Friday – Arrival & Observations,
Saturday – Talks,
Saturday Night – Telescopes Under the Dark Sky
Friday 13 March – Arrival on Earth
Carterton Events Centre, Carterton, 5713, Southern Hemisphere, Earth, (3rd planet of) The Solar System, Orion Spur, Milky Way.
5:00 pm – Registration Opens
STARDATE begins with a relaxed meet-and-greet. Bring your dinner, find a table, and introduce yourself to fellow participants. Conversations will likely involve telescopes, galaxies, equipment upgrades, and possibly the weather forecast.
Local food outlets are within a comfortable 10-minute walk if you prefer to pick something up in town.
Sunset: 7:41 pm
(Shortly after which astronomers begin looking noticeably happier.)
Featured photo: Sam Leske (TPAS committee member) and Ian Cooper (President, TPAS). Photo: H. Mogoșanu.
Securing Your Seat in the Universe
Registration
Please register before Friday 13 March 2026 by email with the names of attendees and car registration number:
Attendance Fee
(Attendance for all or part of STARDATE)
Individual or family member: $40
Individual non-member: $100
(includes one year TPAS individual membership)
On-the-day registration (13 or 14 March):
Standard fee plus $10 processing fee
Financial Transactions with Earth
Payment
All fees are payable directly to The Phoenix Astronomical Society:
Account: 03-0521-0205810-00
Reference: SDMarch26, name, car registration
Rules of the Dark
A short guide to not accidentally ruining everyone’s night vision.
- Allow 30 minutes of darkness for your eyes to adjust.
- Red lights only during the hours of darkness. (Normal torches can be screened with red cellophane.)
- In the car parks please use parking lights only to minimise light pollution during observing or astrophotography.
Surviving the Night
Health & Safety
- Take care when moving around the site to avoid damage to equipment.
- Parents should closely monitor children’s movements.
- Personal awareness and safety are important when walking around in the dark.
- Warm clothing is strongly recommended. Wairarapa evenings can be ambitious about cold temperatures.
Where to Sleep Before More Astronomy
Accommodation
Camping and accommodation are available throughout the Wairarapa, including freedom camping options.
Nearby options include:
- Carterton Holiday Park
- Mawley Park, Masterton
- Local motels, lodges, and hotels
Privacy Policy
All private information provided for STARDATE registration will be deleted after the event.
Join the Constellation
TPAS Membership
If you would like to become a member of The Phoenix Astronomical Society, please contact the Secretary: