The McGowan Government has committed $1.6 million over four years to the Perth Observatory in Bickley, as it celebrates 125 years of gazing into the universe.
The Perth Observatory Volunteer Group will receive $400,000 per annum to deliver a larger and broader program of school and informal community STEM engagement programs. The funding will also help support the observatory’s general operations.
First opened in 1896 and originally located in West Perth, the Perth Observatory has been responsible for significant astronomical achievements such as co-discovering Uranus’s ring system and discovering 29 minor planets between 1970 and 1999.
A minor planet discovered at the observatory was recently renamed 8138 Craigbowers, after Dr Craig Bowers who is currently the honorary historian at the observatory.
More recently, the observatory has shifted focus to the preservation of its heritage and the expansion of education for the wider community.
Perth Observatory has been a long standing contributor to building a STEM culture in the community and encouraging young people’s interest in astronomy, STEM studies and careers.
To honour the 125-year milestone, the Perth Observatory will be hosting CosmosCon, a ticketed family-focused event on October 2 to celebrate the cosmos.
For more information on the Perth Observatory’s CosmosCon event, please visit
https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/shop/events/cosmoscon
As stated by Science Minister Roger Cook:
“The Perth Observatory has been inspiring Western Australian’s for 125 years to take a closer look at our solar system and beyond, and it’s important that we continue to invest in its future for generations to come.
“The $1.6 million investment by the McGowan Government will not only support general operations, but will also support the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group to deliver a comprehensive community and school STEM engagement program.
“I commend the group’s dedication, which ensures the observatory’s position as a scientific and heritage education facility.
“Interest in space within WA has grown thanks to the launch of the state’s first home-grown spacecraft last month, the Binar-1, and it’s hoped momentum will continue with this new investment.”
