Hazelbrook observatory

Hazelbrook Observatory is a private astronomical facility in Hazelbrook, in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, roughly 70 km west of Sydney.

About Hazelbrook Observatory

Hazelbrook Observatory is operated by amateur astronomer Peter Nosworthy and built around a 280mm telescope. The observatory specializes in asteroid and planetary occultation observations - timing the moments when an asteroid passes in front of a distant star - and has been credited with discovering five asteroid moons through this work.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument is a 280mm telescope used for high-precision occultation timing. Its operator also produces astronomy video content and hosts livestreams covering eclipses, occultations, and other astronomical events on the YouTube channel "The Wonky Astronomer."

Location & getting there

Hazelbrook Observatory is in Hazelbrook, in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia, about 70 km west of Sydney - an area known for its elevated bushland setting and relatively dark skies compared with the city.

Visiting Hazelbrook Observatory

As a private research observatory, public visiting arrangements are not routinely published. Check the observatory's website or its YouTube channel for livestream access and any visiting opportunities.

See your named star from here

An observatory built for occultation timing, like Hazelbrook, works with the same kind of precise sky coordinates found on a Star Register certificate. Name a star of your own, or explore the star catalogue to see stars already named.