Keep safe looking up
The International Asteroid Day is observed every year on 30th of Jun. What prompted this and who is watching over us?
Human Exploration
Human exploration of space and sometimes of ourselves.
How many telescopes can you fit on Mt John?
How many telescopes can you fit on Mt John? Mount John, New Zealand, is the home of University of Canterbury’s research observatory and Dark Sky Project’s stargazing tours. So, there are a lot of telescopes of all sizes, and I thought it would be interesting to write about them. Starting with the smallest. Celestion 9 …
Astronomy Reads
More reads from Holly
More Astronomy reads
I have been reading more books this year at a rapid pace. These are the astronomy books that I have been reading. If you would like to follow what I am reading (not just astronomy books) check out my Good Reads page (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/75557397-holly-mcclelland), if you only want some new astronomy reads see the list below: …
Launching the Dark Sky Project
During the nationwide observance of Matariki, on a mild winter morning in Takapō (Tekapo), the Dark Sky Project was launched. The Dark Sky Project, formally Earth and Sky, took the next big step forward in astro-tourism by opening a new lake-front center with a new diner, a new indoor astronomy experience, the Dark Sky Experience …
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space was set up in 1959 to govern the exploration and the use of space for the benefit of all humanity.
50 Years Since The First Human Steps on The Moon
The first human steps on the Moon were fifty years ago today. What an amazing achievement and a moment that brought the world together.
Brashear Telescope Restoration
The Brashear Telescope is a masterpiece of the Victorian age technology. It stands 9 m tall with a refracting lens of 18 inches (45.72 cm) across. And it is getting a new home in Tekapo, New Zealand. The Brashear Telescope was built in 1894. The mount was built by the company Warner & Swasey Co …
50 Years Since Apollo 9, Spider and Gumdrop
50 years ago Apollo 9 launched and carried three crew members around the Earth for ten days testing the spacecraft and systems that would ultimately take people to the Moon.
My time as a MOA observer
“MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) is a Japan/NZ collaboration that makes observations on dark matter, extra-solar planets and stellar atmospheres using the gravitational microlensing technique at the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory in New Zealand. Further studies are also carried out.” (MOA Page, University of Canterbury)
The Difficulties in Observing the Transit of Venus in 1761 and 1769
Observing the transit of Venus was no easy task, it required careful observations and measurement. 250 years ago expeditions went out across the world to measure this amazing and rare event in order to help us understand the size of the known universe.
Complete instructions for making a star party
Party Time – Astronomy Style!
So you want to invite some friends over and you need a theme for your party. Why not make it as big as the universe, and take your guests on a view of the cosmos? It’s fun, it’s easy, and you don’t need a degree in the finer points of astrophysics (although that could be a hoot as well). The goal is for everyone to have a good time and not necessarily to earn three college credits in astronomy when the night is done. So let’s get started.
Edmund Halley and the Beginnings of James Cook’s Trip to New Zealand
James Cook’s voyage to Tahiti in 1769 was the culmination of 130 years of work to observe and understand the Transit of Venus. Edmund Halley was instrumental in laying the foundations for the successful observations in 1769 and ultimately solving the Earth – Sun distance.
A day in the life of an Astronomy guide
I am an Astronomy guide. I live in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, working for Earth and Sky where we take people on tours of the sky and research telescopes. Because of my somewhat unique job title I often get asked about what I do. So, let me talk you through what happens. Firstly, …
The chronicles of the Head Cheese: Who owns the Moon?
The question of who owns the Moon has always been an interesting topic. Fortunately we have a treaty system to say that no one can own the Moon – but before this there were some very interesting and somewhat crazy claimants.