RASNZ

Spectacular celestial alignment!

WHY DARK SKIES MATTER
Dark skies matter because they protect our view of the stars, support wildlife and human health, save energy, and connect communities to science, culture, and wonder.
1. Astronomical observation and asteroid monitoring are hindered by artificial light at night.
2. Ecosystems and wildlife depend on natural darkness for migration, reproduction, and survival.
3. Cultural heritage and humanity's ancient connection to the stars are being lost to light pollution.
4. Public engagement with science diminishes when people can no longer see the night sky.
NZ IAU Astronomy Outreach IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Why dark skies matter?

You don't want to miss this!

The RASNZ Newsletter for June 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rtxWqIzBUib3YBU47mz530TFZk2yt87a/view

Over the coming week, keep an eye out early evening around 6 pm low in the northwestern sky for the bright planet Venus (Kōpū or Meremere in the evening sky) as it races higher up to meet Jupiter (Hine-i-tīweka).
On Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June, in a spectacular scene these two bright planets will lie close to each other.
Mercury (Whiro) is also rising towards Jupiter during this time.
Take the time to have a look as it will be over 3 years before these two bright planets come close each other again.
NZ IAU Astronomy Outreach IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Some images from the RASNZ Conference in Blenheim at the Scenic Hotel, 15-17 May 2026. A special thanks to the RASNZ Standing Conference Committee and Local Organising Committee of the Omaka Observatory Trust for putting on such a fantastic conference.
NZ IAU Astronomy Outreach IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

This Givealittle page is to raise funds for the secondary school students that make up the national team representing Aotearoa New Zealand at the International Olympiad for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Hanoi, Vietnam 25 September - 5 Oct, 2026 https://www.ioaa2026.vn/en

All funds raised through this page will be directly used to support the New Zealand national representative team, covering the necessary expenses to help them travel and compete in the IOAA international finals. Your contribution ensures that our talented students have the opportunity to represent Aotearoa New Zealand on the global stage. Please give a donation to help support the NZOAA team https://www.nzoaa.com/
NZ IAU Astronomy Outreach IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand We built this page for our subordinate section, the NZOAA, to raise funds for the national team representing New Zealand at the IOAA.

For anyone wanting to check out the conference schedule in advance it is on the conference website. Registrations remain open for the $25 online streaming option until tomorrow. https://www.rasnzconference.org.nz/event-details-registration/2026-rasnz-conference

The RASNZ Conference in Blenheim is in a week and there is still time to register. If you are unable to attend in person, you can still attend the talks via the livestream and it will only cost $25. Register for the livestream through the link below and a separate Zoom link will be sent to you.

https://www.rasnzconference.org.nz/event-details-registration/2026-rasnz-conference