Welcome everyone to the wonderful Coonabarabran Stargazing and Coonabarabran Stargazing presents Siding Spring Observatory. Come join me 'The Coonabarabran Stargazer' for a night of viewing our wonderful universe or a day of exploring the beauty that Australia's largest optical research facility. Here in the region I have one main goal in mind, share the importance of dark skies and their initiatives in a fun and exciting way. So as we wander through the universe above and along the ground below, I will talk about what has made our region and small part of universe so unique. Dark skies are important to research, nocturnal animals, culture and our general way of life, so as we enjoy the facilities that depend on them I will share how we can ensure that they are protected for all generations to come. With a sky like ours it's hard not to ignite a passion for astronomy and the surrounding cosmos, so come along for an out of this universe experience that will leave you with a desire to understand more.