Jim Seeks Our Dark Skies

August 1, 2016

Astronomer Jim Barclay from the Kingaroy Observatory is on an unusual quest: he wants to shoot as much of the night skies over the South Burnett as possible.

And he wants to do it as quickly as possible, too.

Jim wants to get the region listed by the International Dark Skies Association (IDSA) in Phoenix, Arizona, an organisation set up to combat light pollution worldwide.

Last month the Warrumbungle National Park in central western NSW was designated Australia’s first IDSA certified International Dark Sky Park, recognising its key role in Australian astronomical research.

“Warrumbungle’s new status as a Dark Sky Park is a monumental achievement for the National Park, and a hopeful sign for the future protection of dark skies in Australia,” IDSA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend said.

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes welcomed the park’s new status.

Mr Stokes said the park’s dark sky qualities would be protected with $100,000 in funding to control light pollution, which will also help ensure the nearby Siding Spring Observatory continues its research unhindered by bright lights.

A new Dark Sky Planning Guideline has also been developed with the Australian Astronomical Observatory as part of the NSW Government’s review of that State’s planning policies.

Jim’s own quest is to get the South Burnett listed with IDSA to open the area up to astro-tourism, encouraging anyone from amateur astronomers to astro-photographers to come visit the region.

“We have some of the best dark skies within a three hour drive of Brisbane and the Coast,” Jim said.

“If I can get the South Burnett Regional Council to support my application and IDSA has all the proof they need, I’m confident our region will get certification.”

As part of this quest, last month Jim approached the South Burnett Wine Industry Association to shoot the night skies over the region’s wineries and vineyards, a move that was welcomed by SBWIA president Jason Kinsella.

“This is a tremendous initiative which has great potential to showcase another aspect of our beautiful region,” Jason said.

Jim’s first photograph – a stunning view of the Milky Way over the vineyards at Taabinga Station – was released this week, and he hopes to complete the project by September.