Solar Tour at Melbourne Observatory – Daytime Sun Viewing

Join me for a daytime astronomy session at the historic Melbourne Observatory, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. On the Solar Tour, we'll look at the Sun safely through restored historic telescopes: the 4-inch Photoheliograph, plus a solar projection with the Troughton & Simms telescope.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria says you can expect to see details on the Sun's surface, including sunspots and solar granulation, and to hear about the history of solar astronomy. It suits curious first-timers as well as keen space fans.

We'll meet outside the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 12:30pm for a quick hello, then join the 1:00pm tour. The tour runs for about 1.5 hours, and the meetup finishes when it ends at around 2:30pm.

A Meetup RSVP does not include entry. Please book your own ticket directly with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Who this is for

Anyone curious about space, astronomy or science history
Complete beginners. No astronomy knowledge needed
Solo attendees are very welcome. It's an easy way to meet new people

Links

Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aR2hAuk2S8tbfXHY7
Solar Tours tickets: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/solar-tours/

Timeline

12:30pm – Meet outside the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and say hi
1:00pm – Solar Tour starts
2:30pm – Tour ends and the meetup finishes

Tickets / cost

Book and pay for your own ticket through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria website (link above)
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria lists tickets at $45 for adults
Bookings are essential, so please book early in case it sells out
Choose the Sunday 15 November, 1:00pm session. It's the last listed session of the season

Bring

Your ticket
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. We'll be outdoors in the middle of the day
Water bottle
Comfortable shoes
A jacket in case the weather turns

Expect

Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Relaxed, guided tour
Vibe: Curious, friendly and a bit nerdy
Group style: We'll arrive together and do the tour as part of the wider public session

Important notes

This is a casual social meetup so we can go to the tour together. It isn't run by or affiliated with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria or The Astronomical Society of Victoria, who present the tour.
Your RSVP here isn't a ticket, so you'll need your own booking to join the tour.
Please never look at the Sun directly or through any equipment unless the presenters say it's safe. Always follow their instructions.
Solar viewing depends on the sky. If it's cloudy on the day, please check with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria about how the tour will run.
Please be sun-smart, as we'll be outside around midday in November.
You're responsible for your own safety and wellbeing on the day. Please follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
If you're running late, head straight to the tour meeting point outside the Visitor Centre before 1:00pm.
If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.