2012 Stardate N.I.

The 2012 Stardate will be held at the usual dark sky site in the Tukituki Valley near Havelock, North Hawkes Bay Friday January 20 to Monday January 23. For anyone with an interest in astronomy, StarDate provides opportunities to look through a range of telescopes, listen to a wide range of astronomy related talks and meet a variety of astronomers.

Stardate is an astronomical gathering for people who are interested in observing the stars through a variety of telescopes brought along by participants; people who like listening to interesting talks and participating in workshops; people who like good food and good company; people who are interested in diverse aspects of astronomy. By the way that includes children; Stardate is a family affair.

The programme commences at 7pm on Friday 20 January and ends on Sunday night. There are no programmed events on Monday, but there will be informal activities for those that want to stay longer. Please keep an eye on the webpage as we will post the programme as speakers and topics are confirmed. But you don't need to wait for the programme - a special early bird fee applies prior to 1 December. You can register and pay by credit card online.

NOTE: the exact arrival and departure times are yet to be confirmed.

For further details go to the NI Stardate web page.

2012 South Island Stardate

The South Island Stardate for 2012 will be held from Friday 17 February to Sunday, 19 February. South Island Stardates are held at Staveley, Canterbury a dark sky site close to the Inland Scenic route on a weekend near new moon. The event is open to any interested people and is not restricted to members of astronomical organizations. Families, spouses and friends are welcome to attend.

The venue (Presbyterian Church Camp), has bunk accommodation for around 72 persons. There are also a few power sites for caravans/campervans - no extra charge for these. There is also plenty of room to erect tents.

Staveley is far from major light pollutants, 112km from Christchurch. The complex comprises a hall, a dining area, ablutions, kitchen and 8 dormitories with bunks and mattresses. There is 4 hectares of space for tents if you wish, and also 12 caravan points, 6 old types, 6 new. The kitchen has a commercial range and basic kitchen utensils, plus a deep freeze, fridges and a microwave. There is also a BBQ area, you are welcome to bring a BBQ. Attendees need to bring pillows, sleeping bags, towels, warm clothes, eating utensils and food. And don't forget your observing equipment.

For more details and registration go to the S.I. Stardate website.

Herbert Astronomy Weekend

The 2011 Herbert event will be on September 2nd to 5th at Camp IONA, Herbert which is about 20 km south of Oamaru. Camp Iona is signposted 2km west from the main road at Herbert so is easy to find. The gathering has exclusive use of the camp which accommodates around 100.

Everyone is welcome. The costs for adults are $12 for one night, $24 for two nights or $30 for three nights.
For secondary school teenagers, they are $10 for one night and $20 for two nights.
Primary / intermediate school children are $6 per night.
Pay your fees on-site at Camp Iona.

The site offers very good bunk rooms and showers, a spacious meeting room, a good kitchen with excellent cooking facilities and refrigerator. Please bring warm sleeping bags and warm clothing, also cutlery, plates etc, and food. This is a great dark sky site, so don't forget to bring your telescopes as well.

Tea, coffee, Milo and morning tea will be provided.

Those intending to come to our Herbert Astronomy Weekend are definitely encourage to register online, where more details about the Weekend can also be viewed.

There will be a few speakers, and a data projector, screen and computer will be available.

If you wish to present a talk, or for any queries about the Herbert Astronomy Weekend, please contact Ross Dickie.