CALLING ALL SPACE EXPLORERS THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, 3–18 APRILJunior space explorers should head to Sydney Observatory during the April school holidays as we celebrate 20 years since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, 40 years since the Apollo 13 mission and the 50th anniversary of the Search for Extra terrestrial life SETI. Great day and night programs for all ages.

Bookings and information: 9921 3485 or sydneyobservatory.com

Night programsThe Rise of SaturnSee the magnificent ringed planet Saturn in the constellation of Virgo with the Observatory’s computerised 40cm mirror telescope. Plus explore our exhibitions, enjoy adventures in our 3-D Space Theatre and every child receives a colouring-in picture to take home.

Cost: $15 adult, $12 conc, $10 child, $45 family. Members: $12 adult, $10 conc, $8 child, $34 family. Bookings and prepayments essential online or by calling 9921 3485.

Early night tours at 6.15pm (except 8, 13, 15 April)

Late Saturn viewings Few sights in the night sky match the beauty of Saturn and its rings. This month Saturn is nicely placed for excellent viewing in the constellation of Virgo high in the North Eastern sky.

Cost: $15 adult, $12 conc, $10 child, $45 family. Members: $12 adult, $10 conc, $8 child, $34 family. Bookings and prepayments essential online or by calling 9921 3485.

Night tours at 8.15pm

Twilight pizza nights Special family nights of 3-D Space adventures, telescope viewing (weather permitting) and pizza are great for young families. If the weather is overcast there will be a planetarium session offered and a star map workshop.

Cost: $30 adult, $27 conc, $25 child (4 years and over), $85 family. Members: $25 adult, $22 conc, $20 child, $72 family. Bookings and prepayments essential online or by calling 9921 3485.

8, 13 and 15 April, 6.00pm – 7.45pm

Day programs3-D Space Theatre, telescope tours and planetariumExperience space like never before in the 3-D Space Theatre plus planetarium tours and hands-on astronomy as part of the telescope dome tours.

10.15am Planetarium session (weekdays only).

11.00am Elysium 7: voyage to Mars program in the 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour.

12noon Bigger than big program in the 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour. Pre bookings available for this session only.

1.15pm Planetarium session (weekdays only).

2.30pm Space detective program in the 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour.

3.30pm Elysium 7: voyage to Mars program in the 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour.

4.15pm The little things and Bigger than big in the 3-D Space Theatre (double feature, no dome tour).

Cost per 3-D program: $7 adult, $5 child/conc, $20 family. Members free. No bookings required.

Daily

Day programs (continued)Space explorers rocket launch workshops Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 13 by making and launching your own water powered rocket! Rockets have been blasting into the sky for more than 1000 years but not like these. Carers/parents are welcome to stay and help (one free adult per child). Ideally suited for 8–12 years.

Cost: $20 child, $18 Members. Bookings essential online or by calling 9921 3485.

Friday 9 April, 10.00am, 11.30am or 1.00pm

Mini-astronaut party days Drop in any time to collect your astro-passport for all activities. Go on a voyage to Mars in the 3-D Space Theatre, dress-up as an astronaut and take your picture in front of a space backdrop, have your face painted, launch a water powered rocket, search for alien life in our mock Martian landscape, and make your very own alien from recycled materials to take home. Parents and carers don’t forget to bring your cameras! Suited for children 4–7 years.

Cost: $10 child, $8 Members, accompanying adults and under 3 free. No bookings required.

15 and 16 April, 10.00am – 2.00pm

The Military on Observatory Hill: King, Bligh and MacquarieHear stories of the defence of the early Colony then tour the remains of Fort Phillip. Archaeological findings will be displayed and discussed. Afternoon tea provided. Suitable for children 12 years and over and all those interested in early colonial days. Maximum 20 per tour.

Cost: $12 adult, $10 senior. Bookings essential on 9921 3485.

14 and 21 April, 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Free Space Lego and podcastVisit the Russell Room and let your imagination go wild as you build a spacecraft or robot. Children need to be supervised by an accompanying adult. Plus listen to our monthly astronomy podcasts where we tell you how to navigate the sky.

Daily, 10.30am – 4.00pm

Anzac weekendEnjoy free access to the building and grounds, plus go on a tour to the telescope domes and experience the 3-D Space Theatre.

Cost: 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour: $7 adult, $5 child/conc, $20 family. No bookings required.

24, 25, 26 April, 10.00am – 5.00pm

Space exploration talkKerrie Dougherty, Curator of Space Technology at the Powerhouse Museum will recount the lead-up to the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope 20 years ago and the impact of this important mission.

Cost: $7 adult, $5 child/conc. Bookings essential on 9921 3485.

Saturday 24 April, 3.00pm

SYDNEY OBSERVATORY Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks Bookings & Information: 9921 3485 or sydneyobservatory.com

Image credit, right: Horsehead Nebula. Photo: European Southern Observatory (ESO).