P R E S E N T S
Saturday Day & Night – July 6th 2024
Australia’s favourite gathering of astronomers, space enthusiasts and science-forward friends is finally back again in 2024. We’re bringing back many of the speakers we had planned before the pandemic cancelled the last one.
Founded by YouTuber Dylan O’Donnell in 2017, Star Stuff is a full day of presentations from the world’s brightest and most engaging minds in space and astronomy, followed by a famous gala dinner at the incredible Elements of Byron Resort in Byron Bay, NSW Australia.
2024 SPEAKERS
Trevor Jones
ASTROBACKYARD (YOUTUBE)
Renowned astrophotographer who captures stunning images of the cosmos from his backyard. Jones is best known for his website and YouTube channel, AstroBackyard, where he shares his breathtaking astrophotography, educational tutorials, and inspiring stories about his adventures under the stars. He’s amassed a dedicated following of space enthusiasts and aspiring astrophotographers who appreciate his approachable teaching style and infectious enthusiasm for the universe.
Kirsten Banks
PHD ASTROPHYSICIST / TIKTOK
Kirsten Banks is a fascinating figure in the world of astrophysics, equally captivating as an Indigenous Australian researcher and a passionate science communicator.
Her research delves into the realm of stellar astrophysics, particularly focusing on asteroseismology, the study of stellar pulsations to unveil their internal structures and evolution. Kirsten’s infectious enthusiasm for space shines through her diverse social media presence.
Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith
PHD ASTROPHYSICIST / AUTHOR
Lisa Harvey-Smith is a British-Australian astrophysicist, Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador and a Professor of Practice in Science Communication at the University of NSW.
Her research interests include the origin and evolution of cosmic magnetism, supernova remnants, the interstellar medium, massive star formation and astrophysical masers.
Harvey-Smith has published six books on astronomy for adults and children and will be signing her amazing books at Star Stuff!
Terry Lovejoy
COMET DISCOVERER
Terry is best known as the discoverer of some of the brightest comets of the past decade, including the “The Great Christmas Comet of 2011” which passed through the sun’s corona on December 16, 2011.
He continues to search for new comet’s today and has so far found 6 that bear his surname, adding to a further 11 that were found by him in images made by the LASCO C3 Coronagraph aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.
Dylan O’Donnell
BYRON BAY ASTRONOMER
Dylan O’Donnell is an Australian IT entrepreneur and amateur photographer, whose astrophotography has been featured by the European Space Agency, and NASA. His work has been selected twice for NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day.
At least, that’s what wikipedia says. In reality he is the local Byron Bay space dork with a small YouTube channel that he uses to share science, space and astronomy while dunking on flat-earthers and pseudoscience.
He’s also writing this sentence, which is very odd and self-serving if you ask me.
… and more!
2024 VENUE
Enter code ‘STARSTUFF24’ for 15% OFF the Best Available Rate.
Elements of Byron Resort
Byron Bay has a wide range of accommodation options that catered to all budgets and tastes.
All STAR STUFF III events will be held at ELEMENTS OF BYRON, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW 2481.
Elements of Byron is an absolute beachfront resort set on fifty acres at Belongil Beach. It recently won ‘Best Hotel Design’ at the Society of British Interior Design International Design Awards.
The resort has 193 private 1 and 2 bedroom villas dotted throughout the sites four ecologies of rainforest, wetland, eucalypt and dunal. Facilities include a spa, lagoon pool, adults exclusive pool, beach lounge, restaurant, and lobby bar with sunken fire pit.
The resort is offering discounts to all attendees of STAR STUFF III with rates 15% off their best available rates including unlimited in-house movies, morning yoga & wifi.
To check availability and book the special STAR STUFF III rate, click HERE
Q: Can I bring my own telescope?
A: Yes! Resort guests will be able to setup telescopes near their cabins in almost total darkness. A secure, powered field will also be available to use for resort guests who want to “star party” in style.
Q: Are there any cheaper options?
A: Yes, Byron is full of options during the winter season. We recommend Bayshore Bungalows, Airbnb.com.au, Booking.com.au & byronbayaccom.net
What to Expect
Mind-expanding presentations.
A full day of incredible talks that you won’t find online from our amazing line up of speakers. Star Stuff talks are all related to space & astronomy and are some of the most mind-expanding presentations you’ll hear. You’ll find the speakers enjoy all the talk as much as the audience does, and as a small event you may also have the chance to meet them yourself. Authors will be available for book signings!
On-site Astronomy & Book Store.
Bintel and our amazing sponsors will have a range of astronomy equipment on display for sale and demonstration including exciting new products for 2024. The Book Room will have a range of science and astronomy books including those speakers who will will be available for meet and greet and book signings. If you’re thinking about getting into the hobby this is an amazing opportunity to speak to the brands, vendors and users of astronomy equipment.
Meteorites for Sale.
For the first time at Star Stuff, a collection of meteorites will be on display for viewing and purchase from Naren King’s personal acquisitions, certified by the Crystal Castle – Byron Bay. There’s no greater conversation starter than having a piece of a planet that isn’t Earth on your desk!
Your Space Ruler (Ticket).
Every ticket is a laser-cut artwork required for proof of entry but also doubles as an actual space ruler. Using the Moon for calibration by holding the ticket in front of you, you can measure up to 4 degrees for visual distance estimation. This was invented by Dylan O’Donnell and right now, the only place to get one is at Star Stuff!
The Special Gala Dinner.
VIP Tickets are limited but if you want to pay the extra you’ll be invited to our wonderful fancy gala dinner with an extra bonus presentation and where the high-end prizes from our sponsors will be drawn! This is an amazing dinner from one of the finest kitchens in Byron Bay. Imagine you’re at a celebrity wedding, except all the guests are super high IQ – it’s a bit like that. Dress up in your finest if you’re up for a bit of extra luxury.
Day & Night Telescope Astronomy.
Although not the main focus of the event as it depends entirely on the weather, there is always a good chance you’ll be able to look through a telescope at the Sun, nebulas, clusters, galaxies and stars. Scheduled for the new moon during the typically dry Milky Way season in case the weather allows, volunteers from the Southern Astronomical Society will be on-site to share their live views of the cosmos! If the weather doesn’t suit, we’ll have a movie and beer night after dinner!
Buy Tickets (Places Limited)
Online Ticket Sales Now Closed
There are about a dozen tickets remaining if you’d like to show up at registration in the morning!
Prizes!
VIP Tickets go in the draw for prizes from the show sponsors which will be announced at the gala dinner!
Prizes include :
QHY5III715 RGB Camera,
QHY5III678 RGB Camera
QHY5III200 Mono Camera
and much more!
During the dinner, there will be a hot sauce challenge where Dylan O’Donnell will interview Trevor Jones!
This part of the event will also be live-streamed for everyone who couldn’t make it physically. Subscribe to YouTube.com/c/DylanODonnell and enable notifications so you don’t miss this … possible train wreck of an idea.