BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Auckland Astronomical Society Inc - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Auckland Astronomical Society Inc
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Pacific/Auckland
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20190406T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20190928T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20200404T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20200926T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20210403T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20210925T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20220402T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20220924T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20230401T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20230923T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1300
TZOFFSETTO:+1200
TZNAME:NZST
DTSTART:20240406T140000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1200
TZOFFSETTO:+1300
TZNAME:NZDT
DTSTART:20240928T140000
END:DAYLIGHT
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230501T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230501T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20230415T043633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230415T043738Z
UID:1894-1682971200-1682974800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy May 2023
DESCRIPTION:The Building Blocks of the Universe\n(and how they relate to astronomy)\nGuest speaker – Jonathan Park MSc (Astronomy) \nThis is a fun\, basic introduction to how the universe works at the smallest scales. In this talk\, we start by describing the structure and size of the atom for anyone new to the topic. You will then be equipped to join the journey down the rabbit hole to the smallest\, weirdest particles. After hearing about these intriguing objects\, we learn how the building blocks of the universe apply in astronomy. What are cosmic rays? How does the Sun really turn hydrogen into helium to provide sunlight? There are trillions of (harmless) particles from space travelling through you right now – what are they? Whether your knowledge of this topic is limited or if you know all about the tiny particles of the universe\, you will be fascinated by this talk.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-may-2023/
LOCATION:Fickling Convention Centre\, 546 Mt Albert Rd\, Three Kings\, Auckland\, 1042
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230410T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230410T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20230319T230810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230319T230810Z
UID:1864-1681156800-1681160400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy April 2023
DESCRIPTION:A Modern Perspective of the Solar System\nWhat’s there and why\nThe Solar System comprises a central star\, eight planets of varying sizes and composition\, and three regions of small bodies. Chris Benton will outline a modern perspective of the Solar System structure\, then discuss how and why it formed and evolved as it did\, explaining what we see today. \nCome along and learn why we see four small rocky inner planets\, four giant gaseous outer planets\, plus collections of asteroids and comets. Furthermore\, discover why astronomers demoted Pluto from its status as a planet. \nAll attendees will receive a comprehensive handout on the topic\, changing your view on the Solar System. We look forward to seeing you all there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-april-2023/
LOCATION:Fickling Convention Centre\, 546 Mt Albert Rd\, Three Kings\, Auckland\, 1042
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230206T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20230206T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20230115T035219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230206T062829Z
UID:1793-1675713600-1675717200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy February 2023
DESCRIPTION:Auckland Astronomical Society Annual Fun Quiz Night!\nIt’s time we reflect on the topics covered over the previous year and do some revision in the form of a fun-filled quiz. Most importantly\, there are loads of chocolates to win! \nThe Quiz is designed for those who attended all\, some or none of the talks during the year\, so there’s no excuse to miss out! Come along and have loads of fun reviewing the main points of each monthly session. \nEight multiple-choice questions\, each designed to lead into a brief teaching discussion\, will include the topics: Measuring Distances In Space Parts I & II\, The James Webb Space Telescope\, The Hazards of Human Spaceflight to Mars\, Hunting Massive Stars\, The Expanding Universe and Life In The Solar System Parts I & II. \nWe look forward to seeing you all there ready for chocolate! \nPlease note while the Stardome is undergoing renovations\, our venue will be \nThe Lynfield Room at the Fickling Convention Centre\, 546 Mt Albert Rd\, Three Kings\, 1042 \nThis meeting will also be live-streamed on the AAS YouTube channel. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-february-2023/
LOCATION:Fickling Convention Centre\, 546 Mt Albert Rd\, Three Kings\, Auckland\, 1042
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20221107T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20221107T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20221015T232111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221015T232111Z
UID:1720-1667851200-1667854800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy November 2022
DESCRIPTION:Hazards of Human Spaceflight to Mars\nThings You Need To Know\nNASA and Elon Musk’s Space X recently announced their intention to send astronauts to Mars in the 2030s. Why go to Mars\, and what are the challenges to the human body with this pioneering journey? Dr. Chris Benton will discuss these questions and outline the physical hazards of human long-duration spaceflight\, proposed countermeasures and current research in this field\, answering the question as to whether it will be safe. \nIt could be your close relatives or friends travelling on these pioneer missions. Come along and discover what you need to know for spaceflight to our neighbouring planet and possibly humanity’s second home. 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-november-2022/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20221003T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20221003T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20220918T081204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220918T081204Z
UID:1697-1664827200-1664830800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy October 2022
DESCRIPTION:Relativity – The Layman’s Guide\nPart 2: General Relativity & Gravity\nGuest Speaker: Nick Odom \nRelativity and Newton’s law of gravity are mathematically incompatible. Einstein realized that the local effects of gravity and acceleration are equivalent\, and that gravity is a distortion of spacetime. An analysis of the effect of gravity on light reveals that time runs slower in gravitational fields and that light bends. The bending is increased by the curvature of space.  We briefly examine black holes and end with the observational consequences of the theory. \nThis is a fascinating topic and not to be missed. We look forward to seeing you all there. \nThis meeting will also be live streamed to the AAS YouTube channel \nhttps://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-october-2022/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220905T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220905T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20220817T223927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220817T224147Z
UID:1643-1662408000-1662411600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy September 2022
DESCRIPTION:Relativity – The Layman’s Guide\nPart 1: Historical Background and Special Relativity\nGuest Speaker: Nick Odom \nNick starts with a brief description of physical knowledge in the 1890s and the problems that led to relativity\, in particular with regard to measuring the speed of light.  He will describe the basic axioms that underpin the theory and the effects on time and distance\, including the relevance of inertial frameworks\, the Doppler effect and the twin paradox.  Concluding\, he addresses the relationship between mass and energy and finishes with an introduction to spacetime. \nNick keeps mathematics very simple and uses plenty of diagrams to explain the main points\, making this fascinating topic accessible to everyone. We look forward to seeing you all there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/1643/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220801T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220801T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20220722T035304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220722T035304Z
UID:1581-1659384000-1659387600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy August 2022
DESCRIPTION:Life in the Solar System – Part 2\nGuest Speaker: Jonathan Park\nLast month\, in part 1 of “Life in the Solar System”\, Jonathan explored the potential for life elsewhere in our Solar System. We looked at the building blocks of life\, how life might get started\, and Earth’s extremophiles. This was followed by a visit to Enceladus to see what it might have to offer in the way of habitability. \nIn Part 2\, we first visit Europa and Titan\, and have a look to see whether conditions on either of these moons might be suitable for any kind of life. Next\, we head to Mars\, where we examine evidence of rivers\, lakes\, and an ocean. We will see that life had just as much chance of getting started on Mars as it did on Earth\, but if it did manage to get started on Mars\, would there be any way it could have survived up to the present? Following this\, we very briefly touch on some upcoming missions to Titan and the icy moons of Jupiter\, finishing with a look at other possible oceans in our Solar System\, which could number up to 14! \nWe look forward to seeing you all there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-august-2022/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220704T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220704T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20220621T032812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220621T032812Z
UID:1514-1656964800-1656968400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy July 2022
DESCRIPTION:Life In The Solar System – Part 1\nGuest Speaker – Jonathan Park\nCould life exist elsewhere in the Solar System? Could it even get started anywhere else? People often wonder about the possibility of life on other worlds. Even if we eventually find only microbial life elsewhere in our Solar System\, this will show life has arisen more than once around a single star in a galaxy of billions. Such a discovery would open the door for possibilities of life throughout the universe. \nTonight\, in Part 1 of a two-part series\, Jonathan will explore the potential for life elsewhere in our Solar System. We will ask the question “what is life?”\, look at the building blocks of life\, how life might get started\, and Earth’s extremophiles – organisms which love extreme conditions. Next\, we visit Saturn’s tiny icy moon Enceladus\, to see what conditions are like there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-july-2022/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220207T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20220207T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20220131T025950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220201T014537Z
UID:1260-1644264000-1644267600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy February 2022
DESCRIPTION:Annual Fun Quiz Night!\nby Chris Benton \nIt’s time we reflect on popular topics covered last year and do some revision in the form of a fun-filled quiz. \nJoin us online and have loads of fun recalling what you learned during the year and review the main points of each monthly session. The Quiz is designed for those who attended all\, some or none of the talks during the year\, so there’s no excuse to miss out! \nThe multiple-choice questions\, each designed to lead into a teaching discussion\, will include the topics: Dark Matter\, Special Relativity\, The Sun\, The Night Sky\, Star Clusters and Water on Mars. \nWe look forward to seeing you all on our YouTube website to view this online using the below link. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-february-2022/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20211206T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20211206T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20211113T081955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211113T081955Z
UID:1217-1638820800-1638824400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy December - Copernican Astronomy
