THE astronomers of Sutherland Shire will make the most of the darkness that comes with Earth Hour on Saturday, by hosting an event aimed at spotting nebulae, an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other gases.
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Sutherland Shire Astronomical Society spokesman Rolando De Michiel said the hour had always been enthusiastically embraced by astronomers because it dramatically reduced the light pollution usually experienced in the city.
Earth Hour is an annual event which encourages participants to switch their lights off for an hour to raise awareness about the need for action on climate change.
‘‘Astronomers always look forward to darker skies,’’ he said.
This year there is a feast of activity in the sky coinciding with Earth Hour including a visiting comet and good views of Jupiter.
But to start the evening Mr De Michiel said telescopes will be turned towards the sun.
‘‘We are starting at 6.30pm when it is still light and using special filters to look at the sun.
‘‘It is quite a unique thing to see the surface of the sun, especially if there are sun spots.’’
But once the darkness comes later on, Mr De Michiel said the scopes would be trying to spot nebulae.
‘‘They are pretty difficult to see in the skies around Sydney because of sky glow,’’ Mr Di Michiel explained. A visiting comet, the moon and jupiter would also be examined on the night, he said.
The Society’s Greenpoint Observatory is on the corner of Green Point Road and Caravan Head Road, Oyster Bay. No booking is required for the Earth Hour event. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children, $20 families.
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