Outreach

Our staff and students are active in astronomy outreach, and some examples follow.

Twinkle telescope scientists in Queensland to lead world-first commercial space study of distant planets

Queensland astrophysicists are helping lead the world’s first commercial space telescope mission that could reveal the secrets of finding alien life.

Four 'toddler' exoplanets discovered orbiting stars 130 light years from Earth

Astronomers say the discovery of four “energetic toddler” planets, far beyond our solar system, could provide new insights into how Earth evolved.

Scientists confirm discovery of 'blazingly hot' planet, TOI-3362 b, with extreme seasons and rare orbit

Queensland researchers have helped discover a massive new exoplanet about 200 light years away from Earth.

Those Underground 'Lakes' on Mars Just Keep Getting More Mysterious

In 2018, scientists made a discovery that could change our understanding of the dusty, dry red ball that is Mars.

There’s just one problem. According to a new analysis, which has found dozens more of these shiny patches, some of them are in regions that are just too cold for liquid water, even a brine, which can have a lower freezing temperature than freshwater.

Researchers discover 'hellish' new planet, TOI-1431b, where temperatures reach 2,700C

Queensland astronomers have discovered a new planet, but it offers a welcome far too warm for any human visitors.

The Conversation: Look up! Your guide to some of the best meteor showers for 2021

Jonti Horner discusses how although there’s a poor start for meteor showers in 2021, things get better with a possible spectacular surprise later in the year. Here’s your guide on when and where to look to catch nature’s fireworks.

The Conversation Curious Kids: how does the Sun make such pretty colours at sunsets and sunrises?

PhD students Jake Clark and Nataliea Lowson explain how it’s all to do with the light from the Sun and a blanket of air wrapped around Earth called the ‘atmosphere’.

USQ Plays Role in Finding Cosmic Exoplanet Laborory

Australian researchers have helped NASA to discover a new planet orbiting a very young star which can provide answers about the evolution of planetary systems. Vanessa had a chat with Prof. Jonti Horner about this exciting discovery.

Build a Planet Workshop

Build-a-Planet Extravaganza is a one hour hands-on, immersive school incursion, bringing the wonders of the Solar System to your classroom. This 60 minute activity will get your students to dance through the Solar System, learning fun facts about our cosmic neighbourhood, and getting them build their very own alien worlds out of everyday materials. The best thing is, they keep and take home their newly built worlds! The workshops are designed for K-3 classes but can be tailored to older classrooms if needed.

Photo: Polystyrene Planets by David Menidrey on Unsplash

Please note: as a university research facility Mt Kent Observatory is not open to the public, but UniSQ Events and the School of Sciences includes astronomy in their outreach activities.