Auckland Astronomical Society Inc

Introduction to Astronomy May 2022
2022-05-02 20:00 - 21:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Online
Measuring Distances In Space Part 2
The Cosmic Distance Ladder & The Hubble Tension
Speaker: Chris Benton
Descriptions of most astronomical objects such as planets, stars and galaxies usually include how far away from Earth they are. The quoted distance may involve millions of kilometres, light years or parsecs.
Last month, we discussed astronomers’ principles and methods to measure distances across space. This evening we briefly review those in the context of their ideal range before discussing the cosmic distance ladder as a tool to optimise precision over extra-large distances. We then cover the current expansion of space, known as Hubble’s constant (H0), in the context of “late-time” and “early-time” measurements, highlighting a severe discrepancy between the two, known as the Hubble Tension. Two case studies illustrate using the cosmic distance ladder, with one showing the Hubble Tension, while another offers a solution.
We look forward to discussing this fascinating problem in astronomy with you online using the link below to our YouTube website.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety
NB: Tonight’s meeting is online due to maintenance on the computer server. Otherwise, AAS meetings are now in-person.
Best regards
The AAS Team
(A comprehensive handout of Parts 1 & 2 are available on request by emailing membership@astronomy.org.nz)

2022 Annual General Meeting
2022-04-25 20:00 - 21:30 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Members are encouraged to attend the meeting. The meeting will be held at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium.
We will be presenting:
Society Reports, Stardome Report, Astronz Ltd report to the Society.
Election of Officers
Election of AOPTB Appointments Committee representative.
Election of AOPTB representative Trustee.

Astrophotography Group April
2022-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
The Astrophotography group will be holding a general catchup meeting on the first return to the Stardome for several months. There will be discussion on imaging ideas for the winter season.

Practical Astronomy - Telescopes - what you need to know.
2022-04-11 20:00 - 21:00
In this meeting we will be discussing telescopes. We will talk about how they work and the different types commonly used by amateur astronomers. Along with some information on care and maintenance.
The talk will be in person at the Stardome. We have limited numbers with the social distancing requirements, namely 45 attendees in the Space room and up to 20 in the Matariki room for any overflow. The talk will also be streamed online via the AAS youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Special General Meeting
2022-04-11 19:45 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
A Special General Meeting of the Auckland Astronomical Society will be held at 7:45 PM on Monday 11th April 2022. The venue will be either online, or at the Stardome Observatory depending on the pandemic conditions. We will advise closer to the time.
Reason for meeting.
Last year the Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust Deed was amended to bring it up to date. One of the changes was requested by the Society council. The change involved the method of appointing the two Trustees representing the Society. Previously the Deed stated that the Society President, Treasurer and their successors would be ex officio Trustees of the Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust. The Society Council felt that the position of Treasurer was encumbered with a lot of administration work and it shouldn’t be a requirement for the Treasurer to also serve as a AOPTB Trustee. The Deed was therefore amended such that the Society can appoint a second representative Trustee of their choice. The President (and successors) remain as an ex officio Trustee. This requires a method to appoint the second Trustee. Note that the change does not preclude the Treasurer being nominated and elected as a Trustee. Therefore the following addition to rule 12 is proposed:
12 e) In accordance with the Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust Deed, two members of the Society shall be appointed to the Trust Board as Society representatives. One of these representative Trustees will be the ex officio appointment of the Society President. The second member will be elected by the membership for the ensuing year. If for any reason the elected representative Trustee is unable to complete their term, the Society Council may appoint a replacement representative to serve as a Trustee until the following Annual General Meeting. Nominations for the position of elected representative Trustee shall be in writing, signed by the member proposed, the member proposing and the member seconding the proposal and shall be deposited at the registered office of the Society at least fourteen days before the AGM. Such nominations shall not preclude proposals being accepted at the meeting to fill the position of elected representative Trustee if no nominations have been received by the due date.
The meeting will be held at Stardome Observatory but it will be possible to join online via Microsoft Teams. The Teams link will be circulated.

Young Astronomers - The phases of the Moon.
2022-04-11 19:00 - 19:45 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
We will be exploring the phases of the moon in preparation for Matariki. This meeting will also include some time inside the planetarium as well. Clear Skies!
Please register via
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/young-astronomers-meeting-tickets-311341489777
This is so we know the numbers.

