SPRINGBROOK OBSERVATORY PROFILE

Andre is owner, builder and custodian of Springbrook Research Observatory, whose spinning dome structure, and two roll off roof Observatories, attracts thousands of visitors to Springbrook each year. Photographic images of the southern sky assist northern enthusiasts with their observations.

Like many Astronomers, Andre’s interest was sparked at school.

About 18 years ago, Andre saw a video that changed his life.

“It was about an American priest called Dobsonian who was known as ‘the sidewalk astronomer’, he said.

  “He’d hold star parties and go to National Park to show people sunspots through his telescope.

  “His whole objective was to let kids look through telescopes and if he inspired just one or two in a thousand he was happy.”

  “It was a fabulous idea that allowed people to see, feel and be a part of science.”

  So Andre, with a view to doing the same thing, bought his first telescope.

  The trouble is, he said, astronomers suffer from ‘aperture disease’ – they keep having to get a bigger telescope.

  First came the four inch, then the eight, followed by an 11 and then, finally, the 14 inch.

   He was inspired to study at  Astronomy at Swinburrne University

  Then came computers and the CCD - a camera that allows people to view celestial bodies such as    Nebulae, Galaxies, Comets, Planets and the Moon in ‘real time’.

   It took five months and five kilometres of jigsaw cutting to build  the first dome of Springbrook   Observatory.

  Since the beginning of time, human beings have been fascinated the celestial world.”

  And Andre has remained true to the ideals of the “sidewalk astronomer.”

  The observatory has attracted amateurs Astronomers from around the world and,  visitors,  Universities and multi-national media organizations.

  Thanks to the Internet, astronomers on the other side of the world can share the wonder of our Springbrook dark skies with our online robotic telescopes.

  Andre is in for a celestial chat any time, and  Springbrook Observatory is open to the public from 7.30 pm, every night, by appointment, weather permitting. Phone to check the weather conditions at 6pm before coming up to the Mountain.  Adults $10  Children $5   Family 2A2C $25.00 -50 min observ.

  Phone Andre or Helen on 07 5533 5055 to book.

  The observatory’s nightly wanderings can be viewed on www.springbrookobservatory.com