Our place in the Universe: A special evening with Professor Matthew Bailes

Prepare yourself for an exciting evening of wonder and discovery! In this exclusive 2-hour immersive 3D experience, Professor Matthew Bailes (winner of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science) will explain how scientists discovered our place in the Universe, from the early Greek scholars to the current day!

🚀 About This Event

Using stunning 3D visuals, real scientific data, and cinematic storytelling, Professor Bailes will:

• Explain how the scale of the Earth, Solar System, Local Stars, Galaxies and the Universe was established.

• Fly you around the Solar system in stunning 3D.
• Use data from the GAIA satellite to immerse you in the solar neighbourhood and visit our nearest neighbours.
• Show you how stars are born and raised in clusters and galaxies from the latest supercomputer simulations.
• See stunning visuals from the great space- and ground-based observatories.
• Use images from the James Webb Space Telescope to peer back in time using gravitational lenses.
• Learn how scientists counted the number of atoms in the Universe.

At Swinburne’s Virtual Universe, you can:

• Learn from an active PhD scientist, real images and supercomputer simulations, not AI slop.
• Field questions in our dedicated Q&A segments.
• Experience the world's most advanced 3D visualisation environment, Swinburne's Virtual Universe - a mind-blowing 45 megapixel immersive 3D space.

⏱ Event Details
Duration: 2 hours with intermission
Friday, September 25th • 7 pm – 9 pm

Capacity: 80 pax (intimate, limited seating)
Audience: Space-curious adults, rated G

🎟 Ticket Options

🌟 3D Immersive Experience

Adult: $45
Concession: $35
Please note that this event is recommended for guests looking to gain an insight into the science and not recommended for primary school children. We recommend the school holiday and weekend programs for them.

♿ Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible venue

Please note:

• Bright lights, intense colours, and some flashing visuals are used

• May not be suitable for those with light sensitivity

📍 Location
Swinburne’s Virtual Universe (SVU)
Advanced Technologies Centre – Swinburne University of Technology

🚆 Getting There

• Train or tram to Glenferrie Station then a short walk to Burwood Road

• Parking available on Burwood Road and surrounding streets

• Paid parking structures are also available on Swinburne’s campus

❗ Important Information

• Limited seating – bookings essential

• Please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure timely departure 🚀

• Late entry may not be possible due to the immersive format

Refund Policy: Refunds up to 1 day before event