Part of Carterton Space Week 2026
Come and meet the telescopes!
Join members of Phoenix Astro for a free, family-friendly open afternoon celebrating telescopes, space photography, and the remarkable skies above the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve.
Drop in, wander around, ask questions, and see the equipment local astronomers use to explore the Universe. And if you have any questions about your own telescope, bring that too!! Phoenix Astro members will have telescopes and astrophotography gear on display, from visual observing setups to the instruments used to capture planets, nebulae, galaxies, the Moon, and the Milky Way.
This informal session is for everyone: families, students, curious locals, visitors, photographers, telescope owners, and anyone who has ever wondered what astronomers actually do with all those mysterious tubes, mounts, eyepieces, cameras, cables and blinking little boxes.
You’ll be able to talk with local astronomers, learn how telescopes work, see examples of astrophotography, and discover how ordinary people can begin exploring the night sky from their own backyard.
As part of Carterton Space Week, the afternoon will also include displays on space telescopes, rockets, spacecraft, and the science of peering deeper into the cosmos. From backyard telescopes to space observatories, come to talk about how humans build tools to collect light, study the Universe, and answer big questions about our place in space.
Whether you already own a telescope, are thinking about buying one, or simply want to know the difference between a reflector, a refractor and a rocket-shaped mystery tube, come along and have a chat.
A paid Astrophotography Workshop follows from 6:00 pm for those who would like to stay on and learn more about photographing the night sky.
What to expect
- Telescopes and astrophotography equipment on display
- Friendly Phoenix Astro members available for questions
- Examples of images captured by local astrophotographers
- Space Week displays about rockets, spacecraft and space telescopes
- A relaxed drop-in format suitable for families and beginners
- Information about the evening astrophotography workshop
- A chance to connect with Carterton’s local astronomy community
Who is it for?
This open afternoon is suitable for all ages. No astronomy knowledge is needed.
Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your telescope if you have one. If you don’t have any equipment, just bring yourself.
Event details
Date: Friday 9 October 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Wairarapa Events Centre, 50 Holloway Street, Carterton
Cost: Free
Presented by: Phoenix Astro
Part of: Carterton Space Week 2026
Stay for the workshop
After the open afternoon, Phoenix Astro will host the Space Week Astrophotography Workshop, a beginner-friendly session on capturing the night sky with cameras, smartphones and telescopes.
Workshop tickets are separate.
