From stargazing tours to DIY adventures and amateur astronomy clubs, the Blue Mountains has many options for exploring the night sky. (Photo: Liam Foster)
By Linda Moon
Taken for granted, the night sky is integral to the health of the whole natural world, including our own health and wellbeing. Local Blue Mountains astronomy groups are helping us rediscover and protect it from light pollution.
Key Points:
The Blue Mountains is one of the best locations for stargazing and astronomy close to Sydney.
Darkness is critical to environmental and human health but dark skies are diminishing due to human activities. There are things you can do to make a difference.
Local astronomy groups with support from Blue Mountains City Council are working to establish a Dark Sky Park in Linden.
I’m standing in a dark field in the country. My eyeball, pressed to a telescope, is focused on a shining orb with a dazzling halo suspended in the vast velvety blackness of space.
“Whoah!” It’s one of those moments when the English language fails.
Blue Mountains Astronomical Club
Behind me, voices crawl out of the darkness. The shadowy shapes of the Blue Mountains Astronomical Club (it’s their first public open night) shift from one big telescope to another.
In astronomy – as in photography – it’s all about the gear and epic subject matter. Tonight, the club members are freely sharing it with my family. The Tarantula Nebula. Close-ups of craters of the moon. Jupiter. Sirius. Distant galaxies. Better than Netflix, there’s something deeply connected and palpably real about a bunch of humans sharing the dark and the wonders of creation.
“It makes you wonder what the point of all this [outer space] is,” muses Jason, owner of the scope I’ve been peering through. I can’t see his face. At 9.30pm, Hampton is a dark place.
In a moment reminiscent of Star Trek, Alexander Massey (the club’s founder and a natural educator) shoots a laser beam at the heavens. For our benefit, he traces out the shapes of the constellations. The beam darts over to cloudy clusters of stars. The nearest to Earth is the Andromeda Galaxy. Even so, it’s around 160,000 light years away, Alexander says. Using the analogy of jumping in your car and hitting the hyperdrive button, he says “it will take 160,000 years to get there.”
Blue Mountains Astronomical Club enjoying a night out with the stars. (Photo: Alexander Massey)
Magic and mystery of the night sky
Clustered around Nick’s telescope, the group is thrilled about the Great Red Spot. The most famous feature of Jupiter, it’s a persistent gigantic storm (the biggest in the solar system) that’s been raging over the surface of the planet for centuries, Alexander says.
Another boon of the night is the shadow transit of an eclipse on Jupiter. “Seeing the Great Red Spot during an open night, and then to see a shadow transit of an eclipse, that’s like winning the lottery,” Alexander enthuses.
Peering through the telescope, I’m besotted by two moons hovering around the planet. Over 146 moons have been identified in Jupiter’s orbit. Multiple planetary moons are common in outer space, Alexander reveals: one of many tantalising astro tidbits.
Dark skies of the Blue Mountains
Ironically, Alexander lives in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. “The best skies are away from the city,” he explains. “You’re forever fighting conditions.” This includes air and light pollution, mist and dew (which fogs up optics).
Researching micro-climates years ago led the club to a site in Katoomba.
But suitable dark, accessible sites are literally shrinking, he says. Growing light pollution and unavailability of the Katoomba site, have meant the club have moved their activities to Hampton.
“On nights when there is no mist, the prevailing conditions are bone dry, extremely transparent sky and outstandingly good for astronomy.” – Alexander Massey.
Linden Observatory is the biggest publicly accessible telescope in NSW. (Photo: Linden Observatory)
Linden Observatory
Also concerned about preserving the Blue Mountains night sky is Ian Bridges, a trustee of Linden Observatory. The observatory, established in the 1940s, is a heritage and educational site. Crucially, it has the largest publicly accessible telescope in NSW, he says.
Historically a dark place – it’s located on a plateau bound by national park on 40 hectares of land – light from Sydney is a growing problem for the observatory. It’s additionally been affected by flight paths.
Aircraft have bright navigation lights, but a bigger problem is turbulence, Ian says. Astronomy relies on what’s known as good ‘seeing’ conditions. Essentially, this is about a stable atmosphere: “When things don’t move you can see more detail.”
Aircraft form turbulence and also contrails which can disrupt seeing conditions and visibility over very large areas, he says. The effects of a plane flying past can last for hours afterwards.
On the upside, the local community is taking action.
Advocacy for the skies
“Blue Mountains City Council is supporting efforts to have Linden recognised as Australia’s first Dark Sky Community” – Ian Bridges.
“More efficient lighting would start to give the stars back to people,” Ian says. He’s met school kids from Sydney who’ve never seen the Milky Way before.
The night sky is something we take for granted until it’s taken away. “It’s part of our long-term heritage as humans on the planet,” Ian says. “It’s tied up with our creation stories. There are so many stories about the constellations and mythology around it, the zodiac and the gods, and in indigenous astronomy; the Dark Emu.
“To be losing that in modern times because of technology, it’s just another way that people get out of touch with nature.”
