Under the Stars temporary stargazing dome experience in Geraldton to show two perspectives of history

A 180-degree fully immersive dome experience is temporarily available as part of the Shore Leave festivities, bringing a culture-meets-science experience like never before. Partnered with Yamatji Art the dome entwines the rich history of the outback, Indigenous culture and the unique Indigenous art through an immersive movie of two children who travel through time and space uncovering the mysteries of the universe. Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a great event that combined art and science, and reflected on the fact that Indigenous people used the night sky as a navigation tool. “Aboriginal people first looked to the stars to navigate and tell the seasons, the same way our Dutch heritage also come to find their way to this region,” he said. “It’s the combining of all those experiences that make Shore Leave so special.” Manager of Yamatji Art Roni Kerley said the dome was an experience showing a Western astronomer’s point of view of the night sky, versus the cultural Yamatji perspectives of the night sky. “It’s a two-way learning experience. We get to exchange information about how astronomer’s looked at the sky, the Big Bang Theory and the origins of the world or the planets,” she said. “And it meets with the cultural perspective of how our people actually interpret the night sky in terms of hunting, weather patterns and food seasons.” The dome is located on Edith Cowan Square until Saturday. Tickets are available for just $10 for children and $15 for adults.