Are you one of those who wants to be inspired by the beauty of the night sky and wants to learn more about the stars, then join the upcoming ‘immersive’ course being offered by the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy (AAA).
An astronomy and astrotourism course for astrotourism guides, amateur astronomers and the general public will take place in Kuaotunu in the Coromandel from September 18 to 20.
The course is being offered by the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy (AAA), a non-profit organization founded in 2021 by Professor John Hearnshaw, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at Canterbury University, and Nalayini Davies, who was until recently President of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. She is now the president of DarkSky International, based in Tucson Arizona.
AAA’s immersive course over 2½ days is for anyone wanting to learn how to appreciate the beauty of the night sky, learn more about the stars and how to observe them using binoculars or a small telescope. No previous astronomy knowledge is required. Practical advice on astrophotography and on Māori astronomy and Matariki will be part of the AAA course.
The course will offer an intensive programme of talks and practical workshops, including night-time observing, and will have seven instructors from some of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable astronomy and astrotourism experts, says Prof. Hearnshaw.
Earth and Space Science teachers in New Zealand high schools, who want a refresher on astronomy, astrophysics, practical observing and astrophotography are also welcome.
Bruce Ngataierua, Nalayini Davies, Prof John Hearnshaw, Alan Gilmore and Gareth Davies are among those who will hosts various talks, hold workshops.
The main course venue will be the Kuaotunu Community Hall, in Kuaotunu, which is about 16 km north of Whitianga. Visits to the nearby Stargazers’ B&B and observatory, operated by local astronomer Alastair Brickell, are also planned during the course.
More details and on-line registrations can be made at: https://aaanz.org
