Series Overview: Bringing Stars & Planets Together
The Stellar & Planetary Astronomy (SPA) Chapter presents the Stars & Planets in [X] conference series, bringing stellar and planetary astrophysics together in a single, integrated programme — with sessions on both topics interwoven throughout the week. This new combined meeting builds on the established joint "Stars in [X]" and "Australian Exoplanet Workshop" conference series.
Core topics for the series include:
- Asteroseismology, Stellar Activity, and Solar Physics
- Clusters and Stellar Populations
- Stellar Evolution and Supernovae
- Stellar Atmospheres, Winds, and Magnetic Fields
- Planet Formation and Evolution
- Exoplanet Detection, Surveys, and Instrumentation
- Atmospheres and Characterisation of Distant Worlds
- Planet–Star Interactions and Habitability
This year's edition of the series will be held in Hobart, Australia. Please see the conference schedule below for full programme details.
Registration remains open until 31 October 2026.
Attendance is free. Abstract submission is now closed, and all talk slots have been allocated.
We welcome registrations from both confirmed speakers and participants who wish to attend without presenting.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Registration Deadline: 31 October 2026
Abstract Submissions: Closed (18 September 2026)
Conference Dates: 16–20 November 2026
Registration Fees
Standard Registration: Free
There are no registration fees for this conference series.
Abstracts & Presentations
Abstract submission has closed. All oral presentation slots
have been allocated, so we are no longer accepting new talk proposals.
You can still register to attend without presenting.
Confirmed speakers who have not yet registered should also complete the registration form.
CONFERENCE DATES
16 – 20 November 2026
START
Monday, 11:00 am
FINISH
Friday, 3:00 pm
Open the full program in a new tab (v261025, PDF)
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Download the program (v261025, PDF)
Stars & Planets in Hobart will be held at the University of Tasmania, in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront precinct.
The Venue
Dechaineux Lecture Theatre (School of Creative Arts), University of Tasmania
37 Hunter St, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
The venue is located on the Hobart waterfront, within easy walking distance of the city centre, restaurants, cafés, and local attractions.
📍 Click the map to open Google Maps.
Getting to Hobart
Hobart Airport (HBA) is approximately 20 minutes from the city centre by car or 30 minutes by bus, with regular flights connecting Hobart to Australia's major capital cities. Airport shuttle services, taxis, rideshare, and car hire are available for transfers into the city centre.
Getting Around Hobart
Hobart is a compact and walkable city, with many central attractions, restaurants, and waterfront areas easily accessible on foot. Public bus services connect the city centre with surrounding suburbs, while taxis and rideshare services are also available.
Things to Do: Hobart offers a wide range of cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences, from the waterfront and Salamanca Market to kunanyi / Mount Wellington, museums, galleries, and nearby nature. For ideas and recommendations, see the Discover Tasmania guide to Hobart.
Hobart Accommodation
We recommend staying in the Hobart CBD or waterfront precinct, both of which offer convenient access to the venue as well as a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and cafés.
Join us for a dedicated conference dinner during the week, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and celebrate the diverse stellar and planetary communities coming together for Stars & Planets in Hobart.
Dinner Details
- Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026, 6:30 pm
- Location: Shambles Brewery, 222 Elizabeth St, Hobart.
- Ticketing: Ticketing details will be communicated shortly.
The meeting is organised by a joint team of researchers from across the stellar and planetary astrophysics communities, bringing together expertise from institutions across Australia.
Scientific Organising Committee (SOC)
- Daniel Price (Chair) — Monash University
- Erica Thygesen — University of Tasmania
- Kayla Martin — Macquarie University
- Orsola De Marco — Macquarie University
- Laura Driessen — University of Sydney
- Benjamin Pope — Macquarie University
- Sven Buder — Australian National University
- Andrew Cole — University of Tasmania
- Rebecca Nealon — Monash University
Local Organising Committee (LOC)
- Erica Thygesen (Chair) — University of Tasmania
- Tom Plunkett — University of Tasmania
- Andrew Cole — University of Tasmania
- Siska-Lut Buelens — University of Tasmania
- Patrick Yates-Jones — University of Tasmania
- Bryn Emptage — University of Tasmania
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the organisations and institutions whose contributions help make Stars & Planets in Hobart possible.
The conference is assisted with funding provided by Business Events Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
