This article is from Sydney WeekendNotes for Wednesday the 19th of November 2008

Living in the middle of a city it's easy to forget about the brilliant night sky full of far-away stars.

A night tour of the Sydney Observatory will help you recover some of the wonder.

Built in 1848 on Observatory Hill the observatory has become a well-known landmark, however only a few people have actually been inside. If you can find the time it's well worth the effort.

A night tour starts off with a guided walk around the Observatory and the various exhibitions which explain it's long history.

Then you are invited to have a gaze through new and historical telescopes at the night sky (if there are no clouds) under the guidance of an experienced star-gazer, which is a real treat.

Next spend some time in the 3-D space theatre. It's less tacky than it sounds and provides a very interesting presentation on the universe and everything, with a chance to ask questions at the end. Trying to get your head wrapped around just how big the universe is will leave you spaced.

And finally if you are lucky you'll spend some time lying on your back in the Observatory's planetarium. Relax as you are taken on a tour of the night sky and man's fascination with it.

There are tours on most nights starting at 8.15pm (winter) or 8.30pm (summer), and it costs just $15.

You need to book in advance and can do so here.

Are you a Star Trek Fan? Here is some candy.


Why? Feel like an incredulous kid again.