Darwin astronomer to host stargazing event at Zen apartment building

ASTRONOMER Geoff Carr has travelled all over the world looking for the perfect building to watch the stars from but little did he know it was right in his back yard the entire time

Jeff Carr is hosting a Urban stargazing event at the Zen rooftop. PICTURE: Katrina Bridgeford

ASTRONOMER Geoff Carr has travelled all over the world looking for the perfect building to watch the stars from but little did he know it was right in his back yard the entire time.

Now, Darwin residents have the opportunity to look through Mr Carr’s three Celestron 11-inch diameter telescopes at the top of the Zen apartment building on Carey Street during a viewing night this weekend.

Mr Carr, 55, said the building was perfect for stargazing as it wasn’t surrounded by other tall buildings or flooded with light. It will allow enthusiastic urban stargazers to see Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings and moons, Mars, Earth’s moon and a couple of deep sky objects.

Mr Carr likened the building to finding the “Holy Grail” of stargazing and said he can’t wait to share a night of urban stargazing with the people of Darwin.

“Plus, we have software to run through a screen as well as a laser pointer to point out different constellations for, say, all the Leos out there,” he said.

“Ninety-eight per cent of the Leos have never actually seen their constellation.”

For $70, a small number of guests will be treated to drinks and canapés and a look through the telescopes.

The first event on Friday night sold out but a special second event will be held on Saturday, June 11.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 7912 5212.

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