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Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
...starry skies for curious eyes
- This self-funded facility was established for those who want view the Moon, Planets and Stars through powerful telescopes under the guidance of an knowledgable astronomer with fifty years experience.
- Night and Day shows operate as set out in Our working dates in Main Menu at left.
- Bookings ARE essential for any show.
  What is this? Could you make one?
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Japanese link.
Observation Deck...
Photo at left shows the observation deck with its sliding roof rolling back. In that building contains three 14 inch telescopes to view the Moon, Planets and the stars. The deck can seat up to 40 persons quite comfortably.
The white dome is the Solar Video Telescope used for our Day shows and the small green building is the Office/Shop/Display Centre. The 70 seat Star Theatre is behind the Display Centre. The tall post out front, holds the weather station and one of many CCTV 24/7 Day/Night video cameras that scan the entire observatory and the sports field.
General info
 At left is ace astronomer and photographer - James Barclay.
A night visit to MAO will give you an evening to remember!
Starry Nights (no moon) allows you see more constellations, binary and coloured stars, nebulae, star clusters, distant galaxie and much, much more..
Moon Nights are for those who want to see the Moon up close through one of these powerful telescopes like the one at left. You also get to view planets.
All of our night shows include a green (registered) laser show. This is where the astronomer will point out various constellations and stars before you begin your telescope tour of the night skies.
Schools and community groups can camp for free adjacent to the Observatory. Hot showers and a modern kitchen with BBQ (available for hire) for these groups.
During the Autumn/Winter season we start our night shows start at 7pm. During the Spring/Summer season we start our night shows at 7.30pm.
If we have a Full House (35-40) on the first session, we will do a second showing but it has to be of 10 or more persons..
To help you decide what to see and when, simply go to Our working dates at left in Main Menu.
Then call and make a booking. Ph. 4164 6194. Book between 9am - 6pm 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can E-mail your booking to mao123atbigpond.com (Just remove the 'at' and replace it with the @ symbol).
This is our 5 x 2 metre road entrance sign with the Observatory on left in background
We are located in the heart of town at 4150 Kingaroy-Cooyar Rd. M'well.
Our postal is 27 Hilltop Drive, Ellesmere, Qld. 4615.
'Moon Pub'
Photo by James Barclay
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