Sam Leske is an astrophysicist, educator and science communicator based in Wairarapa. He is co-founder of Milky-Way.Kiwi and works across Star Safari, Spaceward Bound New Zealand and Wairarapa Space.
Sam is also the Chair of Go-Carterton, our local business association and on the committee of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, a member of RASNZ and the International Planetarium Society.
A former Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot and intelligence officer, Sam combines a lifelong fascination with aviation and spaceflight with a deep understanding of astronomy. He completed a Master’s degree in astrophysics and enjoys helping people understand the Universe through observation, storytelling and hands-on experiences.
Whether operating telescopes, presenting in the Mars Blueberry planetarium or guiding visitors beneath Wairarapa’s dark skies, Sam is dedicated to sharing the wonders of the cosmos with audiences of all ages.