Friday 28 July, 6.30-9pm with light refreshments and telescope viewing after the talk at Melbourne Planetarium with David Malin, Anglo-Australian Observatory and RMIT University.

Because they are so faint, we are unable to see the stars in colour. Even fainter are the nebulae, places where stars form from dust and gas. But colour is undoubtedly there, and the light from many star-forming regions is often almost monochromatic, the most saturated colours that can be.

David will discuss how these elusive colours arise and what they tell us about the chemistry and physics of outer space. He will also show how the interplay of starlight, gas and dust produces some of the most alluring and colourful cosmic landscapes, as much a part of the natural world as any terrestrial scene.

Cost: $15, including a complimentary Planetarium pass to be used on your next visit to Scienceworks. Bookings essential, contact (03) 9392 4819. More information: www.museum.vic.gov.au/planetarium