STARDATE 2026 – Saturday Programme
Rangatahi Hub, Event Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton
Morning Session
Chair: Ian Cooper
8:30 am – Registration opens
Arrive, collect your badge, locate coffee, and begin the traditional astronomer activity of discussing the weather and telescopes.
8:45 am – Formal opening
Welcome to STARDATE 2026 with TPAS Chair Ian Cooper, who will officially declare the universe open for business.
9:00 am – Light Pollution
Philippa Gander
Artificial lighting has transformed our nights. Philippa explains why the stars are slowly disappearing from view and what we can do about it. Your porch light may be personally responsible.
10:00 am – New Kreutz Sungrazing Comet due in early April – what chance is there that this will be a spectacular comet?
Ian Cooper
A comet is heading alarmingly close to the Sun. Will it blaze across the sky or quietly disintegrate like an overcooked marshmallow? Ian walks us through the science and the suspense.
11:00 am – Old telescopes don’t die
Roger Gibbs
Telescopes never truly retire. They simply gather more stories, more scratches, and occasionally a better view than modern equipment.
12:00 – 12:50 pm – Lunch break
Carterton’s cafés and food outlets are within a comfortable ten-minute walk. Refuel, return promptly, and try not to start any new astronomical societies before the afternoon session.
Afternoon Session
Chair: Geoff Palmer
1:00 pm – Pacific voyaging over the last 2000 years
Geoff Palmer
Before satellites and smartphones, Pacific navigators crossed vast oceans guided by stars, waves, and deep knowledge of the sky. GPS users may find this unsettling.
2:00 pm – Keynote: Space weather and its impacts on our day to day lives
Tulasi Parashar, Victoria University of Wellington
The Sun occasionally throws temper tantrums that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and radio communications. Space weather: the forecast you never check but probably should.
3:15 pm – Afternoon break
Tea, coffee, and a chance to debate whether Pluto deserves another vote.
3:40 pm – Restoring the environment with a Moon Garden
Haritina Mogoșanu
A garden designed for the night: pale flowers, nocturnal pollinators, and a reminder that darkness is not empty. It is simply where the interesting things happen.
4:20 pm – Cosmic Interceptions – Muon detector: what is it, how does it work?
Sam Leske
Invisible cosmic particles constantly pass through the Earth, the building, and everyone in this room. Sam explains how we catch them in the act.
5:15 pm – Dinner break
Take a stroll around Carterton and find somewhere for dinner. Alternatively bring food with you for the evening session.
The evening programme resumes at 6:30 pm at the West Taratahi Hall, where the universe continues to behave interestingly.