Join us at a private location at Younghusband for one special night only, in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve where 3  highly regarded astronomers share their knowledge of this specially protected night sky.

Tour includes:

·      Tour of the night sky by 3 x astronomers overlooking the Murray River

·      Use of provided red torch lights and telescope to view the night sky

Do you ever wonder what you're looking at when you look up at the night sky? Do you sometimes ponder about the size and the vastness of the cosmos? Have you ever wanted someone to take you on a general tour of what we can see beneath Australian skies? Do Aboriginal Australians see the same skies as the Ancient Egyptians once watched? Or are there differences? Australia still has some of the darkest skies in the world - that are well suited for those who like to gaze skyward. The celestial dance of stars above is rich in story, myth, and science. Come on a general tour of the night sky with popular astronomers Joe
& Lyn Grida, and world-renowned cultural astronomy specialist Paul Curnow - who has been taking audiences on cosmic journeys at the Adelaide Planetarium for the past 32-years! During the evening you will learn about the constellations, star names, our galaxy; and get to view deep sky objects through a telescope (weather permitting), and be introduced to the diversity of ways that non-western cultures see the night sky. 

YOUR ASTRONOMERS

Paul 'Starman' Curnow is regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on Australian Aboriginal night sky knowledge after 3 decades of research, and has served as a consultant on Indigenous Astronomy for the Australian Space Agency.  Paul is a world-renowned astronomer, and after 32 years, is South Australia’s longest serving Adelaide Planetarium  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.   In 2004, Paul 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.

Paul has been a valued member of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Advisory Committee since 2021; and just recently in 2023, he completed a lecture tour, where he was a special invited guest speaker at several planetariums, colleges, and universities throughout the U.S.  Paul appears regularly in the media and has authored over 50 articles on astronomy.

Joe Grida has been observing the deep sky for over 50 years and been part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve committee since inception.  Joe and wife Lyn are heavily involved in the Astronomical Society of South Australia - Joe is an Honorary Life Member, Hall of Fame inductee, past President (a few times), and past Technical Information Officer.

Joe has made regular appearances on radio and television and is frequently asked to comment on new discoveries. In 2002, he served as a southern sky specialist for visiting U.S. and European astronomers who were in Australia for the total solar eclipse. Joe delivers astronomy themed presentations across Australia and the US. For 34 years since 1990, he wrote a "Starwatch" column every month for The Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide.  Incredible effort!

Lyn Grida is a Director of the Stockport Observatory in the Barossa and regularly coordinates public viewing nights. Here, the couple have a dome named after them.  Deep sky observers from way back, Joe and Lyn's preferred observing telescope for our Dark Sky Tours is a 16" F4.5 GoTo Dobsonian Telescope.

Both Joe and Lyn were in Western Australia in 2023 for the total Solar Eclipse.  They have been working with the Juggle House Experiences team leading the Dark Sky experience since for 4 years and have many stories to share of their adventures.

THE RIVER MURRAY INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE

The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is Australia's first.  The Reserve received accreditation from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in October 2019.

It joins an elite group of remarkable dark places around the world. The Reserve includes some 80 kilometres of the magnificent Murray River, small townships, Conservation Parks, farmland, and some of the darkest skies on the planet.

Covering more than 3,200 square kilometres, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is known for its dry climate and cloudless skies. Measurements have shown exceptional darkness right across the region, and SQM readings of 21.9 are common on a scale of 0 to 22.

The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is an initiative of Mid Murray Landcare SA working closely with the Mid-Murray Council and aims to raise awareness of the problems of light pollution and its impact on Australia’s unique nocturnal wildlife.

YOUR HOST

Kelly Kuhn owner operator and Master Juggler, Kel has worked in the South Australian tourism industry for
over 25 years, in private enterprise and government departments, including the South Australian Tourism Commission.  She is the creator of Juggle House Experiences – an award winning tour operator business with their Dark Sky Stargazing experience fast becoming the signature tour.  The business also offers customised tours, airport and accommodation transfers to houseboats, weddings and special event charters..  Kel holds an Advanced Diploma of Business in Tourism, is an active emcee at events, and her public relations roles see her work closely with media and celebrities from around the nation. While starting her tour business, Kelly was also juggling the position of Deputy Mayor of Mid Murray Council during the time of the International Dark Sky Accreditation application, and tour host of Lions 360 at the Monarto Safari Park. Now when Kel is not showing customers from all over the world the stars in her backyard, she is a long serving Board Member of the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance, and Secretary of her local River community Progress Association.

$150 + Booking Fee + CC charges.

No concessions, no child prices.

T&C's apply.

* Exact address provided upon booking confirmation.

* In case of inclement weather, there is a backup plan meeting at either Bowhill Community Centre or Younghusband Hall for an astronomy presentation.