To the moon and back

The timeball atop Sydney Observatory dropped for the first time on 5 June 1858, alerting Sydneysiders and ships in the harbour of the exact time. Since then it has observed and recorded some of the most significant astronomical events, from a transit of Venus in 1874 to a close encounter with Mars in 2003.
Now, 150 years later, while the Sydney Observatory runs as a museum and public observatory, it continues the timekeeping tradition by dropping the timeball each day at 1pm.
This weekend, until Monday June 9, the Observatory celebrates its 150 birthday with a host of events and festivities – including site tours, science shows and solar viewings.
For a full list of events visit www.sydneyobservatory.com.au