Linden Observatory, an advocate for the Dark Sky Movement. (Photo: Linden Observatory)
Growing light pollution
Local astronomer and co-founder of Blue Mountains Stargazing, Dimitri Douchin, is another Dark Sky advocate.
“Darkness is essential to the circadian rhythms of humans and other life forms, biodiversity and ecology.” – Dimitri Douchin.
Light pollution can disrupt migratory patterns, reproduction, plant cycles and more. Dimitri cites the example of the native Bogong Moth whose migration has been impacted by light pollution.
A growing body of research shows light exposure at night is linked to human health risks including poorer sleep and cancer. Lighting at night also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Light pollution is the fastest growing pollutant in the world, and increasing by almost 10 per cent each year.” – Australasian Dark Sky Alliance.
Which means a dark night sky could be a thing of the past for much of the world.
“We’re losing the fainter stars and we’re losing some of the star patterns,” Dimitri says. Satellites contribute to the problem as well and create new phenomena that may be puzzling or even frightening to remote communities, he says.
“The sky is an integral part of the culture, as is the landscape. If you dig out a mountain, then you’ve lost that landscape. If you do the same with the sky, if you send too many satellites, the sky is brightening and you lose some of the culture.”
Astronomer Dimitri Douchin showing off the stars in the Blue Mountains. (Photo: Tourism Australia)
Blue Mountains Stargazing scores award
Dimitri, an adjunct researcher in cultural astronomy at Western Sydney University, reminds us that the night sky is the basis of meaning and calendars in all cultures. “The sky is a mirror to our identity. Every culture in the world has put meaning or stories into the sky.”
As dark skies are becoming more rare, more people are curious to see them, he says. His awarded tours (Blue Mountains Stargazing won Bronze for the NSW Tourism Award in the Tour Operator Category 2023) showcase the wonders of the heavens to many. This includes people from Asia who’ve never seen a starry sky.
“For me, it’s about feeling alive,” he says.
“When we see a starry night we become children again. We’re in awe; we have that sense of connectedness and togetherness where the focus point is not a TV.” – Dimitri Douchin
“Everybody has a personal relationship with the sky. And that’s what makes it so global to everybody.” added Dimitri.
Saturn is currently on show. The magical world of astronomy and stargazing:– a thing in the Blue Mountains. (Photo: Alexander Massey)
Where to go stargazing in the Blue Mountains
“You don’t need a telescope. Binoculars are fantastic astro-tools. I also recommend an app called Skysafari.” – Alexander Massey
Blue Mountains Stargazing
Astronomer led tours including storytelling, the use of lasers to identify constellations, and the chance to peer into a telescope, run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Wentworth Falls picnic area. Gift vouchers and high-end tours are also available.
Monthly public viewing nights (soon to expand to more often) run by Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group for a small contribution of $10 towards upkeep of the site.
Light only the area you need, using the lowest intensity you can, and avoiding light spill by shielding with curtains, etc. Choose downward facing light and (if you need outdoor lighting): sensor lighting. Use warmer red-spectrum lighting over blue-spectrum light. The latter has a worse impact on wildlife and human health at night.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
There are so many extraordinary volunteers keeping us and wildlife safe all year round! Come along and meet them at the Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22nd Nov. Learn what you can do to be ready for emergencies, and how you can volunteer or help in some other way. Together we can be more prepared and reduce the risk of disaster. There`ll be a free sausage sizzle so help give us an idea of numbers by registering here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Thank you Blue Mountains community for the generous donation of 11 sewing machines which we`ll be using for our free sewing workshop with Boomerang Bags at the Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. It`s an opportunity for the whole family to make free Christmas presents that `don`t cost the earth`! Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (and you`ll get a free fire retardant plant from Santa while you`re there!)
Did you know that Australia has the world`s highest incidence of asbestos-related diseases per capita in the world, killing more than 4,000 Australians every year - three times more than the annual road toll; and that asbestos-related deaths are predicted to rise! Asbestos isn’t just in fibro homes and sheds - it was used in the manufacture of more than 3000 asbestos containing products with many of these products remaining in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad home or apartment built or renovated before 1990. Asbestos was used everywhere in homes - lurking under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even in dog kennels. Exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations has been linked to 51% of mesothelioma deaths. There is no cure for mesothelioma. The average survival time following diagnosis is just 10-12 months. Homeowners, renovators and tradies are most at risk of exposure if they disturb asbestos containing materials. On Saturday 22 November, “Betty – The Asbestos Education House” will be a prominent feature of the Blue Mountains City Council’s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo to help educate local homeowners and tradies about the dangers of asbestos that remains lurking in 1-in-3 Aussie homes including many throughout the Blue Mountains region as part of National Asbestos Awareness Month (November). There will also be workshops and stalls on asbestos and a range of other hazardous materials and how you can manage them to protect youreself, your family and your community. Find out more and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Emily from @handsheartfeet will be leading a free drumming workshop at the Planetary Health Centre Expo and Family Day in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. It`s suitable for all ages and so much fun! Places are limited so reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (link in profile)
The Planetary Health newsletter is now out! Read it here: https://bit.ly/4o1FflK (link in profile)
It includes: • Expo and Family Day on Nov 22 • A Story of Purpose & Mental Health with Rotarian Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute on Nov 29 • How to Use a Sewing Machine Workshop on Nov 29 • Qigong, Upper Mountains Seed Saving & Gardening Group and Planetary Health Bushcare on Dec 6 • Legalising human composting as a sustainable death care option in NSW • The Climate Risk and Adaptation Plan for the Blue Mountains
We are so excited to be launching revolutionary new fire protection coatings that can stop your home burning down and slow the spread of fire. Learn more and pick up a sample pot at the Planetary Health Expo on Sat 22 Nov at 10am. FIRECOAT interior and exterior undercoat has been developed by scientists at UNSW and is already available for this fire season but new products will also be shared at the Expo, including a flexible fire-protective covering designed for temporary use on windows, doors, poles, fences, vehicles, equipment and other small assets. There is even a product that can create a fire-protective barrier around your home and these assets. FIRECOAT is waterproof, non toxic and game changing. Register here to attend the launch (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J and PLEASE SHARE. This breakthrough technology can help make our communities safer.
