Our next course: 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.
Venue: Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo, South Canterbury.
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
- Astrophotography
- How to start an astrotourism business
- Practical observing with a small telescope
- Grand astroquiz for all
Lake Tekapo
26th-28th May 2023
You will be asked to provide registration details for each person you are registering.
Payment is by bank transfer, details of our bank account provided at checkout.
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.
AAA course on the Kāpiti Coast to celebrate Matariki, July 21-23, 2023
Arcus Kiwi Event Centre, 29 Arcus Rd, Te Horo (between Ōtaki and Waikanae)
Now open for Earlybird registrations
The second AAA course of 2023 will be at Te Horo on the Kāpiti Coast. This will be a special course to celebrate Matariki, and is especially for amateur astronomers or anyone wanting to learn more about navigating the stars in the night sky using a small telescope or binoculars.
Do you love gazing up at the night sky?
If you enjoy stargazing and want to learn how to identify constellations and planets, and learn more about Matariki, then this practical course led by some of New Zealand’s top astronomers, is for you.
Held this Matariki on the Kāpiti Coast under the relatively dark skies of Te Horo, this interactive course is for stargazing enthusiasts, aspiring amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, locals interested in Matariki, and anyone who wants to have fun navigating the night sky by telescope or binoculars.
No previous experience is required.
Over a weekend, you will learn how to:
Identify and observe constellations, planets and other celestial bodies in the Southern Hemisphere using a small telescope or binoculars
- Take photographs at night from a top Kiwi astrophotographer, Dr Steve Chadwick
Set up and use a small telescope for night-time observations from your place
Experience the night sky using a telescope located at a private observatory also in Te Horo
Appreciate the significance of Matariki and Māori navigation from top Matariki astronomy expert, Dr Pauline Harris
Share your new knowledge with others in your communities, schools and family
Join New Zealand’s growing astrotourism industry by establishing an astroguiding business, if this inspires you.
Kāpiti Coast
July 21-23, 2023
You will be asked to provide registration details for each person you are registering.
Payment is by bank transfer, details of our bank account provided at checkout.
Venue: The Arcus Kiwi Event Centre, 29 Arcus Rd, Te Horo (between Ōtaki and Waikanae) – see https://www.arcus.kiwi/.
Times: Friday 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Registration fee: $325. Late registration fee (after midnight, Sunday June 25): $425
Participation: about 24 (max 26)
Programme: An immersive programme of lectures, workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, and practical observing will be offered. We will visit the private observatory of Nigel Knowles at Te Horo for observing and star gazing (weather permitting).
The next AAA course is now fully booked.
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Previous courses have been held in these locations
Auckland
Martinborough, Wairarapa
Kāpiti Coast, Wellington
Tekapo, Canterbury
