the Wilderness Sanctuary employing a “low light” policy in the evenings. Arkaroola runs three fully equipped astronomical observatories, two located well above the Village area and one conveniently located virtually at its reception area, with all three designed and operated to ensure an unforgettable stargazing experience. In addition to conducting Advanced Ecotourism Accredited Astronomy Tours, each of our observatories are available to professional and amateur astronomers, or to visiting astronomical societies and clubs (conditions apply).

Astronomy Experiences

Join us on an evening Under the Stars where you can learn about the stars, moon and any planets that may be in view that evening. Or perhaps try the Digital Astro Experience using our new Ningana Imagining Observatory. If you are looking for a more in-depth and exclusive experience then try the Observatory Tour.

If you are a keen astronomer and wish to bring your own equipment, contact us in advance to arrange access to our roll off roof observatory.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Moon Phase Calendar 2024

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Moon Phase Calendar for stargazing and astronomy

Observatories

Dodwell Observatory

Our original domed observatory, with adjacent briefing/store room, was built in 1986 and is fully equipped with a wide range of professional equipment – including a Celestron 14-inch (360mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain (SC) astronomical telescope.

The Dodwell Observatory is named in honour of George Frederick Dodwell (1879 – 1963), the Government Astronomer of South Australia from 1909 – 1952.
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Sir Mark Oliphant Observatory

A 3.5 metre diameter fibreglass observatory dome is equipped with a first-class computer-assisted 14-inch (360mm) Celestron SC telescope and other equipment; this observatory was constructed, and officially opened, in 2003.

Arkaroola was proud to name this observatory in honour of Sir Marcus Laurence Elwin Oliphant (1901 – 2000), a famous South Australian Physicist, and Governor of South Australia and a long-time friend of the Sprigg Family.
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Ningana Imaging Observatory

Our latest addition to an already impressive collection of Astronomical Venues, The Ningana Imaging Observatory allows the visitor a real time, state of the art, digital Astro Experience. Relax seated indoors and view the wonders of our solar system and beyond into deep space….all just a 100 metres from the Main Reception/Bar/Restaurant area.

The telescopes operated are 1 x Celstron C14 f11 SC and 1 x Celestron C14 f2 HyperStar Schmidt. The Observatory operates 2 telescopes each with its own camera system, one for deep space imaging and the other for planetary and lunar imaging
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