Friday – Arrival & Observations,
Saturday – Talks,
Saturday Night – Telescopes Under the Dark Sky
Saturday Night – Telescopes at Star Safari
For registered STARDATE attendees only
8:00 pm – Convoy to Star Safari
We depart the Event Centre and travel together to Star Safari. Follow the convoy and enjoy the rare pleasure of seeing several carloads of astronomers heading enthusiastically into the darkness.
9:00 pm – Official Opening
Ian Cooper, President TPAS
A short welcome before the telescopes are pointed firmly at the universe.
9:10 pm – Laser Tour of the Night Sky
Ian Cooper
A guided tour of the constellations, clusters, and galaxies currently visible above Wairarapa. Helpful for both beginners and those who occasionally forget that the real name of Scorpio is Scorpius.
Followed by Telescope Viewing
Star Safari will provide a variety of telescopes for observing. Participants are welcome to bring binoculars, small telescopes, or astrophotography equipment if they wish to join the observing effort.
Practical reminders for a successful night:
Try not to point white torches directly at astronomers
Wear warm clothing
Use red lights only after dark