We are a social enterprise who provides access to the night sky for everyone.
Anyone 15 and under gets free stargazing access with our powerful telescopes.
Our elite science communicators are Hari and Sam.
Hari is an astrobiologist and a senior space sciences communicator. She interned at NASA, trained for Mars and created numerous Mars outreach programmes in New Zealand, including the Mars exhibition at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Sam is formally trained in astrophysics and communications. He’s a former airforce officer and a long-time amateur astronomer. Hari and Sam have each been stargazing for more than 20 years.
stargazing in the wairarapa
Friday and Saturday we are stargazing from Stonehenge Aotearoa, home of the Phoenix Astronomical Society.
*********During Alert Level 2 we are operating Star Safari with some restrictions – please see below***********
We currently operate from Stonehenge Aotearoa, the home of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, in the heart of Wairarapa. See directions below on how to get there.
From 15 October we start our first session at 8:30pm and the second session at 10:30pm.
We are open this Friday 1 October but not Saturday 2 October.
Every Friday and Saturday, we take you on a space and astronomy experience, called Star-Safari, which is a social enterprise that brings access to the night sky for everyone.
Get a fun, inspiring night with our elite science communicators: Hari, a TEDx-featured astrobiologist who interned at NASA and trained for Mars and Sam, who is pursuing his passion for astrophysics and stars.
During COVID19 Alert Level 2 times and dates may vary so please check regularly.
Star Safari
Kids should not pay for inspiration. Bring your 15 and under for free!
Learn about space, the Universe, the Planets, the origin of life and prospects of life in the Universe, in the Astrobiology Dome.
What is the Astrobiology Dome?
The Astrobiology Dome is a portable planetarium, a giant tent, inflated by air. Inside, we project a simulation of what we know about the Universe, using the latest data acquired by spacecraft and satellites. The planetarium uses data from the latest missions to Mars, the Moon and the Solar System, and deep sky surveys.
Walk with us among the stars!
What to expect
Time permitting, will visit the International Space Station, the Moon, any of the planets of the Solar System, Pluto and the Kuiper belt and then we head out beyond the Solar System to the stars and beyond our galaxy to the Universe.
Each show is different. The shows are live. The shows are not scripted and they are not recordings. You can ask questions.
Where: Rangatahi hub – Carterton Event Centre
The Rangitahi Hub is behind the Carterton Events Centre with the entrance off SH2 between Carters (the large green building) and the Clock Tower. There are a few carparks up the driveway, past Carters and by the entrance to the Carterton Bowls Club. Entrance to the Rangitahi is up the ramp and through the doors on the left, where the yellow arrow points.
Buy tickets online or on arrival. Priority will be given to prepurchased tickets.
We believe that access to the night sky should be affordable and open to anyone.
We created Milky-Way.Kiwi and Star Safari as a social enterprise that provides access to the night sky.
Kids and young people
We believe that is really important for kids and young people to appreciate the night sky and we want to help them be aware of what is possible and what their future might hold.
We know that we are made of stardust, this is probably the most significant connexion we have to each other and with the Universe. We want to share this with as many of them as possible. When you realise we are all made from stars, you also realise anything is possible.
Therefore, for Star Safari and for all our courses, 15 and under are free.
