Lucy and I saw a sample of the world’s oldest rock yesterday – from Jack Hills, WA, containing zircons over 4.3 billion years old. We also saw Saturn, it’s rings and a bunch of it’s moons through a telescope as well as a gallery packed full of awesome Aboriginal artwork.
Where? Mount Magnet.
Why? The annual Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest.
Each year rock and space lovers converge on the tiny town 7 hours drive north-east of Perth, WA, to inspire the community with their own passions for science.
Newcomers to town on Friday were welcomed at a launch at the Wirnda Barna Arts Centre. After a great feed of lamb stew with damper, we crossed the road to the outdoor cinema for a movie.
The following day was full of amazing rocks and crystal displays, a photography competition and outdoor markets. In the afternoon, we hung out with the local kids under the trees in the park, dissecting meteorites and looking at rocks and bugs under a digital microscope.
We had a good turn out and some great questions at our talk in the afternoon, among the stars, rockets, planets and comets of the art installation at the Wirnda Barna shed. Then it was off to the oval for star, planet and moon gazing, Scitech shows, an astrophotography exhibition and rocket launching!
What a great event, thanks Mount Magnet for having us, and congratulations to all the organisations and volunteers.