Course Outline Tekapo

Registrations closed - sold out
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:

  • 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
  • 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
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
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve sponsor

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 26 May
2pm
Course registration opens in Dark Sky Project, 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo
2.30pmWelcoming address, Dark Sky project (Zone 1)John Hearnshaw
2.45pmIntroductions for participants
3.30pmAfternoon tea/coffee break
4pmOverview of astro-tourism and dark sky places in New ZealandNalayini Davies
5pmHow binoculars and telescopes work and how to use a telescopeJohn Drummond
6pmReception in Dark Sky Project
6.45pmDinner Break
8.15-10.15pmAstro-Tour with telescopes: location Cowans Hill, crater 3 (weather permitting; use own transport)
and/or Great Astro-quiz
Adrien Barrajon et al

Gareth Davies
Saturday 27th May
8.45am
Coordinates and time in astronomy John Hearnshaw
9.45amAstro equipment for youGareth Davies
10.15amMorning tea/coffee break
11amMaori astronomy and Matariki Victoria Campbell
11.50pmA display of time-lapse night-sky videos Fraser Gunn
12.40pmLunch Break
2pmPrincipal objects to look at for astro-tourists Alan Gilmore
3pmThe astronomy equipment for youGareth Davies
3.30pmAfternoon tea/coffee break
4pmTechniques of astro-photographyJohn Drummond
4.45pmWorkshop:
Option 1: Hands-On Astro-photography
Option 2: Setting up an Astro-tourism Business

John Drummond
Nalayini Davies
6pmAstronomy outreach – 20 tips to remember Gareth Davies
6.45pmDinner Break
8.15-10.15pmAstro-Tour with telescopes: location Cowans Hill Observatory, Crater 3 (weather permitting, use own transport)
and/or Great Astro-Quiz
Adrien Barrajon et al.

Gareth Davies
Sunday 28th May 9amNaming of stars and celestial objects John Hearnshaw
10am20 tips to remember Gareth Davies
10.30amMorning tea/coffee break
11amSome examples of astronomical research Adrien Barrajon
12pmOur place in the Universe Nalayini Davies
1pmLunch Break
2pmNotes for astro-tour guides Alan Gilmore
2.45pmStellar evolution – the lives of the stars John Hearnshaw
3.45pmAfternoon tea/coffee break
4.15pmUseful books, publications and software for night sky guides All Instructors
4.45pmPresentation of AAA Certificates to participants
5pmClose

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE COURSE