These monthly planetary experiences are perfect for anyone wanting a bit more explanation.

Stars of New Zealand astronomy – 4 September

Aotearoa is a small country with bold ideas, so how have the pillars of New Zealand’s Astronomical past shaped our understanding of the night sky we see today? Find out how New Zealanders have contributed knowledge of the Universe to the world and why New Zealand is the best place on Earth to look at the stars.

For further information and to register: www.museumswellington.org.nz/event/astronomy-on-tap-stars-of-new-zealand-astronomy

The Voyager probes – 2 October

When the Voyagers launched, the planets literally aligned. That ignited the idea of sending the spacecraft to boldly go where no one has been before. 41 years after the launch we trace the paths of the Voyager Probes and take a closer look at what they have taught us.

For further information and to register: www.museumswellington.org.nz/astronomy-on-tap-the-voyager-probes

Polynesian Navigation – 6 November

Today, GPS instruments take people safe to their destinations, but in a not so distant past navigators from the Pacific Islands used the stars. Today we still learn from their journeys. Navigating by the stars through the seas, how did these early navigators do it? How can this inform the way we look at the world today?

For further information and to register: www.museumswellington.org.nz/astronomy-on-tap-polynesian-navigation

Cost: $39 (ticket price includes refreshments and a glass of wine or beer on arrival)

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

Related content

Find out more about space in this article that gives an introduction to some of our many resources. Beatrice Hill Tinsley was a New Zealand astronomer, explore this interactive timeline that covers her life and work, and how these fit into a wider science picture of cosmology. The article Planet hunting describes how New Zealand scientists are part of the hunt for extrasolar planets.

Use this introductory article as a stepping stone into the range of resources we host on navigating without instruments.


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