Spreading the word - western style: Education and public awareness programmes at Perth Observatory

Abstract

Since the attempt to close it in 1987, Perth Observatory has undertaken many initiatives to increase community awareness of, and education in, astronomy. Factors such as geographic isolation, the desire to maintain some level of scientific output, and being a part of the Western Australian public service are both a help and a hindrance to our activities. An overview of these activities is presented with particular attention to the impact of the environmental factors mentioned above. Anecdotal and objective measures of the success of these activities are also presented along with suggestions for future initiatives.