The sky is NOT the limit for stargazers at the Festival of Astronomy this week.
Over three days (16 – 18 August), the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will host presentations and activities bringing the stars to its campuses in Springfield and Toowoomba.
The main event will feature world-leading astronomers Dr Jessie Christiansen (NASA Exoplanet Science Institute – California Institute of Technology) and Dr Duane Hamacher (Indigenous Studies Centre - Monash University) on Friday night at USQ Toowoomba followed by stargazing.
Dr Christiansen will lead a journey beyond the Solar system in pursuit of exoplanets, while Dr Hamacher will talk about his research into Indigenous Australian astronomical and geological traditions.
Mr Jake Clark (USQ PhD student) will introduce children to the wonders of space and our universe through the Build-A-Planet youth workshops.
The Festival will conclude with presentations by Dr Christiansen and Associate Professor Annette Lee (St. Cloud State University, Minnesota) at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Associate Professor Lee will present indigenous teachings involving constellations from the North American tribes: Ojibwe, D/Lakota, and Ininew.
