Australia’s favourite gathering of astronomers, space enthusiasts and science-forward friends is finally back again in 2024. The organisers are bringing back many of the speakers they had planned before the pandemic cancelled the last event.
Founded by YouTuber, Dylan O’Donnell in 2017, Star Stuff is a full day of presentations from the world’s brightest and most engaging minds in space and astronomy, followed by a famous gala dinner at the incredible Elements of Byron Resort.
There will be some stellar (see what I did there?) speakers on the day, including: Trevor Jones is a renowned astrophotographer who captures stunning images of the cosmos from his backyard, Jones is best known for his website and YouTube channel AstroBackyard; Kirsten Banks is a fascinating figure in the world of astrophysics, equally captivating as an Indigenous Australian researcher and a passionate science communicator; Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith is a British-Australian astrophysicist, Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador and a Professor of Practice in Science Communication at the University of NSW; Terry Lovejoy is best known as the discoverer of some of the brightest comets of the past decade, including the ‘The Great Christmas Comet of 2011’ which passed through the sun’s corona on December 16, 2011; and Dylan O’Donnell, an Australian IT entrepreneur and amateur photographer, whose astrophotography has been featured by the European Space Agency, and NASA.
There will also be mind-expanding presentations, an on-site astronomy and book store with a range of astronomy equipment on display for sale and demonstration, and there will be meteorites for sale.
Every ticket is a laser-cut artwork, required for proof-of-entry, but also doubles as an actual space ruler. Using the moon for calibration, by holding the ticket in front of you, you can measure up to four degrees for visual distance estimation.
To cap the day, there will be a special gala dinner – VIP tickets are limited but if you want to pay the extra, you’ll be invited to a wonderful fancy gala dinner with an extra bonus presentation, and where the high-end prizes from sponsors will be drawn! This is an amazing dinner from one of the finest kitchens in Byron Bay. Imagine you’re at a celebrity wedding, except all the guests have super high-IQs – it’s a bit like that. Dress up in your finest if you’re up for a bit of extra luxury.
This event is on Saturday, July 6 from 8.30am. For tickets and more information visit: starstuff.com.au.
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