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DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250714T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250922T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20250922T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251006T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251006T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251013T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251020T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251020T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251027T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251027T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251101T183000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251101T220000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251103T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251103T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251020T003359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T004546Z
UID:2924-1762200000-1762203600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting November - Strange Nature of Time across the Universe - how does time work in Einstein’s cosmos
DESCRIPTION:Strange Nature of Time across the Universe – how does time work in Einstein’s cosmos \nTime. We never seem to have enough of it. Clocks tick reliably\, one second at a time\, as deadlines loom. Yet in our modern understanding of the universe\, time loses its rigidity and reveals a more fluid nature. In this talk\, we’ll explore the nature of time across the cosmos and examine the experiments that show how time once ran slower\, much\, much slower\, when the universe was young. But what does this relative nature of time truly mean? Could it offer a way to gain more time to meet our deadlines? And what does it imply for one of the greatest mysteries in physics: is it possible to break the barrier and actually travel through time? \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.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-november-2/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251110T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251110T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251017T024724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T024724Z
UID:2921-1762804800-1762808400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy November 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Depth of The Night Sky (An Introduction) \nby guest speaker: Jonathan Park \nWhen we look up at the night sky\, it’s easy to imagine that all the stars are placed on a great celestial dome above us. But we know that they lie at vastly different distances\, scattered across space\, some near and others hundreds of light-years away. In this talk\, we’ll look at some familiar groups of stars\, using graphics to travel away from Earth to view them from different directions. This will help you to get a feel for these distances. While on the topic of how far away these stars are\, here’s an interesting fact: the speed of light is exactly 299\,792\,458 metres per second (no additional decimal places\, no uncertainty)\, and this means we can now define a light-year to 100% precision! You’ll find out how this works tonight. We will also learn a little about some of these stars – are any binary\, triple\, or more? How big and hot are they? Do some of them have planets? One is a fascinating system of at least five stars orbiting each other in a very complex pattern. \nThis talk includes a selection of familiar stars visible to the naked eye\, and is suitable for all ages and levels of astronomy knowledge. It may even change how you think about the stars you see at night.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/introduction-to-astronomy-november-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Introduction To Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251117T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251117T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251115T043834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T221603Z
UID:2940-1763406000-1763409600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging Astronomers - How does a telescope work? And let's look through one.
DESCRIPTION:You might have seen or used a telescope\, but how do they actually work?\nThis Monday\, we will explore how telescope could make a dot in the sky look much more special like magic.\nIf the weather is good\, we will run the EWB Zeiss telescope half way into the meeting and look at objects such as Saturn\, Alpha Centauri\, Tarantula nebula and more.\nHope to see you there!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-how-does-a-telescope-work-and-lets-look-through-one/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:Young Astronomers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251117T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251115T221915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T221915Z
UID:2944-1763409600-1763413200@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy November - Telescopes
DESCRIPTION:In this talk\, AAS curator of instruments\, Steve Hennerley will explain the various types of telescopes\, how they were developed and how to use them.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-november-telescopes/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
ORGANIZER;CN="Steve Hennerley":MAILTO:steve.hennerley@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251124T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251122T205403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T221820Z
UID:2958-1764014400-1764018000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Film Night November 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Planets 25 Years Later : Atmosphere\nThe atmosphere of the Earth transforms our planet into our world. The great cycles of the gases of the air and water allow us to understand that home.\nTo understand the planets\, we need to understand their atmospheres. We start with the venture of the late Col. Joe Kittinger\, who travelled to space without needing a rocket\, under an ultra-high atmosphere balloon.\nMikhail Lomonosov discovered the atmosphere of Venus during a rare transit. Soviet exploration of Venus needed to pressure-cook the Venera planetary probes\, making them tougher than battle-tanks\, so as to survive landing\, and take the first photos on its overpowering atmospheric conditions\, and the unending lighting of the ‘Veneran Electric Dragon’\nDave Grinspoon (who writes for Sky & Telescope every once in a while\, and got asteroid 22410 named after him recently) introduces us to the nature of the atmospheres of other planets\, moving through Venus\,\nto Mars. Andy Ingersoll discusses the Ecosphere of a star\, and then turns to the Gas Giants. Dr. Alvin Seiff has in turn designed Galileo’s atmospheric probe of Jupiter’s clouds.\nSaturn is next\, with the coming exploration by Cassini\, and the moon Titan\, the only moon in our Solar System with its own thick atmosphere.\n \nSince 1999\, there have been many developments in understanding the atmospheres of the planets and moons of our Solar Systems\, and the exoplanets beyond:\n\n\nHuygens has landed on Titan\, and the atmospheric conditions are now well described.\nWe know a lot more about the great cycles of Venus’ atmosphere\nWe have been able to confirm the comet-like tails of planets like Venus\, where the atmosphere is being stripped away by solar winds.\nWith the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope\, it is now possible to sample those ‘tails’ by IR Spectroscopy\, and measure their content.\nIn some cases\, we can even detect if those atmospheres contain bio-markers for those present in the Ecosphere of their parent stars.\n\n————–
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/film-night-november-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Film Night
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251201T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251201T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251117T031728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T031728Z
UID:2947-1764619200-1764622800@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Introduction to Astronomy December 2025
DESCRIPTION:Annual Fun Quiz Night!\nAs we approach the end of the year\, it’s time for our annual quiz. We’ll have fun reflecting on topics covered over 2025\, including the search for exoplanets and extraterrestrial life\, the Vera Rubin Observatory\, lunar science and the Apollo moon landings\, stellar and exoplanetary spectroscopy\, and NASA’s Clipper mission to Europa. Most importantly\, there are loads of yummy 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 fun reviewing and learning the main points from our regular sessions. \nWe look forward to seeing you all there\, ready for chocolate! \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-december-2025/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory\, 670 Manukau Rd\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345\, New Zealand
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251208T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251208T200000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251206T072703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T210850Z
UID:2976-1765220400-1765224000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Emerging astronomers - Scavenger hunt & quiz
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready for a recap of this year? \nThis month\, we’re launching a scavenger hunt based on the topics we tackled this year. \nLet’s work together\, solve cosmic clues\, and race the clock.\nAfter that\, be sure to bring your devices for a Kahoot.There’s something for the top team! \nDon’t miss it\, this is the final emerging astronomers meeting of the year!
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/emerging-astronomers-scavenger-hunt-quiz/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:Young Astronomers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251208T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251208T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251202T200758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T200758Z
UID:2972-1765224000-1765227600@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Monthly Meeting December - The Modern Epicycles of Cosmology
DESCRIPTION:Cosmology is in crisis. We know very little about dark energy and dark matter\, two things that cosmologists believe\nare fundamental to the Universe and integral to the standard model of cosmology. With each new set of high-\nprecision observation\, disagreements between data and the standard model grow. This year experiments like the\nDESI survey have cast doubt on the nature of dark energy and how the Universe changed over time. Now the lead-\ning suggestions are that the strength of dark energy changes with time\, adding yet more mystery to the phenome-\nna. While these new models fit the data\, are they true\, or are they adding more complexity to a flawed concept? In\nthis talk we will explore the current landscape of cosmology and question the foundational assumptions of modern\ncosmology. \nDr Ryan Ridden is a Rutherford Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury. His research is fo-\ncused in the time domain of astronomy and covers a wide range of topics including supernovae\, solar system ob-\njects\, exoplanets\, active galaxies\, and cosmology. Ryan is leading the international Cosmic Cataclysms Collabora-\ntion\, using space telescope data to search for the fastest explosions and variable objects in the Universe. Earlier this\nyear Ryan was part of a collaboration which used supernova data to test models of the Universe that did not use\ndark energy. Alongside research\, Ryan has engaged in public outreach and education\, frequently giving public lec-\ntures and mentoring future scientists.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/monthly-meeting-december-the-modern-epicycles-of-cosmology/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251215T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20251215T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20251129T205116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251129T205241Z
UID:2966-1765828800-1765832400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy December - The Summer Night Sky
DESCRIPTION:This will be one of our seasonal Planetarium sessions. We will use the Planetarium to explore the Summer Night Sky. This is a great way to improve your knowledge of the Summer constellations and learn about some of the deep sky objects to be found in them.
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-december-the-summer-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:20260202T200000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20260202T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20260125T042434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T042434Z
UID:2996-1770062400-1770066000@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:Practical Astronomy February - an Introduction to Astrophotography
DESCRIPTION:This talk will cover the basics of Astrophotography including\, composition\, equipment and processing. \nNote the date swap with the February Introduction to Astronomy talk \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/practical-astronomy-february-an-introduction-to-astrophotography/
LOCATION:Stardome Observatory & Planetarium\, 670 Manukau Road\, Epsom\, Auckland\, 1345
CATEGORIES:AAS Meetings,Practical Astronomy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20260204T180000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20260204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260408T103754
CREATED:20260119T030911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T030911Z
UID:2989-1770228000-1770233400@www.astronomy.org.nz
SUMMARY:2026 Beatrice Hill-Tinsley Lecture Series - Astronomy vs. the Billionaire Space Race
DESCRIPTION:The AAS\, in conjunction with the University of Auckland are hosting one of the 2026 Beactrice Hill-Tinsley lecture series. Entry is free but please book to ensure your seat: \nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/astronomy-vs-the-billionaire-space-race-tickets-1979945182339?aff=ebdssbdestsearch \n \n  \n 
URL:https://www.astronomy.org.nz/event/2026-beatrice-hill-tinsley-lecture-series-astronomy-vs-the-billionaire-space-race/
LOCATION:University of Auckland – Physics Lecture Theatre 1\, PLT1/303-G20\, Science Centre\, 38 Princes St\, Auckland\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:BHT Lecture
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END:VCALENDAR