Introduction to Astronomy April 2022
2022-04-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Measuring Distances In Space
Part 1: Principles & Methods
Descriptions of most astronomical objects such as planets, stars and galaxies usually include how far away from Earth they are. The quoted distance may involve millions of kilometres, light years or parsecs.
Tonight’s talk is Part 1 of 2, discussing the principles and methods used to measure distances across space. First, we cover what light years and parsecs refer to and when astronomers use them, followed by the principles of geometric trigonometry, standard candles, spectral redshifts, standard sirens and standard rulers. We will then review the numerous methods involving those fundamental principles.
In May, Part 2 will discuss how scientists use the cosmic distance ladder to calibrate these measurements and maximise precision. We will also discuss the Hubble tension and offer a solution.
Part 1 is solely online at our AAS YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Astrophotography Group March
2022-03-28 20:00 - 21:00
Otto Gruebl will talk about Imaging of the Sun in CaK with an emphasis on ISS transits in CaK. he has found recent new and improved Processing techniques with Photoshop CC 2022
The talk will be streaming live via the AAS Youtube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Astrophotography Group March
2022-03-28 19:00 - 20:00
TBA

Monthly Meeting March - Te Awamutu Space Centre
2022-03-21 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Dave Owen (AKA “Space Dave”) is the owner/manager of Te Awamutu SpaceCentre, an interactive museum that features space memorabilia,astronomy displays and activities. Customers include the generalpublic as well as schools, businesses, health organisations andspecial interest groups. Over the years Dave has developed a range ofreal-world and virtual resources to help promote astronomy and generalscience education. In his presentation, he’ll talk about his work andsome of these resources.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Practical Astronomy March - The Autumn Night Sky
2022-03-14 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Note the change from the normal date (the third Monday of the Month to the second Monday).
This will be an online review of the Autumn Night Sky. We will review the constellations and deep sky objects, best placed for observation over the coming season. This is a great way to start learning your way around the sky.
The talk will be streamed live to the AAS youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Young Astronomers March - Where is the Dark Side of the Moon?
2022-03-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Welcome to the 2022 Young Astronomers programme! Our theme this year is ‘Mission to the Moon’. The programme caters for all school aged students that are curious about the night sky and would like to meet other like minded people.
We had a great first session in February where we investigated the question, “Is the moon made out of cheese?” Our question helped us inspect how craters of the moon were formed on the moon and what the inside of the moon might look like. Our next session is exploring, “Where is the dark side of the moon?” so that we can investigate why we see the moon.
This is a gentle reminder that we will be able to meet under the Red Light Covid-19 protocol with possible gathering of 40 people in the Stardome facility. Please make sure that:
– Parents and children in Year 4 and up must wear masks (as they would in school) during the session
– Parents and children 12+ must scan their vaccine passes on arrival
– Register your interest through our Eventbrite link to let us know you’re coming
– Please register all attendees – parent and child! It will help us manage our numbers
– Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell
– We request that parents must actively supervise their child/ children during the session to share their learning experiences.
Please note that our next meeting will be on Monday the 14th of March 2022 at 7:00 pm. If the meeting needs to be cancelled at the last minute, we will send you a message through Eventbrite. Your patience and kindness would be much appreciated.
Clear Skies,
Registration is required for this event. Tickets (free) can be obtained below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-astronomers-meeting-tickets-276246519777?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

Introduction to Astronomy March 2022
2022-03-07 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Our Universe Is Expanding
How Do We Know?
by Jonathan Park
We know the universe is getting bigger and bigger, which means space itself is expanding – new space is coming into existence. Working backwards from now, we arrive at a time 13.8 billion years ago when the universe was in a hot, dense state. The sudden onset of expansion was the “Big Bang” – not an explosion in space; instead, it was a rapid expansion of spacetime itself. How do we know all this? Astronomy is a science, and in science, we can’t just say something is so, and that’s that. We need evidence and theories that make predictions. Our guest speaker, Jonathan Park, will show you how astronomers know all of this in March’s Introduction to Astronomy talk.
We look forward to seeing you all on our YouTube website to view this online using the below link.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Beatrice Hill-Tinsley Lecture
2022-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | AUT WG403, 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Note – This was rescheduled from last year. Venue: AUT Lecture theatre WA220
Vaccine Passport and mask wearing will be required for in person attendance. This is a free event but as we are limited to a maximum of 100 attendees for social distancing, you will need to register. Please register via the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/beatrice-hill-tinsley-lecture-tickets-271889959187
The Lecture will also be streamed via the AAS youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Beatrice Hill Tinsley Lecture tour.
The Beatrice Hill Tinsley Lecturer this year is Dr Heloise Stevence
A Deadly Dance: When black holes and neutron stars collide
The RASNZ Lecture Trust are delighted and excited to have Heloise as this years BHT lecturer. She is an energetic, enthusiastic, educational and entertaining speaker well able to reach out to audiences of all ages and levels. Heloise gave excellent presentations at the RASNZ Conference earlier this year and was an obvious choice to swoop in and save the day when Covid-19 scuppered Professor Harvey-Smith’s tour. Dr Heloise Stevence enthusiastically accepted the invitation to give the 2021 tour.

