Eclipse Chasers: Past, Present and Future

Join historian Toner Stevenson and astronomer Melissa Hulbert, as they share their tips on how to salute the sun during this eclipse! 

Experiencing a total solar eclipse is unique and exhilarating, involving anticipation, planning, adventure and a sense of humanity as part of nature in our special solar system. Join historian Toner Stevenson and astronomer Melissa Hulbert, to hear about the upcoming 20 April eclipse; discuss how to prepare, what to expect and what to notice, and the science of eclipses. 

Both experts will also discuss their contribution to the recently published 'Eclipse Chasers' book, focusing on the upcoming 20 April eclipse. 

Books will be for sale prior to the talk (Retail closes at 5pm) and book signing by the authors will occur from 4pm to 4.45pm and after the talk. 

Published by CSIRO, the 'Eclipse Chasers' book is about uniquely Australian eclipses, beginning with First Nations experiences.

The opportunity to study the Sun, our closest star, and test Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity has inspired astronomers to also experience the challenges of distance on land and sea in Australia.  Some of their challenges, scientific ambitions and results of past expeditions detailed in the book will be discussed. For First Nations Peoples observations of total solar eclipses hold cultural, historical and scientific meaning.

"Eclipse Chasers is an intriguing book about eclipses providing great insight to what an eclipse is as well as tips on how to become an eclipse chaser. What this book does is remind the read that there is much more to what’s happening in the skies above, it’s asking you to be aware of your surroundings, the stillness, the darkness, and the chance to see 'the diamond ring' in the sky." Deanne Fitzgerald, Western Australian Museum, 11 October 2022

Have you ever wondered how scientists can calculate the exact dates of an eclipse?

Visit our temporary exhibit Reconstructing the Antikythera Mechanism. This exhibition delves into an intricate device created in ancient Greece around 200 BCE—the Antikythera Mechanism, also known as the world’s first mechanical computer. Its estimated 69 gears performed complex mathematical calculations to predict the location of the sun, moon, and planets. View a working replica of the mechanism and learn more about the extraordinary story—from its chance discovery in a shipwreck to the modern scanning technology that enabled a replica to be made.