Take a look through the telescope and navigate your way through the night sky with an informative and fun night of stargazing at Hardings Paddock.
The new Experience Nature activity will be hosted by Ipswich City Council’s Conservation Visitor Management Officer Jody Gilbert and Visitor Experience officer and Google Street View trekker Josh “The Bear” Kerr.
It’s the first stargazing event to be held by council, following requests by residents in the Hardings Paddock survey.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night under the stars, and Hardings Paddock has some of the clearest skies in the city,” Conservation Visitor Management Officer Jody Gilbert said.
“Josh is a bit of a stellar enthusiast, so he’ll be sharing lots of interesting and quirky facts about the constellations above us.”
“There’s also lots of wallabies in the area, so we’re likely to have a few extra visitors joining us for our night under the stars.”
Image courtesy of R Skidmore, ‘Look to the Stars’ in South Ripley, Enviroplan Photo Competition 2015
Stargazing is one of several night-time conservation activities offered by council, including moonlight walks at White Rock – Spring Mountain and Nature at Night programs for children.
“The Ipswich summer heat can make being outdoors during the day uncomfortable for many people, so it made sense to hold activities at night and make a range of nature experiences available to the community,” Ms Gilbert said.
“Many people who have participated in our night activities have commented on the unique experience of being out in nature after dark, it’s a great opportunity to get to know our local native species better and learn how we can all help protect them.”
Tickets to the stargazing event are free, but you must register through Eventbrite.
Stargazing at Hardings Paddock
Saturday 15 February
7:15 – 9pm
BYO chair or picnic rug, water, snacks and insect repellent. Headlamps will be supplied.
Click here to visit council’s website for more information on guided walks and activities to explore our city’s natural areas.
Image courtesy of J Wells, ‘Silhouetted Against the Stars’ in Thagoona, Enviroplan Photo Competition 2014
Images: (Left) Reach for the Stars by N Melhop, Enviroplan Photo Competition 2017 and (Right)
Ipswich Under the Stars by R Skidmore, Enviroplan Photo Competition 2015
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