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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250512T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250512T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250510T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T195255Z
UID:2789-1747076400-1747080000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging Astronomers Group - May
DESCRIPTION:Topic TBA
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-group-may/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Young Astronomers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250512T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250512T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250510T195123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T195123Z
UID:2787-1747080000-1747083600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night May 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Star by HG Wells.\n \nWhile it is fiction\, it’s Astronomical SF of the very best sort\, set in the late 19th Century\, when our understanding of multi-body dynamics was getting very good. The animations are made using AI\, which is no bad thing – the enthusiasts created it saved a fortune in animating it that way.\n \nThen\, this will be followed by Gliese 710 and its expected entry into the Solar System millennia from now.\nA short slide show of nearby stars\, just to get a grip on what’s in the Local Fluff.\n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-may-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250519T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250519T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250517T223522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250517T223522Z
UID:2796-1747684800-1747688400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Pratical Astronomy May - Introduction to Astrophotography
DESCRIPTION:This talk will cover the basics for getting started with Astrophotography\, including cameras\, mounts\, optics and image processing
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/pratical-astronomy-may-introduction-to-astrophotography/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250526T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250526T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250502T063300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T063431Z
UID:2774-1748289600-1748293200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting May - The search for Takapō Meteorite
DESCRIPTION:The search and finding of the Takapō Meteorite and what we have since learnt about it. And Fireballs Aotearoa’s activities over the last year including the search for the Mahoe Meteorite. \n  \nSteve Wyn-Harris is a sheep and beef farmer in Central Hawkes Bay. He wrote a weekly national rural column for nearly three decades and has been a broadcaster for as long. He is on the executive of Fireballs Aotearoa\, the meteorite search co-ordinator and media liaison for the organization. In 2023 he was awarded an ONZM for services to farming and rural communities. \n  \nSteve has also published a children’s book:  ‘The Day I Crashed to Earth’ (target audience 5-13) about the finding of the Takapō Meteorite and for $20 anyone is welcome to a copy!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-may-the-search-for-takapo-meteorite/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250528T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250528T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250508T222933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T023904Z
UID:2781-1748458800-1748462400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:2025 Beatrice Hill-Tinsley Lecture - How Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we do astronomy
DESCRIPTION:The AAS is co-hosting with the University of Auckland Faculty of Science\, one of the lectures of the 2025 Beactrice Hill-Tinsley Lecture Series. \nHow Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we do astronomy – and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing. \n \nThis is a free lecture but booking tickets is essential otherwise you might miss out. \nhttps://BeatriceHillTinsley.eventbrite.co.nz \nAnna is a Professor of Radio Astronomy at Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and one of the five inaugural AI Fellows of the UK’s Alan Turing Institute. Previously she has worked at the University of Southampton\, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and the University of Cambridge. She has a PhD from the University of Cambridge and an undergraduate degree from the University of Bristol. \nShe is part of a team working on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio-telescope\, and she led the design of the computing and storage for the European SKA Regional Centre. She is currently the UK representative to the International Union of Radio Sciences for Radio Astronomy and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Royal Astronomical Society’s Techniques & Instruments (RASTI) journal. \nIn 2014\, Anna was honoured by the World Economic Forum as one of thirty scientists under the age of 40 selected for their contributions to advancing the frontiers of science\, engineering or technology in areas of high societal impact. In 2017 she was awarded the Blaauw Chair in Astrophysics (prize chair) at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands for excellence in research\, broad knowledge of astronomy and an outstanding international status in astronomy. In 2019\, Anna received the Jackson-Gwilt Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society\, awarded for outstanding invention\, improvement\, or development of astronomical instrumentation or techniques. \nLecture Trust Home Page: \nhttps://www.rasnz.org.nz/rasnz-info/rasnz-lecture-trust-bht-1 \n  \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/2025-beatrice-hill-tinsley-lecture-how-artificial-intelligence-is-changing-the-way-we-do-astronomy/
LOCATION:University of Auckland – Physics Lecture Theatre 1\, PLT1/303-G20\, Science Centre\, 38 Princes St\, Auckland\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:BHT Lecture
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250602T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250602T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250517T083756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T041234Z
