Stargazing across the globe

Auckland’s Stardome is one of hundreds of observatories around the world allowing free use of its telescopes as part of the “100 Hours of Astronomy” project.

From 8.00 a.m. on Thursday 2nd April until midday on Monday 6th April, Stardome is issuing an open invitation to anyone interested in viewing the sky through a telescope to come into the observatory and talk to one of the astronomy educators.

Stardome astronomer Dr Grant Christie says the experience of seeing the universe through a telescope for the first time can leave a lasting impression on young minds.

“The night sky is often seen as a magical but unknown quantity. Seeing it up close and understanding that there is a rhyme and reason to it all can spark a lasting interest in the science of astronomy. It could be a great gift from parents to their children to share an experience like this.”

The “100 Hours of Astronomy” project is the largest global event taking place in the International Year of Astronomy 2009. It is expected that millions of people around the world will use this as an opportunity to have their first look through a telescope.

At Stardome, solar viewing will be offered during the daylight hours and night sky viewing will be available during the hours of darkness.

Mike Simmons, co-chair of the international project, says the event is key to achieving the goals of International Year of Astronomy 2009 – that is, to inspire greater understanding of astronomy and encourage young learners to ask questions.

“Astronomers are known for their enthusiasm and love of sharing knowledge, which are the main ingredients of 100 Hours of Astronomy. It’s going to be an amazing time, as nothing of this scale has been attempted before. Every participant will be making history!”

Visitors during the 100 Hours of Astronomy will be able to view a range of the best objects viewable through a telescope during the time of their visit.

NB: If the weather is unfavourable for telescope viewing, Stardome will continue to be open with tours of the Large Edith Winstone Blackwell Zeiss Telescope and regular presentations on topics ranging from the planet Mars to Life on the International Space Station.

Saturn – from 10.00 p.m. until 4.30 a.m. (next day) on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Jupiter – from 3.45 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunrise each morning.

Mars – from 5.45 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunrise each morning.

Moon – Thursday 10.00 p.m. to 12.00 a.m. (next day); Friday 10.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. (next day); Saturday 10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. (next day); Sunday 10.00 p.m. to 3.00 a.m. (next day).

Southern Cross at highest point – 12.00 a.m. until 2.00 a.m. each morning.

Omega Centauri Globular Cluster at highest point – 1.00 a.m. until 3.00 a.m. each morning.

Sun (via solar projection) – from one hour after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset each day.