Murrumbateman observatory

Murrumbateman observatory is a private astronomical facility in the Yass Valley of New South Wales, Australia, best known as the site where amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley discovered a fresh impact scar on Jupiter in 2009.

About Murrumbateman observatory

Murrumbateman observatory is a private observatory located in the Yass Valley Council area of New South Wales, Australia, roughly 20 kilometres from the town of Yass and 40 kilometres from Canberra. It sits at an altitude of about 582 metres and holds the Minor Planet Center observatory code E07, reflecting its contribution to recognised astronomical observations.

History

The observatory earned international attention on 19 July 2009, when its operator, amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley, spotted an unusual dark mark near Jupiter's south pole and correctly identified it as a fresh impact scar, the first amateur discovery of its kind. The finding was confirmed by NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility and made headlines worldwide, underscoring how amateur observatories can contribute genuine scientific discoveries.

Telescopes & research

Murrumbateman observatory has focused on planetary observation and impact detection, work that depends on patient, high-resolution monitoring of planets like Jupiter over many nights. It remains a working example of how a privately run site, far from major research institutions, can still produce findings of genuine scientific value.

Location & getting there

The observatory is situated in the Oceania region, in the rural New South Wales countryside near Murrumbateman, between Yass and Canberra. The area's rural setting away from major city lights is part of what makes it a productive location for planetary observation.

Visiting Murrumbateman observatory

As a private facility, Murrumbateman observatory does not maintain regular public visiting hours. Anyone hoping to see it in person should check for updates from local astronomy groups in the Yass Valley or Canberra area before travelling.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with exact right ascension and declination coordinates, so an observer at a site like Murrumbateman observatory could point a telescope directly at it. Browse the catalogue to find a star, or choose a naming package to name one yourself.