Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand Observing and Interest Sections

Aurora and Solar Section

Director: Bob Evans
15 Taiepa Road,
RD9 Otatara,
Invercargill
 

The Section exists to encourage, help, collect and publish observations of the Aurora and Sun.
Southern New Zealand and Australia are particularly well-placed to observe the mid-latitude Aurora Australis. Since auroral activity is directly related to activity on and around the Sun, solar observing is an aid to predicting the occurrence of aurorae.
Accurate auroral and solar observations are accepted from anyone. Membership to the Section is encouraged ($20, any currency). You do not have to be a RASNZ member. A monthly Newsletter is produced summarising the previous month's auroral, solar and geomagnetic activity, and includes relevant news items from around the world and near space. Also, about once a year, a Circular is published including more detailed reports.
 

Comet and Meteor

Director: John Drummond
21 Marion Drive
Gisborne

Email to Comet and Meteor Section
 

Astrophotography Section

Director: John Drummond
21 Marion Drive,
Gisborne,
New Zealand

Email to Astrophotgraphy Section         Web site Astrophotography Section

The formation of the section reflects the large increase in interest in astronomical imaging which has developed recently and is open to all who have an interest in this field.

Anyone interested in joining the section should contact the director by Email or post for further information.
 

Occultation Section

The RASNZ Occultation Section exists to promote occultation observing within New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

Details of five recent succesful observations of occultations of stars by Minor Planets.

Lunar occultations occur when the Moon passes in front of stars or planets; planetary occultations occur when planets or minor planets (asteroids) pass in front of stars. Timing the instant at which an occultation occurs provides important information about the position of objects in space. In the case of minor planet occultations, it provides the only direct means of measuring an asteroid's diameter.

The Section provides general information and assistance to new observers. It publishes quarterly News Circulars, and a series of Circulars containing predictions of minor planet occultations. Membership of the Section is open to anyone - you do not need to be a member of the RASNZ. For further information contact Graham Blow.

The Section also operates a programme to observe the eclipses of Jupiter's satellites, these have contributed to the planning of NASA's Galileo mission. For further information contact Brian Loader: palbrl@caverock.net.nz
 

Variable Star Section

The Variable Star Section exists to :

1. Act as a centre for the coordination of Southern Hemisphere Variable Star observing and provide continuing encouragement and feedback to current and new observers.

2. Develop and maintain close contact with other organisations such as the AAVSO and the BAA-VSS particularly to ensure consistent observing methods and recording of data.

Variable Star Section web site.

For further information contact the coordinator, Pauline Loader
14 Craigieburn Street,
Darfield 8172,
New Zealand.
 

The Variable Star Section was founded in 1927 by Dr Frank Bateson who retired as director at the end of 2004.

Pending the appontment of a new director, please contact Pauline Loader for further information

Education Section

Director: Mr Gavin Milne
Mount Albert Grammar School
Alberton Avenue
Mount Albert
Auckland
New Zealand.

Email to Education Section        Section webite

RASNZ Dark Sky Group

Contact: Mr Steve Butler
52 Duncan Street,
Invercargill,
New Zealand.

Email to Steve Butler

RASNZ is actively involved promoting efficient night lighting to preserve dark skies. At the beginning of 2005 it became a signatory to the NZ Urban Design Protocol to promote the efficient and effective use of lighting and to assist in the recovery and preservation of the urban view of the night sky.

Steve Butler has developed a set of web site pages as part of the RASNZ site. Those interested in preserving our dark skies should visit the RASNZ dark sky site. The site is still undergoing development, so regular additions and changes are likely.