Puzzling Planets – Spring School Holiday Fun at Stardome

Astronomy is a bit like a puzzle! Scientists, astronomers, mathematicians, astronauts and engineers are always looking for more information on the foreign worlds out there to try and piece together the secrets of our Universe. These school holidays, put your thinking hats on and come and piece together the puzzles of our Solar System’s planets!

Why are there gigantic lightning strikes on Jupiter? What’s up with the acid rain on Venus? What causes the dust devils on Mars? Come and explore these peculiar planets with Stardome. Play with hands-on experiments and crafty fun to discover the uniqueness of each of our neighbours in space.

Then head outside, if the weather cooperates, and launch water-powered rockets. Finish up in the planetarium and watch the 360-degree planetarium show Wildest Weather in the Solar System. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the weird and wonderful worlds which make-up the grand puzzle of our Solar System. 1-12 October, weekdays at 10am, 1pm &2pm, $10 adults, $12 child, bookings essential.

 

Astrophotography Exhibition
Astrophotography is one of the earliest types of scientific photography, first emerging as a specialised field in the mid-19th century. The first successful photograph of the Moon was captured in 1840 by John William Draper. In 1871, the advent of dry plate photography, also known as the gelatin process, was the turning point for astrophotography. It was a relatively simple and inexpensive approach, resulting in more people experimenting with astrophotography.

Andrew Ainslie Common, an amateur astronomer, used the gelatin process in 1883 to image a nebula from his backyard. His images were the first ever documentation of stars that were too faint for the human eye to see.

Modern astrophotography is a whole other ballgame. CCDs (charge-coupled devices) were invented in the 1970’s, which used imaging sensors to translate data into digital images. CCD’s are still used today and are incredibly light sensitive, record wide visual fields and are configured on multi-mirror and segmented telescopes.

Some serious astrophotographers invest in star trackers and lenses specifically designed for astrophotography. In reality, all you need to get started is some good quality gear and a bit of photography know-how. Most importantly though is a penchant for finding great shooting locations. Living in New Zealand means some incredible locations are right on our doorstep.

This October, Stardome is very proud to be hosting for the second year an awe-inspiring exhibition, showcasing the winning and top entries from the 2018 New Zealand Astrophotography Competition. The competition is facilitated by the Auckland Astronomical Society and allows both budding photographers and seasoned professionals to enter images in the Nightscapes, Solar System or Deep Sky categories. The exhibition will run for 8-21 October during regular Stardome hours and access is included in the Space Gallery entry fee.

For more information on Auckland venue hire, birthday venues Auckland and Christmas party venues Auckland please go to www.stardome.org.nz .