Astronomy

Learn about the wonderful celestial objects you can observe in the night sky in July!

The Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School is an annual  five-day camp for Year 12 and 13 students interested in studying Astronomy or Physics at university. This year, the programme ran from 13-17 April, with 20 students selected from all over New Zealand. With a mix of seminars and practical work, the students were immersed in various topics in astronomy...

This article is focused on constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically New Zealand in May 2019. As we approach winter in the Southern Hemisphere, we say farewell to some constellations and welcome others. Read on to find out what celestial objects you can observe this month in New Zealand! Planets Venus is visible in the morning this month and rises before...

This article has been written in honour of Yuri’s Night, celebrated worldwide every year on the 12th of April. One of the most inspiring figures in spaceflight history is Yuri Gagarin. Gagarin, a Russian Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, was the first human in space. He made history when he completed one orbit of the Earth in the Vostok spacecraft on...

We can now create a close up image of light bending around a 6.5 billion solar mass black hole 55 million light years away. Wow! This discovery, like that of gravitational waves a few years ago, marks another important milestone in understanding the strong gravity of black holes. It is also a red letter day for Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr,...

Dr Karen Pollard is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She is also the Director of the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory, and her research interest is stellar evolution and pulsating stars. Origins and early influences Karen started her astronomical journey at a young age. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Karen has lived...

The Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School is a five-day event for Year 13 students interested in studying Astronomy or Physics at university. The programme runs from 13-17 April and students will spend time at both the University of Canterbury's Ilam Campus and at Mt John Observatory in Tekapo. Applications are now open, closing 8 March. Learn more.