International Astronomy Day

Friday 8 April 2005

Stardome Celebrates International Astronomy Day (Saturday 16 April)

International Astronomy Day is on Saturday 16 April and the Stardome Observatory is doing something special to celebrate.

Originating in California in 1973, International Astronomy Day is celebrated by astronomers and astronomy fans in more than 30 countries.

To encourage people to get involved in International Astronomy Day and find out more about space and the universe, the Stardome is offering free evening telescope viewing on Saturday 16 April.

Between 8-10pm, you can head to the Stardome and view the night sky up close through the Stardome’s powerful telescopes. A guide will be on hand to provide commentary on what can be seen and to assist and answer questions. Telescope viewing is weather dependent.

Also on Saturday 16 April, the Stardome is offering discounted entry to its shows, all of which take place in the Stardome’s Planetarium, a panoramic theatre with all-sky, 360-degree imagery and surround sound.

Entry for kids to afternoon shows is half price at $3.00 per child. Suited to younger children, ‘Magic Sky’ is at 1.15pm and ‘The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket’ is at 2.15pm. While ‘BIG’ at 3.15pm, is more suited to older children and adults.

Evening shows are half price for adults at $6.00 per adult. ‘The Sky Tonight’ at 7pm, is a classic Planetarium show with a guided tour of the seasonal Southern Hemisphere sky from dusk to dawn. ‘BIG’ at 8pm, is an imaginative show narrated by Richard Attenborough which explores the

age-old mysteries of the universe.

Space is limited, so bookings are essential for evening shows. To make a booking, phone John or Jasmine at the Stardome on 09 624 1246. For more information, visit

www.stardome.org.nz.

The Stardome Observatory is located in One Tree Hill Domain, off Manukau Road in Auckland.

ENDS

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