Virtual Solar System Tour
Terranauts, strap on your seatbelts and launch into Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia. Every planet in the solar system is on a huge billboard scaled at 38 million times smaller than the real thing. These make up the World's Largest Virtual Solar System. The drive is a perfect opportunity to learn about our real solar system from the guest host, Astronomer Fred Watson.
Download your APP
1. Go to Voicemap - Narrabri to Siding Spring Observatory with Fred Watson
2. Download the app
3. Purchase the tour
4. Charge your device
5. Drive Safely
6. Listen and rate your experience
TIPS
Places to stop along the way
There are 8 designated planets, plus the sun where you can take photos. There are also suggested stops at Pilliga Pottery, Sandstone Caves and the Australia Compact Array Telescope, which are not included in the commentary.
Best time of day
This is a day time experience, finishing at Siding Spring Observatory. The observatory is open to the public between 10 am and 3.30 pm Wednesday to Sunday year-round and 7 days a week during school holidays.
If you want to do the complete tour, plan your arrival at the Observatory with at least 45minutes on site.
Precautions
Please be careful when stopping at the planets, and pulling in and out of the designated areas with the billboards. If you are driving on the road at dusk or dawn, be careful and keep an eye out for Kangaroos.
Sometimes in the country, you may lose network coverage, or find yourself off course We recommend restarting the app. It will work out where you are and recommence accordingly.