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    2004 EXPEDITIONS


New Zealand Astronomy Websites

The Royal Astronomical Society of NZ
The object of the RASNZ is the promotion and extension of knowledge of astronomy and related branches of science. It encourages interest in Astronomy, and is an association of observers and others for mutual help and advancement of science. It was founded in 1920 as the New Zealand Astronomical Society and assumed its present title on receiving the Royal Charter in 1946. In 1967 it became a Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

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The Galaxy -Te Korurangi (the spiral sky)
Galaxy is a quarterly magazine written for young people interested in space. You do not need to know a lot about astronomy to enjoy galaxy but if you do, there are articles for you too. There are lots of interesting articles about space, stars, planets, technology, feature stories, charts and information about Maori, Aboriginal and Pacific astronomy since they are part of our culture. Galaxy has lots of ideas for activities that families can do together and it is a great resource for those who have an interest in science, an appreciation of our cultural heritage(s) and a love of our southern skies.

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Stardome Observatory
Auckland's Stardome Observatory is situated on the lower southern slopes of One Tree Hill - Maungakiekie - one of Auckland's volcanic cones and most prominent natural landmarks. The surrounding park includes Maori archaeological sites, playgrounds, BBQ's, walking tracks, and a working farm. Sit back in the Planetarium, an all-sky 360° panoramic theatre and enjoy a multimedia experience featuring 3,500 brilliant stars, delivered by special effects projectors linked with stunning digital surround sound ... day or night, rain or shine.

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The Carter Observatory
The observatory was established as a "public facility" for the people of the Wellington region but it did not take long before a research role also emerged.Today the Observatory provides four different functions:
  • To provide a national public astronomy service
  • To provide a national astronomy education service
  • To facilitate original astronomical research
  • To assist in the preservation of New Zealand's astronomical heritage
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    The Phoenix Astronomical Society
    The Society's aim is to make astronomy accessible to everyone whatever their level of interest and knowledge; to increase public awareness of astronomy and related sciences, and to share with others the mysteries and wonders of the universe of which we are all a part. The Society operates the following major projects to further public education and access to astronomy in NZ.

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    The Matariki Observatory Trust
    The Matariki Observatory Trust will be responsible for the operation of the research telescopes and their observatories at the Phoenix Astronomical Society's astronomy complex at Ahiaruhe, Carterton, Wairarapa.

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    Stonehenge Aotearoa
    For millennia people have gazed in awe at Stonehenge, often totally unaware of how structures such as this were used. Stonehenge Aotearoa will be a full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge that is intended to inspire New Zealanders young and old, to explore and experience for themselves how technologies of ancient times were used, and still can be used, to give practical and detailed information on the seasons, time and navigation.

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    AstronomyNZ - Southern Night Sky
    On this page you can find information about what's happening and what you can see in the night sky. Star charts reproduce the New Zealand evening night sky from latitude 40 degrees south. Charts for the morning sky can be found on the Taatai Arorangi page. All dates and times given are New Zealand Standard Time and adjusted for Daylight Saving. The rise and set times of the Sun, Moon and planets are for Wellington and may vary by several minutes throughout the country.

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    AstronomyNZ - Meteors
    This site lists the current activity of comets in the sky. A meteor shower occurs when the Earth, carried by its orbit around the Sun is ploughing through a cloud of meteoric debris. Find out here where to look in the NZ skies.

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    AstronomyNZ Star Charts
    This page gives information about what's happening and what you can see in the night sky. Star charts reproduce the New Zealand evening night sky from latitude 40 degrees south. All dates and times given are New Zealand Standard Time and adjusted for Daylight Saving.The rise and set times of the Sun, Moon and planets are for Wellington and may vary by several minutes throughout the country.

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    Gifford Observatory
    This newly restored observatory behind Wellington College is now operated by groups of enthusiastic students from several different high schools in Wellington. Monthly meetings with short talks by informed speakers both within and outside the group, are followed by an informal tea and observing if weather permits. The Wellington Astronomical Society and Gifford Observatory trustees offer help, expertise and training in the use of the Observatory, which is available during the day as well as at night.

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    The New Zealand Spaceflight Association
    NZSA was formed in May 1977 and became an incorporated society four years later. NZSA is a non-profit organisation which exists to promote an informed approach to astronautics and related sciences.

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    New Zealand Rocketry Association
    This Consumer Rocketry website is owned and created by Aerospace Education, Australasia's largest consumer rocketry distributor and hosts the NZ Rocketry Association's activities, calendar of events, educational programmes, and rocketry resources. If you want to join the enthusiasts keen to launch a NZ rocket into space visit this site.

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