DESCRIPTION:This month we will be discussing how the modern scientific view of Astronomy came about. We will delve in to the cosmological views of past Neolithic cultures and follow the broad sweep of progress from bronze age Sumer to the 21st century.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-december-copernican-astronomy/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20211101T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20211101T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20211023T234827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211023T234843Z
UID:1203-1635796800-1635800400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy November 2021
DESCRIPTION:Stardome’s Research Programme\nwhat we do and why\nPresenter – Grant Christie \n  \nThis talk will provide an elementary overview of Stardome’s research programme. \nSince 2004\, Stardome has contributed to the discovery of many planets orbiting very distant stars\, advancing the understanding of how planetary systems are formed. \nWe have also been studying what may be the most massive binary star system in the galaxy – WR20a. \nGrant will briefly introduce the telescope\, the CCD camera (with 8 filters) and how we make precision measurements of the brightness of stars.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-november-2021/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210607T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210607T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20210518T084836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210531T072330Z
UID:1032-1623096000-1623099600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy June 2021
DESCRIPTION:The Sun – Our Nearest Star\nWhat’s going on and why?\nOur nearest star\, the Sun\, is vital to life on Earth; but what do we know about it? Tonight\, we discuss various intriguing facts and figures\, including where it resides and how it moves within our galaxy\, the Milky Way. Following illustrations of how the Sun was born and how it will evolve\, making Earth uninhabitable\, and then eventually die as a white dwarf\, diagrams will show you the internal structures of the Sun and how we know. Also\, learn the processes behind and the differences between Sunspots\, solar flares\, solar prominences and coronal mass ejections\, plus how they affect us on Earth. \nAttendees will enjoy our large screen while viewing two High-Definition NASA Videos of the Sun’s activity captured by solar observatories\, plus receive a comprehensive five-page handout of the material covered. \nWe look forward to seeing you all there to chat about the big round bright ball in our daytime sky!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-june-2020/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210405T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210405T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20210320T022350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210320T022350Z
UID:926-1617652800-1617656400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy April 2021
DESCRIPTION:What is Dark Matter?\nThe Evidence\, the Candidates & the Search\nIf you are interested in how the Universe appears and behaves on large scales\, you will enjoy this essential talk. Attendees will also receive a ten-page handout on dark matter covering the discussion and expanding on selected points. \n85% of the matter in the Universe is elusive dark matter that we cannot directly observe\, but presence is seen through its effects on the surrounding environment. Tonight\, Chris Benton discusses compelling evidence for dark matter and its importance in the structure and evolution of the Universe. Following this\, an outline of dark matter’s apparent properties leads into identifying the candidate particles and the experiments designed to detect them. \nWe look forward to seeing you all there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-april-2021/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210201T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20210201T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20210117T013611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210117T013611Z
UID:861-1612209600-1612213200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy February 2021
DESCRIPTION:Dark Energy and the Acceleration of the Universe \nby guest speaker Jonathan Park \nEarly in the 20th century\, the consensus was that the Milky Way was the whole universe and that the universe was static (neither expanding nor contracting). By 1931\, it had been established that the Milky Way was only one galaxy of many and that the universe was not static\, but expanding. Then\, in 1998\, a remarkable discovery was made: the universe is not only expanding\, but this expansion is speeding up! The best explanation for this is “dark energy” – a mysterious energy which has a repulsive gravity effect and currently makes up over two-thirds of the universe. In this introductory talk\, Jonathan will discuss how we know the universe is accelerating\, how we know how much dark energy there is in the universe\, and what dark energy might be. The discussion will finish with two possible scenarios for the end of the universe. \nThis is a fascinating and hot topic of cosmology and one not to be missed. We look forward to seeing you all there.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-february-2021/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20200907T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20200907T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T012336
CREATED:20200810T222828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200830T085017Z
UID:689-1599508800-1599512400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy: Cosmic X-ray Astronomy – Historic Milestones 1960 to 1980
DESCRIPTION:Cosmic X-ray Astronomy – Historic Milestones 1960 to 1980 \n  \nWith Chris Benton \nObservations of the universe in X-ray wavelengths with modern technologically advanced observatories is essential to understanding a diverse array of astrophysical objects and processes. Cosmic X-ray astronomy’s rich and early history from the 1960s and 1970s\, however\, is often neglected. This presentation identifies the pioneers\, and principle observatories\, technologies and discoveries over this period leading to the Chandra X-ray Observatory and XMM-Newton Observatory that still operate today. \nYoutube Link: https://astronomy.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c73059aa79138e65ba47252c7&id=562188951c&e=465980bd9e \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-dark-energy-and-the-acceleration-of-the-universe/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR