Sydney And Ball State
Observatories
By: Austin Jones and “Michelle Zirin”
Balls Tate University Observatory
 Public nighttime open house visits are scheduled two to four
times a year.
 Located in Muncie, Indiana.
The Observatory and Telescopes
 Its largest telescope is a 16-inch Meade LX200.
 The observatory is used primarily for student astronomy
classes and not research.
 The observatory also hosts public observation events for
enthusiasts.
Information About The Observatory
 Holds up to forty people.
 Is not currently accessible for those who cannot climb stairs.
 Also it is important to dress appropriately, because the
temperature outside is about the same as the temperature
that is inside.
Ronald Kaitchuck
 Professor of Physics and Astronomy
 Planetarium and Observatories Director
 Can be contacted with questions and comments.
Sydney Observatory
 Is a part of the Powerhouse Museum
 A night telescope viewing session is the quintessential
Sydney Observatory experience.
 Sydney Observatory has exhibits on the themes of
astronomy, meteorology and the history of the Observatory.
The Observatories Highlights
 There are photographs from this most prestigious
astrophotography competition in Australia.
 The best views in Sydney with virtual reality technology and
compare the view you can see today from the top of
Observatory’s time ball tower, with the same view from the
1800s.
The Time Ball
 The Observatory’s original function was to calculate the
correct time from the movement of the stars.
 The time ball is still raised to the top of its post and dropped
at exactly one pm every day.
The Sydney Sky Watchers
 The oldest operating astronomical group in Sydney. The
group provides an opportunity for those interested in
astronomy to share and broaden their interest in the sky.
Original Sky Watchers
Citations
 http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/Phy
sicsandAstronomy/PlanetariumObservatory/Observatory.asp
x
 http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/