The Visitor Discovery Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish) boasts many features designed to help visitors to learn more about our amazing universe.
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However, arguably the most popular of all is the permanent display of the current winners of the annual David Malin Astrophotography Awards (DMAs).
The DMAs are hosted by the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) and are one of the key features of the CWAS’s annual AstroFest, held this year on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, 2016.
The DMAs attract the most talented astrophotographers from around Australia and is the premier competition of its kind in Australia.
The main reason for the competition’s success is that it is judged by Dr David Malin, the world-renowned astrophotographer, who honed his skills on the giant Australian Astronomical Telescope at Siding Springs near Coonabarabran.
Canon Australia sponsors the competition with $10,000 in prizes.
For the first time, the 2016 DMA winning astrophotographs will also feature in the 2017 Astronomy Calendar produced by Astrovisuals.
The competition is made up of several themes.
This year the featured Open Section theme is, “Light Pollution: The Bad and the Beautiful”.
Other sections include: Wide-Field, Deep Sky, Solar System, Nightscapes, Animated Sequences (Scientific and Aesthetic), Junior (18 years or younger), ‘The David Malin Innovation Prize” and the major news organisations’ “The Photo Editor’s Choice”.
Of course, the announcement and official opening of the 2016 CWAS David Malin Awards are only one part of the CWAS AstroFest, which is based in the Starlight Room of the Parkes Services Club on Saturday 16 July and moves to the Parkes Radio Observatory (The Dish) on Sunday 17 July, commencing at 9am each day.
Further information about the 2016 CWAS AstroFest and how to book your place at it can also be found on the society’s website www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/
