Auckland Astronomical Society Inc

Astrophotography Group April
2024-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
What we do in the Shadows – Part 2
This talk starts by reviewing what we talked about in Part 1:
1 What makes a good astrophoto – SNR
2 Signal (the photon funnel)
3 Noise (the square root of the signal)
4a, b Myths (f-ratio and ISO / Gain)
In Part 2 we will talk about:
4c Dynamic Range (the relationship to SNR)
5 Subexposure
6 Fun With Mathematics

Practical Astronomy April - Visual Observing
2024-04-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
In the this talk we will discuss tips and techniques for visual observing with a telescope.

Film Night April - Exploring our Mind-Blowing Universe | BBC Earth Science
2024-04-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
We are running one full length film tonight
We look forwards to seeing you there.
Exploring our Mind-Blowing Universe | BBC Earth Science

Embark on a fascinating journey through the wonders of our universe in this mind-expanding exploration of celestial marvels and cosmic mysteries.

Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-04-29 19:30 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
The Auckland Astronomical Society Annual General Meeting 2024
All members are encouraged to attend.
The meeting will commence with the various reports from the AAS, Stardome Observatory and Astronomy New Zealand Ltd. This will follow with the election of officers for 2024/2025 and general business.

Introduction to Astronomy May 2024
2024-05-06 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
Establishing a US Moon Base: Timing and Challenges
NASA has set the goal of returning to the Moon, but this time for good to mine precious resources and set up a lunar base for a sustainable long-term human presence by 2030. Chris Benton will discuss why and where on the Moon NASA intends to explore, how they intend to do it, and the challenges to be faced and overcome within the incredible timeline for its Artemis Programme. Come along and hear whether this is achievable and what options NASA has.

Young Astronomers Group -
2024-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
This month the topic will be weather dependent. If the weather is clear, we will observe celestial objects using the EWB Zeiss telescope, otherwise, Alex will do a presentation about the solar system in a nutshell and fun facts about planets, comets, asteroids and dwarf planets. 🙂
Hope to see you there.

Alex

Monthly Meeting May - The Marvels of the Solar System
2024-05-13 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Our exploration of the Solar System has revealed a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the frozen deserts of Mars, which billions of years ago ran with water, to the hellish surface of Venus and the strange hydrocarbon seas of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. In our voyages to these places we have discovered what may be the most common home for life in the Universe – the ice-covered oceans found in many of Jupiter and Saturn’s moons.
This lecture was recorded by Chris Lintott on 25 October 2023 at Barnard’s Inn Hall, London
Chris is Gresham Professor of Astronomy.
He is also a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, and a Research Fellow at New College.

Astrophotography Group May - Photographing Aurorae
2024-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Budget Astrophotography Series – Faint Ephemerae

Photography of Aurorae, Meteor Radiants, Comets
Best long-exposure Cellphone applications
Introduction to Barndoor Trackers

Practical Astronomy - Telescope maintenance.
2024-05-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
AAS Curator of instruments Steve Hennerley will be explaining the do’s and don’ts of telescope maintenance, including topics such as cleaning of the optics and collimation. This will be an interactive session so please bring your questions, or raise any specific problems you are having in this area.

Film Night May
2024-05-27 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
We are running two films tonight
We look forwards to seeing you there.
Exoplanets and Antarctica “Searching for exoplanets from Antarctica.” | BBC: The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night team report on the new scientific methods being used to detect exoplanets and how the winter darkness of Antarctica is critical to their success.
In our quest to find planets that aren’t too up close and personal with their parent stars, we must inevitably search for signals that are both long in duration and infrequent in occurrence. Our own Earth as viewed in transit by (probably) clever alien astronomers would cast a roughly eight hour-long shadows on the Sun, only once every 365 days. Signals like this need long, uninterrupted and clear nights, with very stable conditions. ASTEP enjoys all of these, simply by virtue of its location.

The Closest Planet Outside Our Solar System Is Almost Within Reach | Proxima Centauri

Since its discovery over 100 years ago, it has captivated astronomers the world over. As if the paradoxes of this star weren’t alluring enough, scientists have recently discovered a seemingly Earth-like exoplanet in its orbit, opening conversations about interstellar colonisation.
It lies so despairingly close, yet would take generations to reach. Newer techniques like solar sails or nuclear propulsion might make such a trip possible within a human lifetime.

Introduction to Astronomy June 2024
2024-06-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
The Sun & The Southern Lights
What’s going on?
We’ve all recently been spoiled with stunning views of the Southern Lights, something we never thought would be so visible this far north! Chris Benton discusses what causes these spectacular displays of nature, from electromagnetic processes on the Sun to where and when to view them best on Earth. Come along and learn more about this incredible phenomenon that captivates us all!
Best regards, The AAS Team

Monthly Meeting June - Is it Aliens? The Most Unusual Star in the Galaxy
2024-06-10 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Boyajian’s star, a faint and unprepossessing presence in the constellation of Cygnus, attracted astronomers’ attention when it began to flicker alarmingly.
We will discuss explanations for its behaviour, from disintegrating comets to alien megastructures, and consider how modern astronomy hunts for the truly unusual objects in the Universe. For this task, the involvement of large numbers of volunteers – citizen scientists – is essential, for example via the Zooniverse platform, which invites you to participate in classifying galaxies and discovering planets.
This lecture was recorded by Chris Lintott on 29th April 2024 at Conway Hall, London
Chris is Gresham Professor of Astronomy. He is also a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, and a Research Fellow at New College.

Astrophotography Group June
2024-06-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
TBA

Practical Astronomy June - The Winter Night Sky
2024-06-17 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
This month will be one of our seasonal planetarium sessions where we will review the constellations of the winter night sky and the deep sky objects found within them.

Young Astronomers June - The Solar System
2024-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Are you interested in the planets of the solar system? Why does Saturn have rings? Why is Mars red? Is Neptune truly deep blue like in Voyager 2’s image? This month’s meeting will focus on debunking the mysteries of the solar system. After the presentation, there will be a Kahoot quiz, so be sure to bring a device!

Film Night June
2024-06-24 20:00 - 21:15 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
We are running two films tonight
We look forwards to seeing you there.
Why Venera Went Silent on Venus | Astrum

What caused Venera Space Ship to fail so quickly after a successful landing on Venus. This documentary explains why and shows the only images of Venus ever to be captured from it’s surface.

Uncovering the Secrets of the International Space Station (Full Episode) | Superstructures

What makes up the ISS. How did we fly it all up into orbit. Did you know the ISS has emergency escape pods ready to un-dock at a moments notice, to drop towards Earth, and that the Astronauts have had to occupy these during recent potential catastrophic events. These subjects and more will be covered is this documentary.

Introduction to Astronomy July 2024
2024-07-01 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
New Ideas on the Moon’s Formation and its Importance to Life on Earth
How often do you look up at the Moon and think nothing more? Scientists have debated how Earth acquired our unique Moon for years, involving five possibilities. Chris Benton discusses these, including the most widely accepted Giant Impact Hypothesis and its troubling flaws, and reviews new high-resolution simulations that provide solutions. Following this, we will discuss why the Moon’s existence is critical to life on Earth and will forever change the way you appreciate the Moon when looking up!
Enjoy this vital planetary science and astrobiology topic, plus the discussion to follow.

Monthly Meeting July - The Pillars of Modern Cosmology: Theory and Observations
2024-07-08 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
This month’s speaker will be Professor Sergei Gulyaev.
Monthly Meeting July – The Pillars of Modern Cosmology: Theory and Observations
As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Friedmann-Lemaitre-Hubble’s revelation that our universe is expanding, we will revisit pivotal moments and milestones in the history of cosmology. From the groundbreaking theory of general relativity to the observations of distant galaxies and the cosmic microwave background, this lecture will delve into the key discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe. Not only we will highlight the significant achievements of the past century but also look ahead to the exciting prospects and unanswered questions that continue to inspire astronomers and physicists today.
Professor Sergei Gulyaev, DirectorCentre for Radio Astronomy and Space Research,
School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences,
Auckland University of Technology,
Auckland, New Zealand

Astrophotography Group July - Image Stacking
2024-07-15 19:00 - 20:00
This month Eric Chiu will do a presentation on astro image stacking using freely available software for planetary and deep sky photography.

Practical Astronomy July - Sky Charting Software
2024-07-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
The topic for this month will be Sky Charting Software.
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.

Film Night July
2024-07-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
We are running two films tonight on our Solar System
We look forwards to seeing you there.

A Deep Dive Into The Mysteries Of Mars | Astrum – 4K

A refresh of the Astrum ‘Our Solar System’ series, updated to reflect all we’ve learned about our planetary neighbourhood in the last few years

Eight Wonders Of Our Solar System | The Planets | BBC Earth Science

Discover the most memorable events in the history of our solar system. Travel to the surface of these dynamic worlds to witness the moments of high drama that uniquely shaped each one.

Introduction to Astronomy August 2024
2024-08-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
What Meteorites Tell Us About The Early Solar System
by guest speaker Joel Schiff
Meteorites are Solar System material that has landed on Earth. Most of it comes from the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter, although some specimens are from the Moon and Mars. How this material lands on Earth and why it is scientifically important for studying the origins of the Solar System will be the subject of the talk. Numerous samples belonging to the author will be available for perusal.
This is a fascinating and important topic of astronomy. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Best regards, Chris Benton

Monthly Meeting August - My lessons from the RASNZ conference
2024-08-11 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) Conference is an unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts, professionals, and researchers in New Zealand to meet, discuss and learn about astronomy from each other. In this talk, I will share my experience attending the RASNZ Conference, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers for networking, learning, and exploring the latest developments in astronomy. From engaging presentations by leading experts to hands-on workshops and thought-provoking discussions, I will discuss how the conference deepened my understanding of the universe and inspired new avenues for exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting your journey, this talk will illustrate why the RASNZ Conference is a valuable experience for anyone passionate about the stars.
Alex Liang is the presenter and organiser of the AAS Young Astronomers Group. The AAS Council awarded Alex a student sponsorship to attend the 2024 RASNZ Conference in Nelson.

The talk will be followed with refreshments.

Young Astronomers Group August
2024-08-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Have you ever sat down on your balcony and gazed up at the skies and asked questions? Such as what happens if I get sucked into a black hole? Why are some stars red and some are blue? Is there life on any other planets? Why does Saturn have rings? Did you know that every star has its own story?
Come and join us for a fun session where we will discover the answers! We will explore the myths one by one from our familiar Sun to mysterious galaxies far far away! And we will explore planets with an endless desert or a giant gas ball with beautiful rings. Whether you’re a kickstarter of astronomy or a junior expert, there is a place for all of you.

Practical Astronomy August
2024-08-19 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Names and Catalogues
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.
The Messier Catalogue

Film Night August
2024-08-26 20:00 - 21:15 | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1345
We are running two films tonight on our Solar System
We look forwards to seeing you there.

We are Star Dust & Everything we see is in the Past | Astronomical Space Documentary Episodes 1 & 2

Damon Scotting spent six years making this very engaging documentary. We are viewing episodes 1 & 2 of 6

The Search for Alien Life | BBC The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night team investigate the latest science in the hunt for extraterrestrial life. Scientists have never been more obsessed …

Introduction to Astronomy September 2024
2024-09-02 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
The Planets & Moons of the Solar System Through Modern Eyes
Tonight, we will review the Solar System’s eight planets, exploring their general and exciting features, including new ideas on how Mercury acquired a large iron core and the special features of many moons. We’ll then discuss why we see four minor rocky inner planets and four giant gas/ice outer planets, including recent supercomputer simulations showing new insights into how the migratory movements of the giant planets in the early Solar System shaped the dichotomy we see today.
If you’re interested in current ideas on the planets, moons and the Solar System, this talk is for you! We look forward to seeing you all there.
This meeting will also be live-streamed on the AAS YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AucklandAstronomicalSociety

Young Astronomers Group
2024-09-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Let’s answer some “what if” questions in this lesson!
Ever wondered what would happen if the Sun exploded today? Or what if someone fell into a black hole? How about forgetting to put on your spacesuit before jumping out of a space station? 🤯
In this exciting session, we’ll dive into all your wild and crazy “what if” questions and explore the incredible possibilities of the universe! 🚀 This is your chance to ask those mind-boggling space questions and discuss them with other young, curious minds just like you!
We’ll end with a super fun kahoot quiz or a special booklet activity to test your space smarts, so don’t forget to bring your devices! 📱
If you love space and want to explore the craziest “what if” scenarios, this lesson is for you! Let’s go beyond the stars together. ✨

Monthly Meeting September
2024-09-09 20:00 - 21:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
District Court Judge Alan Goodwin, the Author of the novel Greene Lyon, will discuss his book on Sir Isaac Newton.
The novel tells the ‘true’ story of Isaac Newton and the falling apple, one of the great historical myths. The book combines real aspects of Newton’s life with entirely fictionalised parts and explores the murky divisions between magic beliefs and early scientific discovery. The story centres around Newton’s obsessions and secretive nature. He wants to understand the universe, which he believes is the manifestation of God’s power, but is haunted by darker impulses and a passion for Alice Cutler, a girl from his youth, who bears the mark of a witch. When Alice’s life is threatened by a witch finder, Isaac’s life unravels, driving him to scientific creation and a choice to banish Alice with fatal consequences.
Born in England in 1963, Alan Goodwin was educated at Friends’ School, a Quaker school, in Saffron Walden, Essex, before taking a degree in Social Science. When qualified as a solicitor, he practised Criminal and Family law in West London. In 1994 Alan emigrated to New Zealand and worked for many years at Corban Revell Lawyers in West Auckland where he became a managing partner of the firm. From 2011 to 2016 he worked as a barrister specialising in Family law, acting for parties and working as a Lawyer for Child. Over the years he presented at legal seminars and conferences. In 2016 Alan was appointed as a District Court Judge, sitting in the Family and Criminal courts in Manukau, Auckland. Writing has been Alan’s passion since he was a teenager; he is also an avid reader with an enduring love of both fiction and non-fiction, especially history and biography. He has a particular interest in science, its history and impact on the way we live. When not reading and writing, or enjoying family time, Alan is a keen follower of sports, especially football (he is a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur) and has also coached over the years. Greene Lyon is Alan’s second novel. His previous publications are Gravity’s Chain, HarperCollins, 2006, and Working with Psychologists, co-authored with Llewelyn Richards-Ward, New Zealand Law Society, 2002.
The book can be purchased at https://quentinwilsonpublishing.com/product/greene-lyon-a-novel-by-alan-goodwin/

Astrophotography Group September
2024-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Astrophotopgraphy Show-and-Tell
Please do feel free to bring all your favourite and best astrophotos on USB drive, to share with the attendees.
The provided system has industrial-grade antivirus software, to protect data integrity.
Please also do feel free to provide all the details of location, camera, processing, and your experience.

Unguided Dobsonian-mount Newtonian Digital Astrophotography
– How to take an off-the-cuff snapshot with your smartphone, with and without a smartphone mount
– F/ratio considerations
– Digital guidance for faint stuff – the freeware Astrohopper
– The optimum eyepiece focal length for planets
– The optimum eyepiece focal length for bright deep-sky objects
– Inexpensive CMOS cameras for instruments of 4″ – 8″ aperture
– Getting serious – CMOS cameras for instruments of 8″ aperture and up
– The limit of the state of the art

Martin La Grange