UID:2792-1748894400-1748898000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy June 2025
DESCRIPTION:Stellar & Exoplanetary Spectroscopy\nLearning to Read the Light\nTonight\, you will learn how astronomers read the light from stars to measure their temperature\, composition\, rotation and much more\, plus the atmospheres of distant exoplanets.\nWe start by explaining how and why atoms absorb and emit light at specific wavelengths before discussing how a prism splits light into its various colours to determine a star’s many properties. This will include a demonstration of a prism and calculating our Sun’s surface temperature\, plus images and step-by-step analysis of spectra taken with a local amateur spectrograph. Our discussions will then delve deeper into measuring magnetic fields and surface gravity of stars using this simple technique\, before discussing the process and frustrations with analysing the atmospheres of planets beyond our solar system. \nCome along and see how you can take some of these measurements yourself. This session is for everyone\, from beginners to experienced members\, who want to learn more about reading the light from stars and other objects.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-june-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250609T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250609T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250607T211434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250607T211434Z
UID:2805-1749499200-1749502800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting June
DESCRIPTION:Matariki – Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou / The Stars of the New Year \nJoin us at Stardome as we celebrate Matariki in 2025— a time of remembrance\, reflection\, and renewal under the rising stars of the Māori New Year. \nIn this immersive planetarium experience\, you’ll journey through the night sky to explore the Matariki star cluster and its importance in Aotearoa and te ao Māori. Discover the rich purākau (stories)\, science\, and traditions connected to each of the nine whetū\, learn about the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar)\, and reflect on how Matariki guides us through the cycles of the year along with many other significant stars. \nWhether you’re reconnecting with Matariki or experiencing it for the first time\, this show is a great way to honour the season and gain a deeper appreciation of Māori astronomy and our place within the cosmos. \nMānawatia a Matariki!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-june-4/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250616T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250616T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250607T212707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250607T212707Z
UID:2807-1750104000-1750107600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy June - The Winter Night Sky
DESCRIPTION:This will be one of our seasonal Planetarium sessions\, where will will review the constellations and deep sky objects of the Winter Night Sky. 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-june-the-winter-night-sky-3/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250623T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250623T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250622T102233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T102233Z
UID:2813-1750708800-1750712400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night June 2025 - The Planets 25 Years Later
DESCRIPTION:The Planets – 25 years later \nDifferent Worlds \nShotrt slideshow : The Solar System – Still under construction\nBeyond Pluto : Nix & Hydra\, bigger stuff with more moons\, Eris & Dysnomia\, and others\nAstro-webcams – the legacy of Dr. Bob Leighton\nAgglommeration experiments on the ISS\nCometary impacts in the solar system since Shoemaker-Levy 9\nAmatuer video captures of asteroid hits to the Moon – accretion in action\nInterstellar objects entering the solar system
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-june-2025-the-planets-25-years-later/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250707T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250707T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250622T032136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T032136Z
UID:2811-1751918400-1751922000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy July 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Apollo Moon Landings\nThe Lost Missions \nIn July 1969\, Apollo 11 rightfully garnered a great deal of media attention and will forever be enshrined in history. However\, five successful landings followed from November 1969 to December 1972\, which history has all but forgotten. Chris Benton reviews all six missions\, illustrating how each one was more technologically and scientifically advanced than the previous. Come along and learn what these pioneering missions achieved\, who the astronauts were\, plus enjoy a visual tour with lesser-known photographs from each mission\, including panoramic views of the lunar landscape\, and what the landing sites look like today. We will also discuss the findings of the many surface experiments and what the lunar rocks tell us about our Moon’s past. \nThere’s something in this talk for everyone\, from those curious about all six landings\, members wanting to know more about lunar science\, to everyone who likes to enjoy high-definition moonscape images on our big screen. Come along to learn\, enjoy and have fun!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-july-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250712T215531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T215531Z
UID:2822-1752519600-1752523200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging Astronomers July - Quiz Night
DESCRIPTION:For all teens and passionate kids\, do you want to test your knowledge? Join us for a fast-paced Astronomy Quiz Night packed with mind-blowing space trivia and epic prizes. Meet other teens who love the stars as much as you do and maybe make a few new friends. Bring your curiosity and a competitive spirit. Which star cluster is going to outshine the room?
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-july-quiz-night/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:Young Astronomers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250712T215258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T215258Z
UID:2825-1752523200-1752526800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting July
DESCRIPTION:The JWST is the most expensive and powerful telescope astronomers have ever constructed. Its launch in 2021 started a new phase in our exploration of the cosmos\, with the observatory’s golden mirrors producing instantly iconic images of the Solar System’s giant planets\, nearby star-forming regions and galaxies\, and our distant universe. The lecture includes the latest news from its studies of the early universe\, a place lit up by what appears to have been a much more spectacular burst of activity than anyone expected. \nThis lecture was recorded by Chris Lintott on 28th May 2025 at Conway Hall\, London \nChris is Gresham Professor of Astronomy. \nHe is also a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford\, and a Research Fellow at New College.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-july/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250721T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250721T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250719T225723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250719T225723Z
UID:2828-1753128000-1753131600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy July - Sky Charting Software
DESCRIPTION:Sky Charting software can be used for planning your observing sessions\, previewing sky events and even telescope and dome control control. They are also a great educational resource for learning and gaining understanding of some of the jargon used in astronomy. We will use the Open Source desktop application Stellarium to investigate some of these features and also demonstrate the use of a mobile device using the Sky Safari app.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-july-sky-charting-software-3/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250728T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250728T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250726T222247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250726T230110Z
UID:2834-1753732800-1753736400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night July - The Planets - 25 years Later
DESCRIPTION:Terra Firma \nLast month\, members of the society were interested in the difference between a volcano crater and meteor crater\, as both of these are structures we can see on the surfaces of the earth\, and the moon using even the smallest of telescopes. Space travel has let us find vulcanism everywhere in the Solar System\, and we are starting to find evidence of it on exoplanets. \nVulcanism on the Earth and Moon\nThe mighty volcanoes of Mars\, and the formation of Mariner Valley\nThe lava plains of Venus\, and its mapping\nVulcanism of the Galilean Moons of Jupiter\nThe geysers of Triton \nDevelopments since 1999 : \nVulcanism of Venus – observed eruptions\nThe changing face of Io\nEvidence of geological processes of the Exoplanets
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-july-the-planets-25-years-later/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250804T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250804T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250720T032847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250720T032847Z
UID:2831-1754337600-1754341200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy August 2025
DESCRIPTION:10 Things You Didn’t Know About Apollo 11\nby guest speaker John Burkett \nFrom previously unexplored technical challenges to lesser-known moments with the astronauts\, this fascinating presentation offers a unique perspective on one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Come along and discover surprising facts and untold stories behind the historic first manned Moon landing in July 1969.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-august-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250811T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250811T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250809T135013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250809T135258Z
UID:2852-1754938800-1754942400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging Astronomers August - Life Beyond Earth
DESCRIPTION:Many of our love for astronomy started from one of the most magnificent questions in mankind: Are we alone? \nThere are: \n4\,000\,000\,000\,000 galaxies in the universe \n~200\,000\,000\,000 stars in our galaxy \n8 planets in the solar system \nBut the only planet we know that has life is Earth. \nBut if the cosmos is so vast… how could we be the only civilisation? \nWould you like to join me as we journey through the latest discoveries\, daring theories\, and wild possibilities that might answer the biggest question of all: Who else is out there?
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-august-life-beyond-earth/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250811T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250811T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250809T033245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250809T135153Z
UID:2844-1754942400-1754946000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting August - Celestial Songs: A Cosmic Spacetime Symphony
DESCRIPTION:The Universe sings an intricate melody composed of gravitational waves\, the cosmic echoes of cataclys-\nmic events. Yet it’s only in recent years that we have begun to listen to this space-time symphony. In this\ntalk\, we’ll embark on a journey through the revolutionary advancements in gravitational wave astronomy.\nFirst\, we’ll trace our understanding of the subject from the conceptualisation of cosmic ripples in 1916\nthrough to the Nobel Prize-winning gravitational wave discovery of the merger of two black holes. We’ll\nthen discuss Aotearoa’s contributions to this work. Join us as we uncover the cosmic symphony\, tracing\nour evolution from theory to discovery in our quest to understand the Universe’s celestial songs. \nDr Avi Vajpeyi is a research fellow working at the University of Auckland and a member of the scientific\ncollaborations Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Laser Interferometer\nSpace Antenna (LISA). His work involves “listening” to gravitational waves emitted from black holes collid-\ning with each other.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-august-celestial-songs-a-cosmic-spacetime-symphony/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250818T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250818T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250726T230046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250726T230046Z
UID:2836-1755547200-1755550800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy August - Names and Catalogues.
DESCRIPTION:Names and Catalogues \nEver wondered about the designations Astronomical Objects such as M 22\, NGC 104\, HD 207098\, or the names given to comets and asteroids. In this talk we will be discussing the IAU naming conventions for celestial objects along with the star and deep sky catalogues commonly encountered by amateur astronomers.  \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-august-names-and-catalogues/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250825T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250825T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250824T004059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250824T004059Z
UID:2861-1756152000-1756155600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night August 2025 - The Planets \, 25 years later : Giants
DESCRIPTION:The gas-giant planets of our Solar System have been the subject of interest and study for millennia. Their light and brightness gave them titles from that of Ancient Roman gods. When Galileo Galilei turned his telescope to Jupiter\, he was able to prove that not everything revolves around the sun\, and so started the development of Astronomy as one of the cornerstones of science and knowledge. After learning to fly\, we started to explore the Solar System soon thereafter. The best ships we had could get us to Jupiter\, and it was supreme good fortune that the Grand Opportunity arrived in the 1970’s to allow Pioneer 10 & 11\, and then Voyager 1 and 2 to visit the giant planets\, and their moons\, for the first time. \nSince then\, humanity has returned to the Giants\, and there are more plans to do so. Observations from the earth\, and earth orbit\, continue to reveal new things about the giants\, both in this solar system\, and beyond. \nUnderstanding why we are here : Jupiter\, the asteroid belt\, and gravitational sweeping.\nReturning to the Giants : Juno\, and more to come.\nJupiter and Saturn’s growing retinue of moons (there are hundreds now !)\nThe Vera C. Rubin observatory and the Giants – more moons are likely.\nLooking for life – exploration of Europa and Titan\nThe outer worlds – the Jupiter-class gas giants orbiting other stars – the Space Oddities.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-august-2025-the-planets-25-years-later-giants/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250901T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250901T213000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250823T044709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250823T044709Z
UID:2858-1756756800-1756762200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy September 2025
DESCRIPTION:Exploring the Moon\nWhat we learned from the Apollo Programme \n  \n\n\n\n\nExploring the Moon\nWhat we learned from the Apollo Programme\nWhether you attended the two previous talks on the Apollo Moon landings or not\, this presentation is for you. In this special\, extended discussion\, Chris Benton expands on the topic\, reviewing in depth the Apollo experiments conducted from both lunar orbit and the surface\, as well as the types of rocks from different regions of the Moon returned by the twelve moonwalkers. Come along and learn how scientists correlated the invaluable data to determine a timeline detailing the Moon’s origin and evolution to how we see it today\, including why the near and far sides differ in appearance and geology.\n \nThe Apollo Programme transformed our knowledge of the Moon. Come along to discover\, understand and enjoy our moon\, plus receive a comprehensive handout. This talk is for you!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-september-2025-2/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250908T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250908T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250906T233445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250906T233445Z
UID:2889-1757361600-1757365200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting September - The most surprising discoveries from our universe – with Chris Lintott
DESCRIPTION:This is  a screening of a Gresham College Astronomy Lecture. \nWhen capturing the first glimpses of the earliest galaxies\, the Hubble Space Telescope was focused on a region of space presumed to be vacant. However\, the image it produced was anything but – the iconic Hubble Ultra-Deep Field image revealed at least 10\,000 galaxies. \nAnother astonishingly accidental discovery was the hidden story of Enceladus\, one of Saturn’s myriad moons. Very little was known about Enceladus until NASA’s Cassini probe revealed its environment in more detail\, including its capabilities as a potential haven for life. \nThe narrative continues with the revelation of pulsars\, the remnants of colossal stars long extinguished. They were not uncovered through meticulous observation but rather as hidden gems within the unassuming data\, disguised as background noise in the measurements of faint celestial radio signals. \nAs new observatories and state-of-the-art technology continue to develop\, Chris calls for scientists to keep an open mind as the potential for discovery grows\, allowing us to unravel the mysteries of the universe. \n—- \nChristopher John Lintott is a British astrophysicist\, author and broadcaster. He is a Professor of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford\, and since 2023 is the Gresham Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College\, London. Lintott is involved in a number of popular science projects aimed at bringing astronomy to a wider audience and is also the primary presenter of the BBC television series The Sky at Night. \n  \nThe meeting will be followed by tea\, coffee and snacks.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-september-the-most-surprising-discoveries-from-our-universe-with-chris-lintott/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250913T023710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250913T023710Z
UID:2893-1757962800-1757966400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging Astronomers September – How small are we?
DESCRIPTION:Imagine this: if the Sun were shrunk to the size of a beachball\, Earth would be no bigger than a peppercorn\, rolling around 30 meters away. That’s how tiny our world really is compared to the universe! \nThis Monday\, we’ll dive in the size of the universe. From the size of you and me\, to planets\, stars\, galaxies\, and the largest structures in the universe. Along the way\, we’ll use fun comparisons and visuals to help you feel  the immensity of space. \nWe are very small.\nSmaller than you might think.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-september-how-small-are-we/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250809T034316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250809T034352Z
UID:2847-1757966400-1757970000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomical September - The Spring Night Sky
DESCRIPTION:This will be one of our quarterly Planetarium sessions\, where we will review the Spring Night Sky. We will go over the main constellations of the Spring Night Sky and some of the deep sky objects to be found in them
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomical-september-the-spring-night-sky/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250922T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250922T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250920T230427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T011831Z
UID:2897-1758571200-1758574800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night September - The Planets - 25 Years Later : Moon
DESCRIPTION:The Planets – 25 Years Later : Moon \nThe Earth’s moon has been the companion in the sky\, marking the seasons\, the year\, the tides\, and even the biology of all life on earth. But what is it ? From rock\, to a dust ball – to green cheese – speculation has abounded until 1957 when the first spacecraft of human construction\, Sputnik 1\, opened the Solar System to human exploration. The moon was one of our earliest targets\, as the nearest – and most arrestingly mysterious yet beautiful – celestial body. Men flew around the moon in 1968 with Apollo 8 at Christmas time that troubled year\, and landed on the moon in July 1969 with the success of Apollo 11 – and humanity at last touched\, and walked on the moon. Since that time\, and since 1999\, there’s been a lot of exploration of the moon – and there is more to come. And that’s before we consider the other moons of the Solar System\, still more amazing… \nRefinements in lunar exploration\, with low orbits\, pioneered with Clementine (after which a lunar orbit is named)\nIrrefutable proof we went there – photos of the landers from the exploration ships of multiple countries\nStill going strong since 1969 – the ALSEP laser reflectors. Dusty\, but working…\nCaptures of lunar impacts by amateurs in recent years – there are new craters being made all the time…\nThe discovery of water ice at both poles of the moon.\nThe rediscovery of the concept of the ‘Lunar Arecibo’ on the Dark Side\nTriumphs of the Kerbal Space Program in terms of recent lunar mishaps of landers ….\nForthcoming explorations of the moon by robot probe and manned missions in the years to come
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-september-5/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251006T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251006T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250816T043855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250823T044307Z
UID:2855-1759780800-1759784400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy October 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Vera C. Rubin Observatory\nCharting the Changing Sky\nRecently\, with much media attention\, the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory were released to the press. Come along and learn what makes this telescope special and gets astronomers so excited about what it can do. Discover how its unique mirror design\, in combination with the largest digital camera ever built\, allows it to perform observations surveying the night sky like never before. Chris Benton will then discuss in depth its prime mission\, the ten-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time\, including the science it will perform\, and how this will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-september-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20251011T014305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251011T214345Z
UID:2914-1760382000-1760385600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging astronomers - myths in Astronomy
DESCRIPTION:Are there aliens?\nWhat happens if you get sucked into a black hole?\nWill the universe end? And how?\nWill a comet hit the Earth and end the world? (Hint: Not in our lifetime!) \nLet’s find the answers to these awe dropping questions on Monday night!\nBe sure to come early\, you can’t travel faster than the speed of light!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-myths-in-astronomy/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Young Astronomers
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20251011T214435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251011T214435Z
UID:2918-1760385600-1760389200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting October - The Messy Eating Habits of Black Holes
