Zoom in on Outer Space at Stardome

Nowadays we have access to the most incredible space images with a simple search online. What is often overlooked is the way that the experience of learning about a planet becomes completely transformed when given the opportunity to look through a telescope. Linking your knowledge of a planet with the experience of seeing it in person, gives outer space an increased sense of reality, bringing those far away worlds that little bit closer to our own.

With even a simple telescope, Jupiter’s moons can be seen to glide around the planet night after night and Saturn and its rings have an almost cartoon-like perfection. Stardome is very lucky to house the historic Zeiss telescope, one of the largest telescopes in New Zealand open for regular public viewing. For the month of August, Stardome are offering $5 entry to the telescope across Wednesday to Saturday nights (weather dependent) to celebrate the Mad About Mars months.

Mars made its closest approach for the next 17 years on July 31, meaning the planet is in a prime viewing position. With the planet-wide dust storm that encompassed the celestial body across July beginning to die down, the features of the red planet will slowly become more and more apparent over the coming weeks.

Not only is Mars in prime viewing position but, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible across the month. Stardome have a team of experienced telescope operators for whom telescope viewing is more than just a job; it is a hobby and a passion! No matter your knowledge or experience level, there will be something new to see and learn from a night’s sky watching experience. Bring back the wonder and excitement of the night sky and take a look up!

No bookings required. Wednesday to Saturday in August, 8pm - late. $5 per person. See more at www.stardome.org.nz/show/mad-about-mars-zeiss-telescope-tours/ .

About Stardome

Stardome and its team have been sharing a love of space from its premises in Auckland’s One Tree Hill Domain since 1967. A place of exploration, research and sharing of knowledge, the Stardome 360-degree planetarium Night Sky shows take viewers into outer space to get a closer view of stars, planets and nebulae. Stardome night planetarium shows also include telescope viewings (weather permitting). School children across Auckland enjoy daytime visits for school trips.

For further information on Auckland venue hire, party venues Auckland and astronomy NZ please visit the website at www.stardome.org.nz .