Auckland’s Stardome pushing passion for science

Auckland’s Stardome is answering the call of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) to spark an appreciation of science and astronomy in the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

Four hundred years on from Galileo’s first astronomical observation in 1609, Craig Garner, Stardome CEO, says next year will also serve as a timely reflection on the massive progress made in astronomy.

The IAU has set specific goals for the International Year of Astronomy including increasing scientific awareness, promoting widespread access to observing experiences and supporting and improving formal and informal science education.

“These goals align really well with what we are already doing at the Stardome but we’re really excited about the opportunity to get astronomy in front of more people and showcase it as the incredible and engaging science that it is,” says Mr Garner.

The Stardome currently offers school education programmes, celestial navigation courses, nightly observations of the sky and, since opening its 360° digital theatre this year, has secured a series of films never before seen in NZ.

A total of 140 countries are expected to take part in the International Year of Astronomy.
IAU president Catherine Cesarsky says the year is a celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture.

“Media and public interest in astronomy have never been higher and major discoveries are front page news throughout the world.”

In NZ the buzz around astronomy has been boosted by the recent government announcement that it intends to offer strong support for Australia’s bid to host the world’s largest telescope.

If Australia wins the bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, NZ will form an important part of the network of antennas that will create the most powerful radio telescope in the world – 50 times more powerful than any existing telescope.

Ultimately it is hoped SKA will lead to major discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology, revealing more about the development of the universe.