AstronomyNZ

27th September  at 7:00pm
at the Phoenix Clubrooms, Ahiaruhe, Wairarapa

Our observers evenings are dedicated to practical astronomy and include, weather permitting, telescope viewing.

September 27th (the night Daylight Saving Starts): "Exploding Stars - From Planetary Nebulae to Supernovae Remnants." A presentation on what will happen to our sun at the end of its' long life. We will look at other examples of similar stars to our sun when they die known as Planetary Nebulae. We will also take the opportunity examine the entrails of a far larger star after its' violent death, in the form of the Veil Nebula.

YOU NEED TO BOOK IN
We need to know who is coming so that we can provide charts and equipment to participants. We may also need to contact you if the session is unexpectedly cancelled.

Please note these sessions are for Members Only.
If you would like to attend please book by contacting Chris Picking by email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or phone 06 3786184 by the Friday before the session.
The "Observers Evening" replaces our monthly "Telescope Viewing" evening. The main problem with telescope viewing evenings are that they are entirely weather dependant. Furthermore the weather at the observatory can be completely different from that in Wellington or Palmerston North. So you look out the window, note that its cloudy, and decide its not worth traveling to the observatory where in fact there is a perfectly clear sky. Or, it can be raining on the day so we cancel the observing session only to find that the sky clears after sunset. The "Observers Evening" is an 'all weather program' that is held irrespective of the weather and, it includes telescope viewing if weather permits.

Unlike our monthly meetings the Observers Evening is all about practical astronomy. It is where the beginner can learn the art of observing and where the experienced observer can share his or her knowledge. The evenings events will be organized by our master observer Ian Cooper.

Each evening will include the following:-

Astronomy workshop:
Each workshop will cover a different aspect of practical astronomy. These will include the use of different types of telescope and astronomical equipment, observing techniques, celestial navigation, astrophotography, the observation of different types of celestial objects and phenomena, etc. Each workshop will include a project.

Night Sky:
A tour of the night sky with star and constellation recognition. If weather permits we will use the real sky. If not we will use a power point presentation in the clubrooms.

Observing:
Telescope and binocular viewing. This part of the evening will include a project or will form part of an observing program on particular celestial objects. The Society's telescopes will be available to participants but if you have your own binoculars or portable telescope you are invited to bring them along. If the sky is not suitable for viewing this part of the program will be replaced by a presentation in the clubrooms.