Course Outline Tekapo

The next course is now open for registration
Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo | 26th-28th May 2023

The course is designed for people with an interest in improving their knowledge of Astronomy, Astrotourism, Astrophotography, Stargazing/Outreach & NZ’s Dark Sky Movement.

Places at the course are limited to 24 – 30 people.

The fee for this course is $295, which  includes:
  • An immersive programme of lectures, workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, and practical observing will be offered. We expect to visit the Cowan’s Hill observatory near Tekapo for observing and star gazing with telescopes and binoculars.
  • Astrotourism and dark sky places in New Zealand
  • How binoculars and telescopes work and how to use a telescope
  • Our place in the Universe
  • Coordinates and time in astronomy
  • Principal objects to look at for astrotourists
  • The astronomy equipment for you
  • Astronomy outreach – 20 tips to remember
  • Naming of stars and celestial objects
  • Maori astronomy and Matariki
  • Astrophotography
  • Notes for astro-tour guides
  • The lives of the stars : star formation, evolution and star death
  • Useful books, publications and software for night sky guides

Workshops:
  • Astrophotography
  • How to start an astrotourism business
  • Practical observing with a small telescope
  • Grand astroquiz for all
 

More details will be on-line shortly. For enquiries, please contact us.

AAA is grateful to the Dark Sky Project for sponsorship and providing the venue for this course. We are also grateful to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for sponsorship funding.

Day/TimeModuleInstructor
Friday 2 December
2pm
Course registration opens in Commodore’s Room, RNZYS
2:30 – 2:45 pmWelcoming address, Commodore’s RoomJohn Hearnshaw
2:45 – 4:00 pmIntroductions for participants
4:00 – 5:15 pmOverview of astro-tourism and dark sky places in New ZealandNalayini Davies
5:15 – 6:30 pmHow binoculars and telescopes work and how to use a telescopeJohn Drummond
6:30 – 7:30 pmReception in Members’ Lounge, RNZYS
7:30 – 8:30 pmDinner Break
8.30pmAstro-Tour with telescopes: location One Tree Hill Domain near
Stardome Observatory (weather permitting)
and/or The Lives Of The Stars
Gareth Davies
John Hearnshaw
Saturday 3 December
9am
Our place in the Universe Nalayini Davies
10.30amMorning tea/coffee break
11amCoordinates and time in astronomy John Hearnshaw
12.30pmLunch Break
2pmPrincipal objects to look at for astro-tourists Alan Gilmore
3pmAfternoon tea/coffee break
3.30pmThe astronomy equipment for youGareth Davies
4:15 pmTechniques of astro-photographyJohn Drummond
5:00 – 6:15 pmWorkshop:
Option 1: Hands-On Astro-photography
Option 2: Setting up an Astrotourism business and Undertaking Outreach Sessions

John Drummond
Nalayini Davies & Gareth Davies
6:15 – 6:30 pmAstronomy outreach – 20 tips to remember Gareth Davies
6:30 pmDinner Break
8.30pmAstro-Tour with telescopes: location One Tree Hill Domain near
Stardome Observatory (weather permitting)
and/or The Lives Of The Stars
Gareth Davies & Alan Gilmore
John Hearnshaw
Sunday 4 December 9amNaming of stars and celestial objects John Hearnshaw
10.30amMorning tea/coffee break
11amMaori astronomy and Matariki TBA
11:50amBeauty in the Stars: A Journey through the Cosmos Steve Chadwick
12.45pmLunch Break
2pmNotes for astro-tour guides Alan Gilmore
3pmAfternoon tea/coffee break
3.30pmUseful books, publications and software for night sky guides All Instructors
4.30pmPresentation of AAA Certificates to participants
5pmClose

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE COURSE