Astronomy & Astrotourism Course

An immersive programme of workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, plus observing and stargazing with telescopes and binoculars.

This course is designed for people with an interest in improving their knowledge of Astronomy, Astrotourism, Astrophotography, Stargazing/Outreach & NZ’s Dark Sky Movement.

Includes talks from instructors, workshops and practical observing sessions (weather permitting). Also includes lunches on Saturday and Sunday, morning & afternoon tea during the course, a reception with finger food on Friday evening.

Topics & Activities include:

• An immersive programme of lectures, workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, and practical observing will be offered. We expect to undertake observing and star gazing with telescopes and binoculars.
• Astrotourism and dark sky places in New Zealand
• How binoculars and telescopes work and how to use a telescope
• Our place in the Universe
• Coordinates and time in astronomy
• Principal objects to look at for astrotourists
• The astronomy equipment for you
• Astronomy outreach – 20 tips to remember
• Naming of stars and celestial objects
• Maori astronomy and Matariki
• Astrophotography
• Notes for astro-tour guides
• The lives of the stars : star formation, evolution and star death
• Useful books, publications and software for night sky guides

Workshops:

• Astrophotography
• How to start an astrotourism business
• Practical observing with a small telescope
• Grand astroquiz for all