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GALAXY GAZER ASTRONOMY TOUR
(Evening - 1½-2 hour duration)
This astronomy tour provides a comprehensive introduction to our beautiful NZ southern night sky. Commencing on the spacious elevated stargazing observation deck you will learn to recognise several constellations and bright stars using our green laser pointer. We then use the walk-in Pipehenge observing frame to learn how the stars and planets move in the sky and how the great New Zealand Maori and Polynesian voyagers used them for navigation across the Pacific Ocean.
You will continue with the professional 14" Celestron CGE Pro 1400XLT telescope in the rotating 3.5m (11') astronomy dome. We will view a range of objects including the moon, stars, planets and galaxies depending on availability on the night of your visit. Children can operate the dome rotation during the astronomy tour to give us a clear view of the NZ sky.
Back in the office you will have ample time to examine and handle several 4½ billion year old meteorites and learn about the history of our classic Spitz A2 planetarium projector currently undergoing restoration and how it is used. There are several unique hands-on displays about things astronomical, geological and scientific including 150 million year old dinosaur bones. The astronomy tour concludes with a walk through our 25m scale model of the Solar System.
A hot drink is provided while stargazing to ward off the evening chill and a detailed information pack including a sundial kit is supplied to enable you to further your astronomy interests at home.
 What people say about
our Astronomy Tours
on Trip Advisor
PANORAMA PHOTOS
Here are two links to 360° panoramic shots of the observatory and the sky taken during the day and night as seen during an astronomy tour on the stargazing deck:
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Rates (minimum astronomy tour size is generally 2 adults).
- $80 / Adult
- $40 / Child (under 17 years)
- $200 / Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
(Attractive laminated A4 gift vouchers are available)
Conditions
Young children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Generally not suitable for children under 5 years of age.
The observatory and office contain equipment that is both delicate and expensive. Adults are responsible for the behaviour of their children and all breakages must be paid for.
No smoking anywhere on site as we are located in a high fire risk bush setting.
Booking
Astronomy tours are offered most clear nights and commence about 1-1 1/2 hours after sunset. We suggest you bring something warm to wear to ward off the evening chill.
COVID-19 CONDITIONS As your hosts and many guests are in the most vulnerable age group we may require tour participants to wear a suitable facemask (supplied) for indoor parts of the tour depending on numbers attending.
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
TO BOOK PHONE +64 7 866 5343
or send us an email
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Tour Highlights
Depending on the season and sky conditions you will be shown
a selection of some of the following celestial treats:
STARS AND CONSTELLATIONS
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You will learn about the MILKY WAY, our very own galaxy and our position in it. The brighter CONSTELLATIONS will be identified and you will learn how to trace out some of their shapes so they become familiar signposts in the sky, wherever you are.
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If the SOUTHERN CROSS is high in the sky you will learn how to use it to find South, and maybe even how to tell the time! You will see the COALSACK, a beautiful dark nebula and the JEWEL BOX star cluster nestled in the Cross.
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ALPHA CENTAURI, our nearest star (apart form the Sun of course), will be pointed out and you will be able to discover for yourself it's surprising secret when you see it in the telescopes.
GALAXIES
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The beautiful MAGELLANIC CLOUDS, our twin neighbouring galaxies, will be shown and you will learn about the exciting event that took place there in 1987 and see the stunning TARANTULA NEBULA and world famous ETA CARINA NEBULA.
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The famous and beautiful ANDROMEDA GALAXY may be visible low in the northern sky. This is the nearest galaxy to us having a spiral shape similar to our own MILKY WAY galaxy.
STAR CLUSTERS
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The famous southern hemisphere GLOBULAR CLUSTERS , OMEGA CENTAURI and 47 TUCANI , will be identified and you will learn about their unusual history and what the MILKY WAY did to them!
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Beautiful OPEN CLUSTERS include the famous PLEIADES (Seven Sisters, or Matariki in Maori Folklore), the HYADESand the JEWEL BOX, noted above.
PLANETS
The planets that are visible in the evening sky are constantly changing
so it may not be possible to see any on some nights. Call for details.
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JUPITER is a stunning sight in binoculars and telescopes. You will be able to see 3 or 4 of it's largest moons and identify some of it's cloud bands. We may even be able to see some of the moons move or disappear during the course of your visit. If we're very lucky the GREAT RED SPOT may also be visible on Jupiter's face.
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SATURN with it's beautiful rings is a wonderful sight although the rings are very narrow this year as we are looking at them almost edge on.
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MARS is well worth a look as well, as is VENUS. However, some of the planets are only visible in the early morning at present and so will probably not be visible during the evening tours for a few months. If either planet is a special passion it is possible that a special early morning (or very late night) tour could be arranged although additional charges may apply.
THE MOON AND SUN
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The MOON is a wonderful sight in all our binoculars and telescopes, with sights ranging from it's huge craters to it's majestic mountains and wrinkled lava flows.
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The SUN, our nearest star with it's occasional spots and flares, is a spectacular sight through our dedicated solar telescopes. If there is sufficient interest a special daytime tour can be arranged…call for details.
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SOLAR OBSERVING TOUR
(Daytime tour - by special arrangement only)
View the Sun with it's ever changing sunspots and flares using our special Coronado Solar Max III 70mm H-alpha telescope.The Moon, bright stars and some planets may also be visible during the daytime.
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
TO BOOK PHONE: +64 7 866 5343
or send us an email
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