The CSIRO booth at the Macquarie Uni Astronomy Open Night, 2026. Image credit: Robert Hollow

First held in 1988, Astronomy Open Night at Macquarie University is an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors and is now one of the largest public science events in Australia.  The event includes popular Physics and Chemistry Magic Shows and provides attendees the opportunity to hear from leading researchers as they share the latest discoveries shaping our understanding of the cosmos. In addition, there were immersive Planetarium sessions, guided tours of the University’s Astronomical Observatory, and many booths and interactive exhibits for the sold-out crowd. The image above shows the CSIRO booth, which had on offer postcards and stickers, as well as knowledgeable staff to answer any questions. (Image credit: Robert Hollow)