Discover the Night Sky: Exoplanets & Stargazing at Melbourne Planetarium

Let’s spend a winter evening at Melbourne Planetarium for Scienceworks’ Discover the Night Sky session.

This month’s topic is: Exoplanets: exploring alien atmospheres

The session is part of Scienceworks’ Discover the Night Sky series, hosted with astronomer Dr Tanya Hill, exploring Melbourne’s night sky, astronomy stories, and the latest space news.

We’ll meet outside the Melbourne Planetarium entrance gates at 6:00pm, then head in for the 6:30pm Planetarium session. After the show, ticket holders for the early session are encouraged to stay for stargazing from around 7:30pm to 8:30pm, weather permitting.

Stargazing may not happen if there are clouds, rain, or high winds, so please treat that part as a bonus rather than guaranteed.

Who this is for
This event is good for:

• People interested in astronomy, space, planets, science, and the night sky
• Anyone curious about exoplanets and life beyond Earth
• Beginners — no astronomy knowledge needed
• Solo attendees who want a friendly group to attend with
• People who enjoy relaxed, educational evening events

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MGaqJ7wXDwymAerLA
• Ticket/Discover the Night Sky event page: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/discover-the-night-sky/

Timeline

• 6:00pm — Meet outside the Melbourne Planetarium entrance gates
• 6:15pm — Head inside / get settled
• 6:30pm — Discover the Night Sky session starts
• 7:30pm — Planetarium session ends
• 7:30pm – 8:30pm — Optional stargazing, weather permitting
• 8:30pm — Meetup ends

Tickets / cost
Please buy your own ticket for the 6:30pm Discover the Night Sky session.

A Meetup RSVP does not include entry. You’ll still need to book your own ticket through Scienceworks.

Tickets may sell out, so it’s worth booking early if you’re sure you want to come.

Transport
Scienceworks / Melbourne Planetarium is in Spotswood.

Please plan your own transport and allow extra time to arrive, especially as the session starts at 6:30pm. We’ll meet from 6:00pm, but if you’re running late, you can still enter separately as long as you have your ticket.

Bring

• Your ticket / booking confirmation
• Warm clothes for stargazing outside
• Comfortable shoes
• Optional: water bottle
• Curiosity about planets, space, and the night sky

What to expect

• Distance / fitness: Very easy. Mostly standing, sitting, and short walking around the venue.
• Vibe: Friendly, calm, social, and low-pressure.
• Group style: We’ll meet before the show, attend the session, then stay for stargazing if it goes ahead.

Weather / backup
The Planetarium session is indoors and should go ahead as scheduled.

The stargazing part is weather dependent and may not happen if there are clouds, rain, or high winds. If stargazing is cancelled or not suitable on the night, the Meetup will simply end after the session or after a short chat outside/near the venue.

Important notes

• This is an 18+ only event.
• Please buy your own ticket for the 6:30pm session.
• Please arrive on time so we can enter smoothly before the session starts.
• Stargazing is optional and weather dependent.
• If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.