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.
Please review the key dates below and complete the official registration form to secure your spot.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18 September
Registration Deadline: 31 October
Conference Dates: 16 – 20 November 2026
Registration Fees
Standard Registration: Free
There are no registration fees for this conference series.
Call for Abstracts
We welcome abstract submissions for oral presentations across the broad and interconnected fields of stellar and planetary astrophysics.
If you would like to present, you can submit your title and abstract directly through the registration form linked below.
Note: Contributing a talk is completely optional. You are more than welcome to register and attend as a non-presenting participant!
Stars & Planets in Hobart will be held at the University of Tasmania, in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront precinct.
The Venue
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 (Evening)
- Location: Location details will be updated shortly.
- Ticketing: Ticketing details and dietary requirement collection will be updated 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.
