Spooktacular science

DISCOVERY Science and Technology Centre staff and visitors marked the space’s twenty-seventh anniversary last week.

General manager Alissa Van Soest said everyone was dressed up in their best Halloween costumes for the “spooktacular” party.

“We had a spooky session and a terrifying vertical slide, and the planetarium was converted into a house of horrors,” she said.

“Our actual birthday was on October 31st. Every year, we try to celebrate with something a little bit spooky.

“The thing that impresses me most is how all-in people get with their costumes. They’re always incredibly enthusiastic.”

Hayden Ridgeway took part in the celebrations with his family and said the centre’s Halloween overhaul was great fun for everyone.

“The kids are loving it and that’s the main thing. This is the first time we’ve been to this and it’s not disappointing,” he said.

“It’s been good to see everyone dressing up and getting into the spirit. The kids are waiting for the slide but they’ve definitely not been lost for entertainment around here.”

The centre’s Southern Sky astrophotography exhibition is currently on, which includes the winning entries of this year’s David Malin Awards.

The exhibition will be displayed until Sunday, 27 November and Ms Van Soest said it leads in to the planned relocation and update of the planetarium, which is expected to be delivered next year.

“It’s going to be incredible. These photos are awe-inspiring so I can’t wait for everyone to see them up close and large,” she said.

“Some of them are done on smartphones and some are by amateur photographers. It’s incredible to see the amazing imagery these people have captured.”