Dr Stevence gave the following brief biographical background:
Originally born and raised in France, I moved to the UK to study Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sheffield. After working as a support astronomer at the Isaac Newton Group in La Palma for a year, I obtained my Masters of Physics in 2015. I subsequently started a PhD studying the 3D shape of Core Collapse Supernovae, and earned my title in Spring 2019. In July of that year, I joined the University of Auckland as a Research Fellow to research the evolution of massive stars to better understand how they die and produce Supernovae and Kilonovae.
I also started my public outreach work during my doctorate studies, in early 2016, and I have not stopped since.

Practical Astronomy February
2022-02-21 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Sky mapping applications and learning the night sky.

Astrophotography Group February
2022-02-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Tintop Observatory

Tonight I will give a short talk about my home imaging observatory, the concept, build details and experiences.
Hope you can all make it and find it interesting.

Shaun Fletcher

Monthly Meeting February - Kumeu Observatory - Note the change to Tuesday evening.
2022-02-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
The Society operate the Kumeu Observatory, which over recent times, has been upgraded with a GSO 400mm Ritchey–Chrétien telescope and full frame cooled CMOS camera (QHY 600M) fitted with a filter wheel. The Society purchased these using funds from the Trixie and Barry Menzies bequest. Society member Tony Cooper will be bringing us up to date with the progress at the observatory, including resolution of issues with the dome, the equipment, software and the correct setup and calibration of the new camera. He will also report on the first scientific results from the new setup.

Young Astronomers February - Is the Moon made of cheese?
2022-02-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Note the change to Tuesday instead of Monday.

What is the Moon made of. The structure and cratering of the Moon. Bombardment and crater formation.

Introduction to Astronomy February 2022
2022-02-07 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Annual Fun Quiz Night!
by Chris Benton
It’s time we reflect on popular topics covered last year and do some revision in the form of a fun-filled quiz.
Join 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!
The 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.
We look forward to seeing you all on our YouTube website to view this online using the below link.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Practical Astronomy December - End of Year Quiz and the Summer Night Sky
2021-12-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
This is the final meeting for 2021. We resume meetings on the first Monday of February and hope to be back at our normal venue, the Auckland Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. We will also be hosting a lecture from the postponed Beatrice Hill-Tinsley Lecture Series. This will be held on the evening of Monday 28th February, we will publish further details in the February journal.
The meeting will be in two parts. AAS council member Carolle Varughese will start the meeting with the end of year quiz. A fun quiz to test your astronomical knowledge. This will be followed by a review of the Summer Night Sky presented by AAS member and Stardome presenter Melanie Bruges.
This will be lived streamed on the AAS Youtube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Monthly Meeting December - Backyard Observing with Jennie McCormick
2021-12-13 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
How does observing from your garden turn into serious astronomical research?
We all know that astronomy is a diverse and exciting science, that is probably what got us into it in the first place. However, it also offers numerous opportunities for amateur astronomers to be part of important research discoveries and at times, can produce some unexpected surprises.
This presentation is a pictorial look at how backyard observing turned into serious research observing from a suburban backyard in Farm Cove, Auckland.

Jennie is an amateur astronomer who conducts astronomical research from her observatory in Farm Cove, Auckland. She has been involved in the collaborative discovery of more than 20 distant planets, including a new solar system and Binary Star Solar System.She takes regular data on Cataclysmic Variable stars for the Center for Backyard Astrophysics and measures the positions of comets and asteroids for the Minor Planet Center.
In September 2009, Jennie discovered her first asteroid and officially named it, New Zealand!
In the late 1980’s she joined the Auckland Astronomical Society and for 15 years, worked as an educator at Auckland Observatory.Jennie is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) and sits on the RASNZ Council as the Fellows Representative.
In 2008/2009 she coordinated the International Year of Astronomy 2009’s, 100 Hours of Astronomy event. This became the largest global science outreach event held to date and gave millions of people the chance to look through a telescope for the very first time while highlighting the wonders of astronomy to an extensive global audience.
When not observing, Jennie manages a community House in East Auckland, can be found growing vegetables, caring for native birds, photographing sunrise and sunsets from her Farm Cove garden and spending as much time as possible with her three young grandchildren.

Introduction to Astronomy December - Copernican Astronomy
2021-12-06 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
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.

Astrophotography Group November
2021-11-29 20:00 - 21:00
Astrophotography Group
Monday 29th November at 8:00pm, Online
DC Power for Astrophotography – the observatory and the field
(everything I wish I knew at the start)
Speaker/Host: Tony Cooper
Topics
DC calculations – energy, power, voltage drop
DC voltages and converters (19V, 12V, 7.2V, 5V)
DC connectors – cigarette, Anderson, DC plugs, Waygo
Batteries – types and advantages
Battery charging (excluding solar)
Measuring and monitoring current
Undervolt protection – battery and camera
Laptop settings to conserve energy
Mistakes I made
The talk will be streamed live on the AAS youtube channel at 8pm Monday 29th November
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Practical Astronomy November - Visual Observing
2021-11-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
This month we will be discussing visual observing, including the way the human eye works, optics and eyepieces, sky conditions, ambient light and observing targets, from the Sun to galaxies.

2021 Burbidge Lecture and New Zealand Astrophotography Competition Results
2021-11-08 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Burbidge Lecture: Diving through exoplanet atmospheres 8:00pm The study of exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than the Sun, is fascinating new field of research. The question “how do stars and planetary systems form and evolve?”” is one of the biggest in Astronomy, and is at the root of one of the most important questions in science today: “How did we get here?”. I will take us on a journey to explore how we measure and understand the nature these strange new worlds beyond our Solar System. We will dive into the atmospheres of alien planets to discover the truly wild nature of planets in the universe from chains of rocky worlds around ultra-cool stars, to exotic clouds of molten rock in the atmosphere of ultra-hot gas giants.
Hannah Wakeford is a lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Bristol, UK where she leads a group researching the atmospheres of exoplanets using observations from space telescopes. Hannah’s work focuses on the exotic clouds of giant hot Jupiters, down to chains of small rocky worlds around ultra-cool stars. She studied for a Masters in Planetary and Space Physics at Aberystwyth University with field studies in Svalbard to measure the aurora, and completed her PhD thesis on exoplanets at the University of Exeter before heading to the USA to work at NASA and STScI. Alongside her research she runs the monthly podcast Exocast all about exoplanet science and hosts the #ExoCup twitter competition for the public to crown the champion exoplanet of the year. New Zealand Astrophotography Competition Results We will be announcing the winners of the individual categories and well as the overall winner who receives the Harry Williams Trophy
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Introduction to Astronomy November 2021
2021-11-01 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Stardome’s Research Programme
what we do and why
Presenter – Grant Christie

This talk will provide an elementary overview of Stardome’s research programme.
Since 2004, Stardome has contributed to the discovery of many planets orbiting very distant stars, advancing the understanding of how planetary systems are formed.
We have also been studying what may be the most massive binary star system in the galaxy – WR20a.
Grant will briefly introduce the telescope, the CCD camera (with 8 filters) and how we make precision measurements of the brightness of stars.

Astrophotography Group October
2021-10-25 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Easy targets for beginners in the Southern Spring/Summer sky.
We are also launching a summer competition to win a planetary camera.

Practical Astronomy October - Telescope Mounts
2021-10-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
This month we will be discussing the telescope mounts commonly used by amateur astronomers. This will include the pros and cons of the various types and how to set them up. The talk will be streamed live on the AAS youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Monthly Meeting October - Outdoor Lighting - sky glow, human health and ecosystems with Steve Butler
2021-10-11 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
This talk will cover the change in outdoor lighting over the past decade with reference to the “new” technology of LED light sources. Included will be the implications of light colour on sky glow, human health and ecosystems. The monitoring of these new sources will be touched on as well as recent developments in New Zealand.

Steve is a long time advocate for reducing light pollution including as the leader of the RASNZ Dark Skies Group since 2004. I am the current RASNZ President and am Chair of the Board for the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Introduction to Astronomy October 2021
2021-10-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Liquid Water on Mars
A Story of Climate and Change
Despite Mars’ current cold and dry conditions, incompatible with supporting surface liquid water, did this planet once host flowing rivers and lakes? Furthermore, if there was water on Mars, where is it now? The answer to these questions is of importance for future inhabitants and astrobiologists.
Tonight, I will examine the evidence for previous surface liquid water on Mars and argue for suitable climate conditions in the past, followed by how, when and why the climate changed; and what happened to the water and atmosphere.
We look forward to seeing you all on our YouTube website to view this online using the below link.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety
Best regards
The AAS Team
