Welcome to the AAS

Founded in 1923 and now with over 600 members, the Auckland Astronomical Society is one of New Zealand's largest

We are based at the Auckland Observatory and provide for all levels of interest and expertise in astronomy. We are committed to educating our members in the science of astronomy and to keeping them up-to-date with current astronomical developments and discoveries.

The Society members provide voluntary support for the Stardome Observatory public programs.

---

2020 New Zealand Astrophotography Competition

Calling all NZ Astrophotographers, it's that time of year again, time to get your entries in for the 2020 New Zealand Astrophotography competition.

The competition is fully endorsed by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand and is easily the nations largest astrophotography competition. (Please note the competition is open to New Zealand residents only)

This year we are honored to have Babak Tafreshi as our judge, Babak founded "The World At Night" (TWAN) in 2007 and has been directing it ever-since. TWAN is an international effort by the world???s leading nightscape photographers, to produce and exhibit stunning nightscape photos and timelapse videos of the world???s landmarks against celestial attractions. Babak is also a member of the board of advisors of Astronomers Without Borders and was a project coordinator for the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009). In 2009, he won the Lennart Nilsson Award for best scientific photography, in joint effort with NASA's Cassini Imaging Director Carolyn Porco.

This year we are introducing a new time lapse category so make sure you read over the new rules and conditions.

This year we are also very happy to announce new sponsorship from Sky-Watcher Australia who are sponsoring the overall winner of the competition with a $1000 NZD Sky-Watcher Australia Voucher to be spent on the Sky-Watcher Australia Website.

In addition to this fantastic prize the overall winner will have their name immortalized on the Harry Williams trophy for Astrophotography excellence. (Trophy to be returned prior to the 2021 competition)

We have also secured new sponsorship from Celestron Australia who are sponsoring the Deep Sky category with a $300 NZD Celestron Australia Voucher to be spent on the Celestron Australia Website.

As in previous years we are lucky to have Australian Sky & Telescope on board as sponsors of both the Deep Sky category and the Nightscape category, the winners of these categories will receive a one year subscription to the magazine as well as having their images printed in the magazine.

We are also lucky to have Astronz sponsor the Solar System category with a $300 Astronz gift voucher, Astronz is easily New Zealand's best known and most trusted supplier of Astronomical equipment.

The Auckland Astronomical Society will also provide a cash prize for each category winner.

The competition cutoff date is the 21st of September and the competition awards will be announced at the annual Burbidge dinner which is the Auckland Astronomical Society's premier annual event, keep an eye out on the society website for details on the forthcoming Burbidge dinner.

Looking forward to seeing all your images and wishing you all clear skies.

https://www.astronomy.org.nz/Documents/Journal/2020%20nz%20astrophoto%20comp%20conditions%20of%20entry.doc.pdf

https://www.astronomy.org.nz/Documents/Journal/2020%20%20nz%20astrophoto%20competition%20entry%20form.doc.pdf