View the Moon, planets and stars through our telescopes. Our popular Public Stargazing Nights run from 8:00pm on the first Friday of every month at Mt Martha Observatory — no experience or equipment needed, just come along and look through the eyepiece. Bookings are essential.
When
First Friday of every month, from 8:00pm. Starts with a presentation, then telescope viewing.
Where
Mt Martha Observatory, The Briars, Mt Martha — an easy drive from Melbourne and the Peninsula.
What to expect
This is your chance to view the Moon, planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, interesting stars and clusters, and bright satellite and Space Station passes — all through a wide array of telescopes.
The night starts with a presentation about an astronomical topic to spark your interest, and free light refreshments are provided. The nights run regardless of the weather, with an extended presentation if viewing isn’t possible.
Book your place
Bookings are essential as space is limited (excuse the pun)! Choose a date and book online below, or book directly via our TryBooking page.
Public Indigenous Astronomy Nights
On the second Friday of some months we also run Public Indigenous Astronomy Stargazing Nights. Indigenous Australians have used dark-sky knowledge for millennia, and this presentation shares the incredible range of scientific and cultural knowledge they hold — with sky figures and stories from around Australia.
Our presenter, Dr Tim Patston, has been involved in astronomy since childhood — his father founded the NSW Astronomical Society and the Belfield observatory. A researcher and educator across all levels of Australian education, Tim runs talks and workshops nationwide celebrating the depth of knowledge of our First Nations peoples, and works with Indigenous Australians to preserve knowledge, language and culture.
If you can’t see the upcoming dates below, book directly via our TryBooking page.
Gift certificates
A Public Stargazing Night makes a memorable gift. You can purchase gift certificates for our nights — click below for terms, conditions and purchasing options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of the night?
The night starts with a presentation that usually runs for about an hour. This is followed by the viewing. In the summer months it’s still daylight when we start, so it has to be this way. In winter, viewing can also be done before the presentation. We usually have telescopes already set up when you arrive, and we may start the presentation later if it’s likely to be cloudy later in the evening.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! Even the littlies get a thrill from looking through a telescope. The presentations are aimed at a general audience but keep the attention of most children with animation, sound and video. Just keep an eye on them around expensive equipment. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What if it’s cancelled?
If we have to cancel a public night due to public-health or safety restrictions (such as a lockdown or catastrophic fire danger), we’ll offer the choice of a refund or moving your booking to a later date.
What if it’s raining, cloudy or too cold?
We never cancel a public night due to the weather. It’s easier for us to attend and at least do the presentation than to decide whether to cancel and then try to contact everyone. If it’s pouring you can still come for the show, and return for free on the following Public Night, arriving midway through the evening at 9pm. See you there!
From a recent night
