Stargazing Lab

Join us under the stars for a night of stargazing.

Stargazing Lab

The first session starts before the sunset in order to explain very basic concepts about astronomy, telescopes, and photography. After that, you will have opportunities to observe the craters and mountains on the Moon, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and the rings of Saturn. You will also have a chance to observe deep sky objects like star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Book Now

The sessions will target different objects and topics every day. Since these events are weather dependent, on occasions we may need to postpone the event at short notice. If this happens, you will receive a txt message in your mobile, one hour prior to the event, and your booking will transferred to the next available session.

We will help you to identify bright stars and major constellations. During each observing session, we will teach participants to find those elusive patterns in the sky with a simple monthly star map and a green laser pointer that projects a visible beam into the sky. Just like at a planetarium but under the real night sky!

STEM and Family Friendly

Even though the sessions end late, these activities are family friendly and ideal for kids. You will have a nice opportunity to learn more about the solar system and the Universe, and also to motivate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in young minds. Some telescopes and additional resources will be available for use. Including telescopes that can be operated by kids.

Agenda

  • Welcome
  • How a telescope works
  • Moon observation
  • Planets observation
  • DSO observation

Price

  • Under 5 yrs: free
  • Child (5-15 yrs): $10 + fees
  • General admission: $14.5 + fees
  • General admission: $40 + fees

Presentation

Location

Stargazing Labs are taking place from Maraetai Beach, Maraetai, at just 40 minutes from the Auckland CBD. This beautiful location offers stunning views of the night sky and low light pollution coming from the city. This is key to allow long-term expositions to capture amazing pictures of the deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.

There are four public parking (free) available (+40 cars capacity) and public toilets close to the observation area.

Finding the observation area can be tricky if you are not familiar with Maraetai. Please, come a bit earlier and consider following the google maps directions: https://goo.gl/maps/5y6qxTrDYKQ2

Upcoming Stargazing Lab Sessions

Code of Conduct

In order to ensure safety, protect equipment, and to enhance everyone enjoyment, we ask that you follow the Code of Conduct:
  • Pets are not permitted nearby the telescopes.
  • Smoking and alcoholic beverages are never permitted within the area.
  • Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
    • Aerosol bug spray repellent may only be applied away from the telescopes. (Sprays produce a fine mist which can settle on optical surfaces and is very difficult to clean.)
  • Remove any trash and keep the premises clean.
  • Visitors should bring a flashlight with RED light to use for the walk from the parking lot to the observation area and for reading star maps.