UWS Rotary Observatory

Originally known as UWS Rotary Observatory, the Campbelltown Rotary Observatory in New South Wales has introduced two decades of visitors to the night sky through twin telescope domes.

About Campbelltown Rotary Observatory

Owned by Western Sydney University (formerly the University of Western Sydney, hence its original name), the observatory opened in 2000 and was directed for its first 22 years by Dr Ragbir Bhathal, with science-fiction author and futurist Sir Arthur C. Clarke serving as its patron.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's twin domes house telescopes of 4.5 metres and 2.9 metres in diameter, giving it two distinct instruments for research and public viewing programmes alike.

History

The facility opened in 2000 under the name UWS Rotary Observatory, reflecting both its university ownership and its founding support from local Rotary clubs; it was later renamed Campbelltown Rotary Observatory.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Campbelltown, in Sydney's south-western suburbs, New South Wales, Australia.

Visiting Campbelltown Rotary Observatory

Check Western Sydney University's observatory pages for current public viewing nights, school-group bookings and event details before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

With two good-sized domes trained on the night sky, Campbelltown Rotary Observatory is a fitting place to look for a named star's coordinates. Name a star of your own, or explore the catalogue of existing names.