DESCRIPTION:When an unsuspecting star wanders too close to a supermassive black hole\, the star can be ripped apart by the black hole’s immense gravity. As the black hole messily feeds on the star\, it produces an amazing display of light as bright as ten billion suns for many months. Using new surveys\, astronomers are finding these hungry black holes throughout the Universe. Recently\, it has been discovered that many years after feeding\, these black holes sometimes produce a “heartbeat” of X-ray eruptions that repeat every several hours. Dr. Piro will describe some of the best theories to explain this mystery and what they can teach us about these enigmatic objects. Dr. Anthony Piro – Staff Scientist\, Carnegie Science Observatories.\n \nThis is a rescreening of a Carnegie Science Lecture.\n \nMeeting will be followed by tea\, coffee and snacks.\n\n \n \n\n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-october-the-messy-eating-habits-of-black-holes/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251020T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251020T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250920T230650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T121619Z
UID:2900-1760990400-1760994000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy October - Names and Catalogues
DESCRIPTION:This month we will be discussing the naming conventions for Celestial objects.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practcal-astronomy-october-names-and-catalogues/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251027T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251027T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250921T013024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T013024Z
UID:2904-1761595200-1761598800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night October -  The Planets - 25 Years Later : Star
DESCRIPTION:The Planets – 25 Years Later : Star\n \nThe sun is literally the centre of the Solar System – indeed\, it takes its name from the Roman personification of the Sun as deity\, in Latin.\nFor most of humanity’s time on the Earth\, the sun has often been seen as the epitome of perfection of form\, and agreed upon as the source of all light\, warmth and energy – which it is.\nBut how does the sun relate to the Planets ? Starting with Galileo Galilei\, we learned that the sun is not perfect – there are sunspots. \nFather Giovanni Secchi at the Vatican observatory proved spectroscopically that the Sun is a star. \nWith time\, we have come to know that the planets formed together with the sun – and the observed development of the planetary systems of other stars has confirmed this more and more as time goes by.\nThe influence of the sun is very great – even at the poles in complete darkness\, the Solar Wind paints Aurorae on the skies above. Eugene Parker computed that there would be a supersonic solar wind – and exploration of\nMercury in the space age proved him to have been conservative – the sun is even more violent. The Skylab mission\, and Voyager 2 have both expanded our conception of the limits of the Sun and\nthe Solar System in turn.\n \nSince 1999\, the Sun continues to fuel science and exploration :\n\n\nOrbiting Observatories of the Sun – SOHO\, Ulysses – and the mapping of the Corona\, as well as the and discovery of new comets.\nThe Parker solar probe – in flight since 2018\, doing Coronal dives\nThe Solar Space Fleet – STEREO\, Parker\, PUNCH\, Hinode\nAurorae of the Gas Giants\nImaging the stars – The spots of Betelguese and other stars\nExoplanets and their aurorae visible from light years away\nThe Star Upon the Earth – controlled fusion reactors of the future.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-october-the-planets-25-years-later-star/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251101T183000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251101T220000
DTSTAMP:20260408T094538
CREATED:20250826T090452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T040413Z
UID:2863-1762021800-1762034400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:2025 Annual Burbidge Dinner
DESCRIPTION:The after dinner speaker for this year’s Burbidge Dinner will be Professor Geraint Lewis. \nHeavenly Tensions: Is modern cosmology in crisis? \nIn this talk\, Professor Lewis will explore the growing tensions in modern cosmology—observational discrepancies that may signal cracks in the standard model. He will start with the Hubble tension\, a persistent mismatch between early- and late-universe measurements of the expansion rate\, which challenges our understanding of cosmic history. From there\, we will examine the cosmological principle\, the assumption of large-scale uniformity\, and how emerging evidence of dipole anisotropies—directional patterns in distributions of galaxies—may undermine this foundational idea. He will conclude with a “state of the nation” overview\, assessing whether cosmology is facing a genuine crisis or simply entering a new phase of discovery.  \nGeraint F. Lewis was born in Old South Wales and studied astrophysics at the University of London before earning his PhD from Cambridge in 1995. After research positions in the US and Canada\, he moved to Australia in 2000\, where he is now Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Sydney. His research spans the influence of dark energy and dark matter on cosmic evolution\, the use of gravitational lensing to probe the nature of quasars and the distribution of dark matter\, and the dynamics of galactic cannibalism in the Local Group. Geraint is also a passionate science communicator\, with several books and numerous public talks exploring the deep questions of cosmology\, physics and the meaning of reality. \n  \n\nTicket prices:\n\nMembers Early Bird price (paid by 17 Oct): $65\nMembers price after 17 Oct: $75\nNon-members: $75 earlybird\, $85 after 17 Oct.\n\n\n\n\nPayment can be made to:\nAuckland Astronomical Society\n12-3061-0321397-00\nPlease use your surname and Dinner as references for the payment.\n\n  \n​ \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/2025-annual-burbidge-dinner/
LOCATION:Sorrento In the Park\, Cornwall Park\, Auckland\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Burbidge Dinner
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