Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand Stardates and Meetings

The South Island Stardate for 2008 will be held from Friday to Sunday, 8 to 10 February that is just after New Moon on February 7. (The dates have been put back one week from those previously announced to avoid the Moon just after first quarter.)  See below and the S.I. Stardate website for more more details.

South Island Stardates are held at Staveley, Canterbury on a weekend near new moon during February. 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, far from major light pollutants, is 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 and you are welcome to bring a BBQ. We must restrict the numbers using bunks to 72 and the total to 96 ... so be quick with your applications.

NOTE: Attendees need to bring pillows, sleeping bags, towels, warm clothes, eating utensils and food. And don't forget your observing equipment.

Camp Iona provides a superb deep sky site and the accommodation is very reasonable for the price. Cost is $25 for 3 nights $10 for one night and $20 for two nights. We provide some light refreshment tea coffee, etc, with this.

There has been plenty of interest already but at least 30 people are needed to make the event a success. Last year we got around 40 and in previous events over 60 have attended. It's a good time to catch up with the goings on, astronomically speaking, of the lower half of the South Island.

It is customary for a few talks to be given. Anyone wanting to attend or give a talk should contact Phil Barker or Ross Dickie.

Stardate N.I.

The 2008 Stardate will be held in the Tutituki Valley near Havelock, North Hawkes Bay Thursday January 10 to Monday January 14.

For further details and to register interest go to the stardate web page

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