New Zealand Local Astronomical Societies |
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The Auckland Astronomical Society
The Auckland Astronomical Society has an astronomical
library, telescopes and a large number of knowledgeable
members. The Auckland Observatory runs a professional
education programme with the LEOTC contract. Members have
use of the library, rental telescopes, journal, human
resources and monthly meetings including "Getting Started",
Sky Recognition, Advanced Topics and our guest speaker at
their formal monthly meeting.
Contacts for the Auckland Astronomical Society are:
Roger Feasey (President), Nigel Brady (Vice-President),
email n.brady@auckland.ac.nz, Grant Christie (Treasurer) -
(09) 624 2269
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Franklin District Astronomers
Franklin District Astronomers visit school camps with
telescopes and give basic talks on astronomy. Contact Allan
Strickland , Franklin District Astronomers, 6 Pukeroa Place,
Papakura, phone (09) 298 3210, email johnast@clear.net.nz
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The Hamilton Astronomical Society
The Hamilton Astronomical Society have several telescopes -
large (60cm) and small (15cm to 30cm) - to show the night
sky to school groups. The Hamilton Astronomical Society is
kept fairly busy with school visits from throughout the
Waikato area, so advises schools to book well in advance.
Public nights are well attended by the general public (on
fine nights in particular) so schools are encouraged to book
separate special nights. Teachers are given handouts (A4
sheets) of basic star charts or information relating to the
time of year visited, to photocopy for their classes.
To book a visit to the Hamilton observatory for a school
group Contact Ross Bedwell, (07) 846 0409. Other enquiries
can be made to President: Geoffrey Wynne-Jones (07) 854 9925
or Secretary Carole Evans (07) 825 2737. The Observatory
number is (07) 849 8522
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Rotorua Astronomical Society
The Rotorua Astronomical Society assists teachers with
projects relating to astronomy and school visits. Members of
the Rotorua Astronomical Society have a range of telescopes
which can be used to show the night sky to school parties.
They also have a range of slides both from the Hubble Space
telescope and by their own members
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Northern Observational Astronomy Association, Coromandel
The Northern Observational Astronomy Association has a small
number of transportable telescopes and also has school
groups visiting for evening observation.
Contact Barbara Ives (07) 865 8047, email FBIves@xtra.co.nz
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Whakatane Astronomical Society
The Whakatane Astronomical Society has regular public
viewing nights with a 30cm Cassegrain reflecting telescope
and a 35cm Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector. They also run 6
week night class courses "Astronomy for Beginners" during
the winter.
Contact Johan Groenveld (07) 308 7121, Norman Izett (07) 308
6495
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Palmerston North Astronomical Society
The Palmerston North Astronomical Society operates the
Manawatu Observatory on the hills to the south east of the
city and caters for groups such as schools, service groups,
scouts etc. Each year the Palmerston North Astronomical
Society runs a winter lecture series.
Contact Noel Munford or Ian Cooper (06) 358 2774
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Wanganui Astronomical Society
The Wanganui Astronomical Society operates the Ward
Observatory. Much of their efforts goes into assisting
schools and adult education in astronomy. Contact Ross
Skilton (06) 345 6954
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The Wellington Astronomical Society
The Wellington Astronomical Society has an 8" reflecting
telescope at Pauatahanui to the north of Wellington, and
also coordinates with the Gifford Observatory Trust to
operate the 5-1/4" Zeiss refractor telescope at the Gifford
Observatory in Newtown. The society runs regular star
parties at both sites as well as other parts of Wellington,
with knowledgeable people available to explain the night
sky. It also provides speakers to different groups such as
Scouts and Guides.
Contact: The Secretary, PO Box 3126, Wellington
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The Phoenix Astronomical Society
The Phoenix Astronomical Society has an observatory with a
number of telescopes to the SE of Carterton, within easy
reach of Wellington. It holds regular meetings in
Wellington, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay including talks and
observing sessions. It also hosts "Stardate" and "Astrocamp"
events which include talks, workshops and viewing.
Contact: Anthony Gomez (04) 386 0567, or Lesley Hall, (04)
463 5815
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Astronomy Section, Nelson Science Society, Nelson
The Astronomy Section, Nelson Science Society operates the
Atkinson Observatory and offers observing through the 5"
Atkinson Refractor to school groups.
Contact: Robert Rea, 8 Regent Lane, Richmond, Nelson 7002,
Phone (03) 544 5241, email reamarsh@ihug.co.nz
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Canterbury Astronomical Society
The Canterbury Astronomical Society has public nights,
regular beginner's astronomy sessions and runs astronomy
evening classes in association with the University of
Canterbury's extension programme. Contact Euan Mason (03)
364 2584
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Southland Astronomical Society
The Southland Astronomical Society hosts school groups
visiting the public observatory at the Southland Museum and
Art Gallery, Invercargill. It has a 300mm reflecting
telescope which provides fine views of many astronomical
objects. If the weather is unfavourable they have an
alternative slide show. Contact for booking observatory
visits is the Southland Museum,(03) 218 9753
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