Stargazing 101: Sundays – Wellington – 14 April – 12 May 2019

What

Due to popular demand Museums Wellington are running a second Stargazing Workshop on Sunday nights.

New Zealand has some of the absolute best skies for stargazing in the world. This five-week Sunday night course is for people who look up at our skies and wonder which stars are twinkling back at them. No prior knowledge is required – just a desire to know more about the skies and how they are used in everyday life including navigation. The course has limited numbers so bookings are essential. It is suitable for ages 10 and up. Take the opportunity to walk through the gardens or Tournament parking is available at the top of the Cable Car.

When and Where

4pm – 6pm
Sundays, 14 April – 12 MAy 2019

Space Place at Carter Observatory
40 Salamanca Road,
Botanic Gardens
Wellington

How Much

$100 per person for the 5 nights

More

Webpage on the Stargazing 101 course

The gathering of Matariki series of talks – 19 locations Nationwide – 11 April – 25 May 2019

What

In the past two decades Matariki has become a nationwide phenomenon, with numerous events occurring each winter to celebrate the predawn rising of this star cluster. Our modern observation of Matariki is helping to embed this celebration within the consciousness of the general public, and it is becoming part of our wider Aotearoa identity.

Professor Rangi Matamua is Associate Dean Postgraduate at the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. He is also a leading expert on Maori astronomy, and as the author of the bestselling book, ‘Matariki the Star of the Year’ he travels extensively throughout the country and internationally speaking about Matariki.

Rangi will give a two hour lecture that will include images, video and animations and detailed knowledge about Matariki, sharing his knowledge and highlighting connections between cultural knowledge and science.

When and Where

Blenheim | 11 April, Ūkaipō, Rangitāne Cultural Centre – register for Blenheim

Christchurch | 12 April, Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College –  register for Christchurch

Dunedin | 18 April, St David’s Lecture Theatre, University of Otago –  register for Dunedin

Wellington | 23 April, Little Theatre, Lower Hutt –  register for Lower Hutt

Palmerston North | 24 April, Palmerston North Boys High School, Speirs Centre  – register for Palmerston North

Whanganui | 26  April, Whanganui Collegiate School, Prince Edward Auditorium – register for Whanganui

Napier |  27 April, the Ballroom, Napier Conference Centre –  register for Napier

Gisborne |  9 May, The War Memorial  –  register for Gisborne

Taupo |  10 May, Great Lakes Centre Theatre  –  register for Taupo

New Plymouth |  11 May, Devon Hotel (Hobson Room) – register for New Plymouth

Rotorua |  16 May, Millennium Hotel, Makoia Room –  register for Rotorua

Auckland |   17 May, BNZ Theare, Vodafone Events Centre Manuwera – register for Auckland

Hamilton |  23 May, Southwell School (auditorium) – register for Hamilton

Tauranga |  24 May, Baypark Arena – Arena Combined Suites –  register for Tauranga 

Whangarei |  25 May, Raumanga Campus – register for Whangarei

How Much

Free

These events are free to attend and you are welcome to turn up on the day. However, due to their expected popularity, please register to guarantee your seat(s)

More

Overview on Royal Society Webpage

Registration of individual events are above (in the When and Where section) or on the Royal Society website.

Starry Starry Night – Wanaka – 30 March 2019

What

Join astronomers Alan Gilmore and Pamela Kilmartin with DOC Ranger Tanya to learn what we can see in our night sky!

Alan and Pam join us from Canterbury where they have worked in the Mt John Observatory discovering comets, asteroids, and minor planets.

Bring a head torch for the return walk and a mug for hot chocolate.

When and Where

7:30pm – 9pm
Saturday 30 March 2019

Hawea Swing Bridge,
Albert Town,
Wanaka
Central Otago

How Much

Gold coin donation.

More

Facebook Event

Aurora Chasing around and above New Zealand – Auckland – 27 February 2019

What

Presented by Café Scientifique
Speaker – Dr Ian Griffin, Otago Museum

The Aurora Australis or southern lights are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. Ian Griffin moved to Dunedin five years ago. A few weeks after he arrived he realised it was possible to view and photograph displays of the southern lights just five minutes from his new home on the Otago Peninsula. Upon making this discovery Ian has become a self-confessed aurora addict, spending hundreds of nights under clear Otago skies recording auroral displays. Ian’s passion for the aurora has led to several unusual adventures, including hiring two airliners. In this talk Ian will speak about the scientific origins of the aurora, and show how these amazing natural lights have fascinated humans since they first arrived in Aotearoa,

An astronomer by training, Ian is currently Director of the Otago Museum in Dunedin. He has held senior roles in Museums, planetariums and cultural organisations in Europe, the USA and New Zealand.

When and Where

6:30pm Wednesday 27 February 2019

Horse and Trap Pub
3 Enfield St
Mt Eden
Auckland

How Much

Free

More

Tweet by Ian Griffin advertising the talk