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    • February 2024 Monthly Meeting
      • February meeting When: Tuesday 6th June at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory, 40 Salamanca Road, KelburnOr you can join the meeting via ZoomMeeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345 Weird space weather […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • June 2023 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Tuesday 6th June at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory, 40 Salamanca Road, KelburnOr you can join the meeting via ZoomMeeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345 Speaker:  Matt Balkham The Making of […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • May 2023 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Tuesday 3rd May at 7:30 pm.Where: Wellington Museum, in the Draughtsman’s Room. Wellington Museum is at 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf.Or you can join the meeting via ZoomMeeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • April 2023 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Tuesday 7th March at 7:30 pm.Where: Wellington Museum, in the Draughtsman’s Room. Wellington Museum is at 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf.Or you can join the meeting via ZoomMeeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • Upcoming Working Bee in March
      • Working Bee at the Gifford Observatory March- date to be decided. The Gifford Observatory is located on Mt. Victoria and is accessed via Wellington College. Assistant Curator of Instruments Andrew Fuller advises that the Gifford Observatory’s dome is rotating but we need to upgrade the motors.  That will probably require grant funding to address. In the meantime, we need to mow the lawn, fix the gate, and do a few small jobs around the observatory. If you are keen to help, contact Andrew to let him know your availability in March. The next step for the Gifford Observatory upgrade is to […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • March Dark Sky Observing
      • WAS Astrophotography Group / Dark Sky Observing Saturday 18 March at Star Field – John Whitby’s dark sky site in the southern Wairarapa from 8.30 pm onwards This is a members-only evening. If you’ve never seen the night sky from a dark-sky site before, this will be unforgettable. Antony will give you a tour of the sky with his laser pointer before we get on the telescopes. How to register: Please email Antony at events@was.org.nz if you are planning to go. (If you have never been to Star Field before, you will need to contact Antony to get the directions […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • March 2023 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Tuesday 7th March at 7:30 pm.Where: Wellington Museum, in the Draughtsman’s Room. Wellington Museum is at 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf.Or you can join the meeting via ZoomMeeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345 Speaker:  Tom Love – Creating A Dark Sky Reserve Tom Love will talk about the work involved in certifying a dark sky place. Drawing upon the experience of developing an International Dark Sky Reserve in the Wairarapa, he looks at the different kinds of dark sky place that are recognised internationally and some of the work and techniques needed to characterise the lights in a dark sky place and […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • February 2023 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Tuesday 7th February at 7:30 pm.Where: Wellington Museum, in the Draughtsman’s Room. Wellington Museum is at 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf.Or you join the meeting via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • October 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 5th October at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join the Zoom Meetingat https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: A (brief!) overview of Mars Curiosity […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • September 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 7th September at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join the Zoom Meetingat https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: We are all made of stardust […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • Lights Out: Capture the Dark
