Museum of Geraldton to host Perth Observatory talk about new night sky camera and Global Meteor Network

If you’re a fan of the star-filled night sky and all its amazing wonders, head along to the Museum of Geraldton for a public talk on Saturday about a new out-of-this-world project. The local museum now houses a new night sky camera, making it part of one of the largest citizen science projects in the world — the Global Meteor Network. The state-of-the-art camera will undoubtedly capture some stunning images of Geraldton’s night sky, including meteors, satellite passes and other celestial events. The project is made possible by a 2023 STEM grant from Inspiring WA, supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Industry and Scitech. Guest speakers from the Perth Observatory will headline the Saturday event, between 10.30am and 11.30am. “Step behind the scenes as we delve into how our state-of-the-art camera is set to connect Geraldton with one of the largest citizen science projects in the world,” a museum spokesperson said. “See mesmerising data and imagery captured from our cosmic canvas above, and learn how each of us can play a role in unravelling the wonders of our Solar System through citizen science.” The Perth Observatory, as a member of the Global Meteor Network, has seven night sky cameras, with the footage captured not only valuable for scientific research but also for public viewing. People are able to watch live as the cameras are updated every three minutes during the night, or they can view a highlights package from the previous night’s events. Museum of Geraldton learning and engagement officer Sara Walker said: “We are excited to partner with Perth Observatory in uncovering the secrets of space as part of the Global Meteor Network. The installation of this night sky camera is great news for Geraldton astronomy fanatics, and we hope that local STEM teachers will take the opportunity to get students involved with an international science project that’s uncovering data in real time.” A Perth Observatory spokesperson said the aim of the project was to “bring citizen science to regional and remote areas of Western Australia by hosting a night sky camera connected to the Global Meteor Network, allowing sites across WA to capture footage of meteors and night sky phenomena.” There is a second night sky camera installed in Geraldton, which is monitored by astronomy photographer Ken Lawson. The Museum of Geraldton talk is free and suitable for those aged 12 and above, but bookings are required. Go to visit.museum.wa.gov.au/geraldton/public-talk-geraldton-joins-global-meteor-network