Gravity Discovery Centre

The Gravity Discovery Centre and GDC-Observatory Gingin is a "hands-on" science education centre, situated on the site of the Australian International Gravitational Observatory, near Gingin, north of Perth, Western Australia.

Contents

• Gravity discovery centre
• Watermelon drop gravity discovery centre
• Exhibits
• The Leaning Tower of Gingin
• References

The centre is operated by the University of Western Australia and provides information and displays regarding physics and astronomy, specialising in gravity and cosmology. The site of the public centre is located far enough from the gravitational wave detector to prevent any interference. Smoking is banned, as the centre is in an area at high risk of a bushfire; it was almost burnt down during a bushfire in November 2006.

The Department of Environment and Conservation manages the bushland surrounding the Discovery Centre and the observatory, and strives to keep the area untouched (from weeds, litter, etc.). The surrounding area is abundant in seasonal wildflowers.

In 2005 the Gravity Discovery Centre was awarded the Eureka Prize for "promoting [the] understanding of science." The GDC is the most efficient of all Australian science education centres in terms of financial subsidy per visitor.