Since its inception in 2009, Astrofest has become one of the largest science events in Perth, and is the only astronomy event of its kind and scale in Australia. The festival is an Astronomy WA event and is coordinated by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.

A highlight of the festival is a stunningly beautiful astrophotography exhibition which will be on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 6 August until 6 September. Curated by Dr John Goldsmith, the exhibition is comprised of 38 images, and two time-lapse sequences.

Photographers contributing to the 2015 exhibition include Mark Bridger, Luke Busellato, Kwon O Chul, Michael Goh, John Goldsmith, Roger Groom, Stephen Humpelby, Grahame Kelaher, Ingrid Kjelling, Andrew Lockwood, David Nicolson, Geoff Scott, Paul Storey and Richard Tonello.

“These images of the cosmos are achieved by these talented photographers, using digital cameras, telescopes, tracking systems, wide angle camera lenses and sophisticated image processing,” Dr Goldsmith said.

“Their dedicated work has resulted in superb images of iconic nocturnal landscapes, the Sun and Moon, constellations, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.”

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said astronomy is a key science in Western Australia.

“The near perfect conditions for radio astronomy has seen Australia selected as a co-host of the Square Kilometre Array project, which will be based at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in the Mid West,” Ms Belcher said.

“This is the perfect time for the WA Museum – Geraldton to host the Astrofest exhibition as part of our International Year of Light and National Science Week celebrations.”

The astrophotography exhibition will open at a public event on Thursday 6 August at 6pm, followed by a public lecture by Dr Goldsmith at 7pm. The event will coincide with the launch of The Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival program which runs during National Science Week from 14 – 23 August. 

Bookings are essential and can be made via the Goodness Festival website.

The WA Museum has partnered with the Mid West Science Engagement Group to bring the exhibition to Geraldton with support provided by the Commonwealth Government’s Inspiring Australia program. The State Government also supports Astrofest through Scitech, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Perth Observatory and Lotterywest.

A book called The Universe, yours to discover will be available for sale from the WA Museum – Geraldton. It celebrates the astronomical images of the southern sky. Compiled by exhibition curator Dr Goldsmith, it highlights the first five years of astronomical imagery presented in the Astrofest exhibitions from 2009 – 2014. Dr Goldsmith will be available to sign copies purchased on the night of the exhibition opening.

Media contact
Sharna Craig
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
sharna.craig@museum.wa.gov.au