      • When: Saturday 20 August, 6.00 – 9.00 pm,Where: Wainuiomata Regional Park, 10 Whitcher Grove, WainuiomataWhat: The Winter Scorpion – Becky Bateman This a reasonably dark sky site close to Wellington. The focus of this […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • August 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 3rd August at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join the Zoom Meetingat https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: The Winter Scorpion – Becky Bateman […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • July 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 13th July at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join the Zoom Meetingat https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: Shoot the stars – become an […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • June 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 1st June at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: Matariki – and how to find it.  – […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • May 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 4th May at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857934315?pwd=V1YzV2tFUml4SEFQOUJLUVUwWSt2QT09Meeting ID: 898 5793 4315Passcode: 12345What: Is Time an Illusion? – Antony Gomez A large […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • April 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • International Dark Sky Week When: Wednesday 6th April at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place/ Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Here is the Zoom link:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84585364505?pwd=WXNvdXBtSi9ZUUxrYlRONlNPaUtUQT09Meeting ID: 845 8536 4505Passcode: 12345 What: Changing Colour of […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • March 2022 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 2nd March at 7:30 pm.Where: Space Place/ Carter Observatory and also available via Zoom. Due to COVID restrictions we have a limit of 40 people at Space Place. Details of […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy
      • When: 25-27 March 2022Where: Wellington Conference Room in the Martinborough Hotel, Memorial Square, Martinborough The Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy is pleased to announce that the next course will be offered in Martinborough, 25-27 […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • 2022 Beatrice Hill Tinsley Lecture
      • When: Thursday 10th February at 7:30pm – date to be confirmed.Where: Location to be confirmed.What: A Deadly Dance: When black holes and neutron stars collide – Dr. Heloise Stevanance Beatrice Hill Tinsley […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • October 2021 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 6th October at 7:30 pm Where: Owing to the COVID-19 lock down this meeting will be via Zoom only. https://zoom.us/j/93729549795?pwd=SnJOTHZZYnZJVlo5TXAzZzU0QWxvQT09 Meeting ID: 937 2954 9795Passcode: 111222 What: Estimating the Gregorian arrival […] A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • September Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 1st September at 7:30 pm Where: Owing to the COVID-19 lock down this meeting will be via Zoom only. https://zoom.us/j/93729549795?pwd=SnJOTHZZYnZJVlo5TXAzZzU0QWxvQT09Meeting ID: 937 2954 9795Passcode: 111222 What: Space Activities at the Robinson Institute – Professor Nick Long This meeting will include: The Night Sky in JulyAstronomy NewsMain talk to start at around 8:00 pm An artist’s impression of magnetoshell braking (Kirtley, 2014) The Robinson Research Institute develops electromagnetic and materials technologies and has a strong international reputation for superconductivity research. Professor Nick Long, the Institute’s Director, will be our main speaker on 1 September.A recent focus of the Robinson has become the development of superconductor systems for space applications. High magnetic fields, derived from superconductor coils, are useful for increasing the thrust from electric propulsion, shielding solar radiation, and manipulating plasmas for heat shielding and braking. Nick will discuss some of the theory behind these applications and the problems of implementing them in the space environment.‘Some ideas of how superconductors can be used in space technology are pretty wacky but we have no shortage of partners willing to give these a try,’ Nick says.Professor Nick Long’s primary research is in high temperature superconductivity (HTS). He was a founder of the programme at the Institute to develop HTS Roebel cables, including the development of the manufacturing and characterisation processes. His current interests include the application of HTS to space technology. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • August 2021 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 4th August at 7:30 pm Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory. Note the change in venue back to Space Place.Or join us via Zoomhttps://zoom.us/j/93729549795?pwd=SnJOTHZZYnZJVlo5TXAzZzU0QWxvQT09 What: Space weather and radio propagation – Adam Rosner This meeting will include: The Night Sky in JulyAstronomy NewsMain talk to start at around 8:00 pm WAS Council member Adam Rosner will explain how the sun affects propagation of radio waves on Earth, starting with a bit of theory about what radio waves are, how they work, and how they interact with various parts of the atmosphere. Then he will discuss how the sun affects the atmosphere’s characteristics, including the effects of the sunspot cycle. This will include the effects of solar flares and how they can disrupt satellites as well as power grids and other terrestrial infrastructure.Adam Rosner has been fiddling around with amateur and shortwave radio since he was a teenager, and he’s keen to share what he knows with WAS members. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • August 2021 WAS Astrophotography Group / Dark Sky Observing