We’re thrilled that engineer Mark Liebman, who built a green roof in Blackheath, will be giving a free talk at the Planetary Health Centre Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 November. Green roofs cool buildings, reduce stormwater runoff and increase biodiversity. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get tips on how to do it yourself. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Are there native bees and insects in your garden? Today is the first day of Australian Pollinator Week and native bee ecologist and musician @amelie_ecology has just released a new single with Costa Georgiadis @costasworld called ‘Not all Pests’. We’re thrilled that Amelie will be performing her songs and running a free interactive workshop on what we can do to support our native pollinators at the Planetary Health Expo and Family Day on Saturday 22nd November. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
and you can stream ’Not all Pests’ here (link in profile): https://amelieecology.bandcamp.com/track/not-all-pests
There are so many ways to have a greener healthier Christmas! Ever thought of giving a voucher for Tai Chi and Qigong classes? You can try out one of our Qigong classes at the Planetary Health Centre this Saturday at 9am. Tutor Virginia Field is currently introducing Qigong`s 5-Animals Play, an ancient practice which developed from observing animals and mimicking their behaviour. Reserve a spot here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3JlOAXh Find other ideas for a greener Christmas on Council`s website here: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/greenchristmas
Or come along to our Expo and Family Day on 22 November and try out some other great options like drumming classes, sewing and fashion upcycling! Register to attend here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025
We’ve had some great news! Santa is coming to the free Community BBQ at the Planetary Health Centre Expo in Katoomba on Saturday 22 November. He’s arriving early to help us celebrate Christmas in a way that’s safer and healthier for us and the planet, and he’s let us know that he’ll be giving everyone who comes a free fire-retardant plant for their garden. We’re so thrilled we’re putting on fun family events for the day: from a fabulous free drumming workshop with Emily from Hands, Heart and Feet, to live music and a pollinator hunt with Amelie Ecology, and workshops to create plastic-free Christmas presents. There’ll also be an opportunity to meet the RFS, NSW Fire & Rescue, Red Cross and other emergency services. Come and learn ways to keep the family safe while also having fun, enjoying a coffee, sampling some plant-based sweets and a free BBQ lunch, and taking home lots of useful information about hazardous materials and preparing for extreme weather events! Register here to attend (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025?
Do you feel overwhelmed about preparing your home for bushfire? Come along to the free Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit Workshop at the Disaster Risk Awareness Expo (and pre-Christmas Family Day) at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22 Nov. Meet the team who developed the Toolkit and learn to use it in a free, 2-hour interactive workshop. You will have the opportunity to work on case study properties in small groups and ask the team questions about your own property. Free afternoon tea provided. Bookings essential here (Disaster Risk Awareness Expo link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025/tickets #beprepared #bushfire #retrofit #disasterriskawareness #planetaryhealth #katoomba #bluemountains #bushfireretrofittoolkit...
When we pulled up some old lino we were shocked to learn at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility that it was made of asbestos. There are so many parts of old homes in the Blue Mountains that contain asbestos, so, to help keep everyone safe, we`ve invited Betty the Asbestos Education House to the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday 22nd November as part of our Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and pre-Christmas Family Day. Betty is a purpose built, mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home built or renovated before 1990. Her exterior resembles a typical fibro home but when opened up, she has extensive audio and visual information including a bathroom, kitchen, living room, man shed/garage and a dog house. You can learn more and register to attend this free event here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
Linda Moon has lived in the upper Blue Mountains since childhood and is a freelance writer for Australian media. A qualified naturopath, permaculture designer, mother and former student of social work, her passion is building local community, gardening, mental, emotional, social, housing and environmental health – all of which are linked!
There is a little bit of magic happening on Wednesdays at the Planetary Health Centre as young volunteers from Kindlehill School, and Council staff, work together to create a demonstration site for the wider community. This hands-on program is inspiring all involved, including teacher Sarah Daniel.
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