Central West Astronomical Society

The Central West Astronomical Society’s annual ‘David Malin Awards’ exhibition was launched on Monday, June 30, as part of this year’s AstroFest festivities. The exhibition is on show for the entire month of July at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre. Admission is free.

The competition and related travelling exhibition have grown over the years to become the premier events of their kind in Australia.

Last year’s travelling exhibition saw more than 120,000 visitors view the exhibition.

In fact, it has grown so large in scope that the Powerhouse Museum, in a strategic partnership with the Central West Astronomical Society, has taken over the organisation and logistics of this country-wide event.

This year’s exhibition will travel to Western Australia for the first time, making it a truly national event.

The number of entries has equalled last year’s record number, which was very satisfying.

The photographs were judged by world-renowned astrophotographer, Dr David Malin.

The winners will be presented with the ‘David Malin Awards’ at a special Civic Reception held in the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre in the presence of invited dignitaries, during the CWAS AstroFest tomorrow afternoon.

This year’s competition had three sections of entry - amateur, semi-professional and a themed open section which was new to this year's competition.

Astrophotographers of all backgrounds, whether amateur, semi-professional or junior, were invited to compete together in this section to see who could be the most creative in evoking the theme which will differ from one year to the next.

The theme for this year's competition is ‘Star Trails in the Landscape’.

The intention is to encourage people with vision and imagination, who are able to use simple equipment, such as a tripod and ordinary camera, to make attractive, star trail images that have a terrestrial foreground that adds to the composition.

It was not just technical skill that Dr Malin was looking for but a memorable picture that reflects and captures the beauty and interest of astronomy. All images were judged by this criteria.

The judged photographs will be exhibited for the entire month of July in the CSIRO Parkes Observatory’s Visitors Centre.

Following this, a selection of the finest astrophotographs received will tour the country in a travelling exhibition, beginning with the Sydney Observatory in August.

Canon Australia is supporting the competition with prizes to the value of over $6,600.

Last year’s exhibition was a resounding success with over 120,000 people viewing the touring exhibition at seven venues in four states and territories.

People from all walks of life were given the opportunity to view the photographs and appreciate the efforts and skills of Australia’s finest amateur astrophotographers.

So come along to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre and be the first to see the best astronomical images Australia has to offer. Share with us the excitement and grandeur of astronomy in the Central West during this month of AstroFest.