      • When: Saturday 7th of August from 7pm onwards.Where: John Whitby’s dark sky site in the southern Wairarapa. The evening will be a dark sky, two days before New Moon. There will be a tour of the Night Sky for beginners with a pointer before we get on the telescopes.  Register by contacting us through Facebook Messenger or by emailing events@was.org.nz. Include your email and mobile phone in the text if you are using Facebook Messenger. Directions to the site in the Wairarapa, and any updates, will be emailed out.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/150962896969833 The event is free to members of the Society. Non-members are welcome to come along but to cover costs, non-members will be asked to contribute $10 per person to the Society. (To join the Society see https://www.was.org.nz/join-us/ ) What to bring for astrophotography:A DSLR or mirrorless camera,A wide angle lens (preferably),A tripod to fix the camera to,Warm clothes as it gets pretty cold at night.Snacks and warm drinks if you want. With people taking photos, keep lights to a minimum (red lights if you can) especially car headlights (use parking lights). For those just interested in Deep Sky Observing, telescopes will be provided unless you want to bring your own. For further details or cancellations contact Antony (021 2534979) or Chris (021 890222). This event will be updated on our Facebook page in the afternoon on the day of the event if the weather forecast is not looking good. This site is made available to members of the Wellington Astronomical Society through the generosity of John Whitby. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • July 2021 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 7th July at 7:30 pm Where: Museum of Wellington City & Sea, Queens. Note the change in venue. Or join us via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93729549795?pwd=SnJOTHZZYnZJVlo5TXAzZzU0QWxvQT09 What: The Moon Rush – Marçal Sanmartí Former US President Donald Trump set a very ambitious goal: to have Americans stepping on the Moon by 2024. Many consider that unrealistic, since the time is so short. But international competition to go back to the Moon is fierce indeed. It is not just giants like China, Russia, India, or the European Union who have plans to visit our satellite. Japan, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey and even tiny Luxemburg have plans too. But why? Speaker Marçal Sanmartí is originally from Catalonia. He is the Research Assistant for the New Zealand International Review, and writes regularly in NZIR about Astropolitik and New Space. He is a member both of WAS and the Planetary Society, and writes occasionally for the Space Review. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • June 2021 WAS Astrophotography Group / Dark Sky Observing
      • When: Sunday 11th of July from 7pm onwards. Where: John Whitby’s dark sky site in the southern Wairarapa. Antony will lead a trip on the Sunday evening, after the RASNZ Conference, if there are enough interested people. The evening will be a dark sky, two days after New Moon. There will be a tour of the Night Sky for beginners with a pointer before we get on the telescopes. Register by contacting us through FaceBook Messenger or by emailing events@was.org.nz. Include your email and mobile phone in the text if you are using FaceBook Messenger. Directions to the site in the Wairarapa, and any updates, will be emailed out. See https://www.facebook.com/events/604098440983367 The event is free to members of the Society. Non-members are welcome to come along but to cover costs, non-members will be asked to contribute $10 per person to the Society. (To join the Society see https://www.was.org.nz/join-us/ ) What to bring for astrophotography:A DSLR or mirrorless camera,A wide angle lens (preferably),A tripod to fix the camera to,Warm clothes as it gets pretty cold at night.Snacks and warm drinks if you want. With people taking photos, keep lights to a minimum (red lights if you can) especially car headlights (use parking lights). For those just interested in Deep Sky Observing, telescopes will be provided unless you want to bring your own. For further details or cancellations contact Antony (021 2534979) or Chris (021 890222). This event will be updated on our Facebook page in the afternoon on the day of the event if the weather forecast is not looking good. This site is made available to members of the Wellington Astronomical Society through the generosity of John Whitby. A suggestion from our newsletter editor as the weather is getting colder. Hot Chocolate recipe (per person) – essential for Dark Sky observing10 g cocoa15 g sugar 30 g milk powdervanilla or chilli and salt to tasteMix cocoa and sugar together, then add milk powder. Add 250 ml boiling water – or add cold water and microwave, stopping partway through microwaving to mix again. Add a little vanilla or a pinch of chilli and a few grains of salt. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • Night Time Mysteries
