Although not quite close range to Western Australia’s Big Apple that is Perth, it may just be worth heading northwards to Carnarvon to witness a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon combined with an incredible line-up of experiences.
On Thursday 20 April 2023, the moon will align perfectly with the sun, creating a stunning solar eclipse visible from Carnarvon, a (mere) nine-hour drive or two-hour flight from Perth City.
The rare event will be marked by a series of showstopping activities and performances, dubbed Carnarvon Solar Eclipse, that will take place throughout the week leading up to the highlight of the festival, Symphony of Music on eclipse day.
The highly anticipated Symphony of Music is set to feature members of the Perth Symphony Orchestra along with Narli Ensemble, Caravana Sun, and the Murphy Brothers. The unique performance will combine classical and contemporary music inspired by the rare solar eclipse.
Kicking off the week-long festivities is Visions of the Cosmos exhibition launched by Dr. John Goldsmith at the Shire of Carnarvon’s Library and Art Gallery on Friday 14 April. Here you can admire a collaboration between several of Western Australia’s most accomplished astro-photographers.
Up next is a night at the museum on Monday 17 April at The Space Museum where you will be treated to a stargazing event under the night sky while learning about the wonders of space from Eclipse Discovery Tours which includes speakers from SciTech and astro-photographer, Michael Goh.
While Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre will host a 10-day program of experiences ranging from tours, traditional dance performances, storytellings sessions, and Aboriginal art and craft workshops.
As part of Gwoonwardu Mia’s experience, a virtual reality event, Beyond the Milky Way will allow you to explore Australia’s future site of the schmancy Square Kilometre Array telescope in an immersive 360-degree virtual reality cinema.
Shire President, Eddie Smith says, “We are thrilled Carnarvon has jumped on the opportunity to showcase the town by hosting such an incredible line-up of events for the Solar Eclipse The Symphony of Music event will highlight the diversity of these amazing performers and create an incredible atmosphere in the centre of town for visitors, not to mention the range of other events on offer.”
Carnarvon is all set for 97 per cent visibility of the eclipse, which will occur at 11:27am on Thursday 20 April 2023. The rare phenomenon should be on your bucket list if astronomy, natural wonders, and music is up your ally.
All images supplied