Tanya Hill

Tanya Hill

Honorary Fellow of the University of Melbourne and Senior Curator (Astronomy), Museums Victoria

I am an extragalactic astronomer, Honorary Fellow of the University of Melbourne, and am currently working in the field of science communication at Melbourne Planetarium.

I have been the Curator (Astronomy) at Melbourne Planetarium, Scienceworks since 1999, drawing on my background in research astronomy to create more than a dozen planetarium productions. The most recent of these are now screened in over fifty planetariums across sixteen countries world-wide.

I am proud to be the Australian Representative of the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Science Outreach Network. This sees me working with Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) to promote ESO’s extensive research accomplishments throughout Australia.

I am also involved in projects to bring research astronomy data into the planetarium to both engage the public and to turn the planetarium into a tool for research astronomers wanting to know more from their data.

Latest articles by Tanya Hill

rings of gold sit on a blue background
For 100 years, we have marveled at planetariums. Here’s a brief history of how humans brought the stars indoors

By Martin Bush, Tanya Hill Published

Humans have used the stars to navigate, keep time, and understand our place in the universe.

Earth
Shutterstock
A triple meteoric spectacle is set to grace our skies this weekend

By Jonti Horner, Tanya Hill Published

This weekend might have three meteor showers active at the same time, combining to provide a celestial firework display almost all through the night.

Meteors & Meteor Showers
A painting of the Leonid meteor storm of 1833 over the Niagra Falls by Edmund Weiß in 1888.
Fragments of a dying comet might put on a spectacular show — or pass by without a trace

By Jonti Horner, Tanya Hill Published

Occasionally, Earth runs through a particularly narrow, dense clump of debris, resulting in a meteor storm.

Comets
A view of Mars from a NASA rover.
As new probes reach Mars, here's what we know so far from trips to the Red Planet

By Tanya Hill Published

Three new spacecraft are due to arrive at Mars this month, ending their seven-month journey through space.

Mars
Aligned planets
Five in a Row! See the Planets Align in the Night Sky

By Tanya Hill Published

Stargazing
space
Curious Kids: Does Space Go on Forever?

By Tanya Hill Published

Space probably does go on forever, but the truth is we don't know. Not yet anyway. That's what makes this a great question, because science is all about finding answers to things we don't know yet.

Astronomy
pluto
Planet or Dwarf Planet: All Worlds are Worth Investigating

By Tanya Hill Published

Pluto's status as a "dwarf planet" is once again stirring debate. This comes as some planetary scientists are trying to have Pluto reclassified as a planet – a wish that's not likely to come true.

Dwarf Planets
A swarming cluster of galaxies, hubble images
Hubble in Pictures: Astronomers' Top Picks (Photos)

By Tanya Hill Published

Top astronomers to handpick the Hubble Space Telescope image that has the most scientific relevance to them.

Hubble Space Telescope
comet lovejoy, comets, comet watching
A Christmas Comet to be Seen From Dark Skies

By Tanya Hill Published

Stargazing
Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, counting stars
The Great World Wide Star Count (Op-Ed)

By Tanya Hill Published

How many stars can you see at night? Right now people all over the world are being asked to go out and count them!

Stars