      • When: Saturday, 19 June 2021 from 6:00 pm Where: Wainuiomata Recreation Area Wellington Astronomical Society has teamed up with Remutaka Conservation Trust to bring you this exclusive FREE event.Wander through some of the oldest trees in the Wellington region, serenaded by native birds as darkness falls. You may even hear the cries of kiwi and ruru (morepork). This is your chance to explore an area not normally open to the public, including the glowworm-filled access tunnel that links to the Orongorongo Valley. WAS will talk about about Dark Sky awareness and preservation. We will provide a telescope for visitors to search the skies for the Moon and the Southern Cross. You’ll also be able to talk to Remutaka Conservation trust volunteers about their Kiwi release programme and how they monitor nests. This free event is limited to 30 people, so booking is essential. Reserve your spot at https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/…/night-time…/lower-hutt What to bring: torches/headlamps (red lenses preferred), sturdy walking footwear, wet weather clothing.You’ll be walking up a steep hill in the dark, so a moderate level of fitness is required. This event is not for children under the age of 15. Postponement date: 26 June 2021 /* <![CDATA[ */ if ( ! window.themeisleGoogleMaps ) window.themeisleGoogleMaps =[]; window.themeisleGoogleMaps.push( { container: "wp-block-themeisle-blocks-google-map-973d2139", attributes: {"id":"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-google-map-973d2139","location":"10 Whitcher Grove, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5373, New Zealand","latitude":"-41.2757791","longitude":"174.9723065","markers":[{"id":"c1a0d5c9-ef62-4e8b-a89e-91d470eadaf7","location":"10 Whitcher Grove, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5373, New Zealand","title":"Night Time Mysteries","icon":"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/mapfiles\/ms\/icons\/red-dot.png","description":"","latitude":-41.2757791,"longitude":174.9723065}],"type":"roadmap","zoom":15,"height":400,"draggable":true,"mapTypeControl":true,"zoomControl":true,"fullscreenControl":true,"streetViewControl":true,"hasCustomCSS":false,"customCSS":""} } ); /* ]]> */ A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • June 2021 WAS Astrophotography Group / Dark Sky Observing
      • When: Saturday 10th of April from 8:30pm onwards. Where: John Whitby’s dark sky site. The evening will be a dark sky, two days after New Moon. There will be a tour of the Night Sky for beginners with a pointer before we get on the telescopes. Register by contacting us through FaceBook Messenger or by emailing events@was.org.nz. Include your email and mobile phone in the text if you are using FaceBook Messenger. Directions to the site in the Wairarapa, and any updates, will be emailed out. See https://www.facebook.com/events/150962896969833 The event is free to members of the Society. Non-members are welcome to come along but to cover costs, non-members will be asked to contribute $10 per person to the Society. (To join the Society see https://www.was.org.nz/join-us/ ) What to bring for astrophotography:A DSLR or mirrorless camera,A wide angle lens (preferably),A tripod to fix the camera to,Warm clothes as it gets pretty cold at night.Snacks and warm drinks if you want. With people taking photos, keep lights to a minimum (red lights if you can) especially car headlights (use parking lights). For those just interested in Deep Sky Observing, telescopes will be provided unless you want to bring your own. For further details or cancellations contact Antony (021 2534979) or Chris (021 890222). This event will be updated on our Facebook page in the afternoon on the day of the event if the weather forecast is not looking good. This site is made available to members of the Wellington Astronomical Society through the generosity of John Whitby. A suggestion from our newsletter editor as the weather is getting colder. Hot Chocolate recipe (per person) – essential for Dark Sky observing10 g cocoa15 g sugar 30 g milk powdervanilla or chilli and salt to tasteMix cocoa and sugar together, then add milk powder. Add 250 ml boiling water – or add cold water and microwave, stopping partway through microwaving to mix again. Add a little vanilla or a pinch of chilli and a few grains of salt. A post from https://www.was.org.nz

    • June 2021 Monthly Meeting
      • When: Wednesday 5th of May at 7:30 pm Where: Space Place / Carter Observatory. 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellingtonor join us via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93729549795?pwd=SnJOTHZZYnZJVlo5TXAzZzU0QWxvQT09 What: Imaging the sun – Otto Gruebl At our June meeting, Otto Gruebl will talk about imaging of the Sun. He will start with some theoretical background, explain the tools, and and discuss the possibilities of solar imaging in White Light, Hydrogen Alpha, and CaK, and also consider image processing. He will show us a selection of the Sun images he has created. Otto Gruebl is a member of RASNZ, and the Gisborne and Auckland Astronomical Societies. He lives in Taurikura, Whangarei Heads, Northland A post from https://www.was.org.nz

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