Mondays the 12th of January – 16th of March 2026
at 7.00 to 9.30pm
Paul Curnow
Adelaide Planetarium
University of South Australia
Abstract: Join award winning astronomer Paul Curnow for a '10-week (once a week) introductory astronomy course' at the Adelaide Planetarium (12th January-16th March 2026; 7:00pm-9.30pm). Ever wondered how astronomers find their way around the night sky? Under the dome of the planetarium, come and learn how to find the different constellations (patterns) in the sky and learn about the mythology related to them. Learn about the planets in our solar system and some of the moons orbiting them. Discover the history behind astronomy and how early astronomers worked out the distances to stars, the magnitude of stars and more about the deep sky wonders of our galaxy. Learn about purchasing your first telescope and the best places to view the night sky. This is one of the few courses in the world that has access to a planetarium as a teaching tool. Please note: no admission to under 16-years of age due to use of adult language (16-18 years must be accompanied by full paid adult). NEXT COURSE – January 2027…
Bio: Paul Curnow (B.Ed.) is a world-renowned educator and astronomer, and after 33-years is South Australia’s longest serving planetarium lecturer. In 2002, he served as a southern sky specialist for visiting U.S. and British astronomers who were in Australia for the total solar eclipse. After three decades of research, he is regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on Australian Aboriginal night sky knowledge; and in 2004, he worked in conjunction with the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center Planetarium in Ohio, on the creation of a show that features Indigenous Australian stories of the night sky. Moreover, from 2018-2024, he has served as a consultant on Indigenous Astronomy for the Australian Space Agency.
In addition, Paul runs several popular courses for the public that focus on the constellations, planetary astronomy, meteoritics, historical astronomy and ethnoastronomy, which primarily deals with how the night sky is seen by non-western cultures. He appeared as the keynote speaker at the inaugural 2010 Lake Tyrrell Star Party in Sea Lake, Victoria and in 2011 was a special guest speaker at the Carter Observatory in Wellington, New Zealand.
Since 2012 Paul has taken the role of Lecturer for the ‘Astronomy & the Universe’ course (EDUC2066); and between 2019-2021 for ‘Science’ (EDUC 2030) for the School of Education at the University of South Australia. He has been a member of the Field Geology Club of South Australia since 1992.
Moreover, from 2021-2024 was an advisor for the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Advisory Committee; and in 2023 completed a U.S. lecture tour, where he was a special invited guest speaker at several planetariums, colleges, and universities. Paul appears regularly in the media and has authored over 50 articles on astronomy.
To be held at the Adelaide Planetarium (upstairs), Building P, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus. Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095. Cost $280.00 per person.
FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Name: Allison Price
Company Name: University of South Australia
Telephone: (08) 8302 3138
Email:
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