MEETINGS & OBSERVING
Throughout 2019 Society meetings are to be held on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Clubrooms, 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Carterton. These regular dates have been selected because most occur near new-moon. This allows, weather permitting, telescope viewing of deep space objects following the meeting. In addition, the afternoons can be used, as required, for working bees and other functions.
Tales Of The Solstice - Public Event
7pm Saturday December 22 nd at Stonehenge Aotearoa
Sundown on the 22nd is the time of Solstice - mid-summer in the southern hemisphere, mid-winter in the north. But, 2,000 years ago this solstice occurred on December 25th . At Stonehenge Aotearoa we have put together a special presentation on legends associated with the solstice: What was the ‘Star of Bethlehem’, who were the ‘Three Kings’ and, just who were those ‘Shepherds watching their flocks by night’? Who was ‘Father Christmas’ and why did Rudolf have a red nose? In this presentation we look at the astronomical events and astrological meanings that lay at the foundation of many of our traditions and spiritual beliefs.
The program includes, weather permitting, viewing the Sun set over the Summer Solstice Heel Stone. Bookings are essential. Fee: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Children $5 (Phoenix members free).
7pm Saturday December 22 nd at Stonehenge Aotearoa
Sundown on the 22nd is the time of Solstice - mid-summer in the southern hemisphere, mid-winter in the north. But, 2,000 years ago this solstice occurred on December 25th . At Stonehenge Aotearoa we have put together a special presentation on legends associated with the solstice: What was the ‘Star of Bethlehem’, who were the ‘Three Kings’ and, just who were those ‘Shepherds watching their flocks by night’? Who was ‘Father Christmas’ and why did Rudolf have a red nose? In this presentation we look at the astronomical events and astrological meanings that lay at the foundation of many of our traditions and spiritual beliefs.
The program includes, weather permitting, viewing the Sun set over the Summer Solstice Heel Stone. Bookings are essential. Fee: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Children $5 (Phoenix members free).
Telescope Viewing
Saturday March 2nd
Following ‘Human Evolution” (and tea) Ian Cooper will, weather permitting, take us on a laser tour of the night sky followed by telescope viewing. Prime telescopic targets will be the wonders of Argo Navis and Centaurus - the Great Nebula in Carina – a vast cloud of glowing gas studded with stars and star clusters. The Gum Nebula, the relic of titanic supernova explosions. And, the spectacular colossal star cluster Omega Centauri.
Saturday March 2nd
Following ‘Human Evolution” (and tea) Ian Cooper will, weather permitting, take us on a laser tour of the night sky followed by telescope viewing. Prime telescopic targets will be the wonders of Argo Navis and Centaurus - the Great Nebula in Carina – a vast cloud of glowing gas studded with stars and star clusters. The Gum Nebula, the relic of titanic supernova explosions. And, the spectacular colossal star cluster Omega Centauri.
Autumn Equinox
Thursday March 21st at 7pm
In the ancient world the Autumn Equinox was one of the most important days in the year. It marked a time of change in the seasons and the tasks of the people. Weather permitting our program begins with observing the Sun set on the Equinox Heel Stone at Stonehenge Aotearoa. This occurs only on the day of the equinox, hence the reason for the date of this program. After sunset there will be a shared meal and a special presentation by Richard Hall: ‘Legends of the Equinox’.
Thursday March 21st at 7pm
In the ancient world the Autumn Equinox was one of the most important days in the year. It marked a time of change in the seasons and the tasks of the people. Weather permitting our program begins with observing the Sun set on the Equinox Heel Stone at Stonehenge Aotearoa. This occurs only on the day of the equinox, hence the reason for the date of this program. After sunset there will be a shared meal and a special presentation by Richard Hall: ‘Legends of the Equinox’.
Page Modified 26/02/2019
