Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatorysits on the ancient landscape of Wajarri Yamaji country in the remote Western Australian outback.
The site is home to high-tech radio telescopes, which require extreme radio quiet. This means there are rare opportunities to experience it in-person.
Setting the scene Beyond the Milky Way
Chris Brayton is one of the lucky few who gets to visit the observatory. He manages the site, working to protect the radio quiet.
“People and the gadgets they bring with them – from cameras, to phones, to smart watches, to cars – can all interrupt the radio quietness that makesInyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory such a great place to do radio astronomy,” Chris said.
“The human-created radio waves from these devices can drown out the signals from space. So having as few people as possible on site is vital to the goals of the radio telescopes we host.”
Chris ensures that his activity doesn’t interfere with the radio telescopes on site.
“Even me going out with a camera and snapping a photo can interrupt telescope operations, so we have to be careful,” he said.
A rare opportunity
Chris recently jumped at the opportunity to see the site in a whole new light. He spent a few weeks helping White Spark Pictures film the observatory in 360 degrees.
Knowing the site’s unique conditions needed to be protected, writer and director Briege Whitehead worked with Chris and team CSIRO to capture the experience.
“Beyond the Milky Waywill give people a chance to explore a remote and extraordinary part of the world which few ever get to visit,” Briege said.
Filmed in coordination with all the telescopes on site, the crew took great advantage of special access and pulled out all the stops. Everything from drone flights carrying specialised 360 cameras, through to staying on the site all night to film the star-lit sky above the telescopes.
Briege is founder and creative director at White Spark Pictures and has filmed in many exotic locations such as Antarctica. However, being on the observatory site was a special experience.
“Filming on the observatory will stay with me for a long time. To see the night sky in such incredible detail and watch the ASKAP[Link will open in a new window] telescope follow the Milky Way across the sky was a sight to behold,” she said.
Beyond the Milky Way features many radio telescopes at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, from our ASKAP radio telescope, to the Murchison Widefield Array and, of course, the upcoming SKA.
Starry-eyed viewing
Despite the radio telescopes’ ability to operate 24/7, having permission to be on site overnight is extremely rare. Chris was glad to take advantage of this rare opportunity.
“Being on the observatory after dark was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the night sky above these amazing instruments. While there I couldn’t pass up the chance to have a crack at some astrophotography myself,” said Chris.
Beyond the Milky Wayis showing at theWA Museum Boola Bardip[Link will open in a new window]from December 2021 into early 2022. It will then tour nationally, including a stop at the Museum of Geraldton. Keep an eye out for the film at a venue near you!
We acknowledge the Wajarri Yamaji as the Traditional Owners and native title holders of the observatory site.
Beyond the Milky Way is a White Spark Pictures production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest & Lotterywest. Financed with support from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency, the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, Scitech and Inspiring Australia, SKA Observatory (SKAO), ASTRO3D and Western Australian Museum.
