Quote:
Originally Posted by chellaxy
Hi there,
I was wondering whether there are any folks from Dunedin, NZ, in here that know of any groups or star parties that happen regularly ... or would be interested in getting one going?
Cheers!
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Hi there, yes there are a few NZers on here, and some of those from Otago, myself included. Dunedin has a small but active astro community, and the Beverly-Begg Observatory &
Dunedin Astronomical Society is indeed a good place to start when looking for like-minded people and some interesting projects.
Re star parties - DAS operates a dark-sky observing site with a heated but very basic cottage out near Middlemarch and organises observing sessions there on New Moon weekends (weather permitting obviously). While these are club events, they're pretty casual and visitors are generally welcome to tag along. Club membership, by the way, is reasonably priced and gives you access to a range of gear, including the observatory itself.
BBO is tucked away down at the far end of Robin Hood Park. You can park at Ross St and walk across on the sealed footpath. DAS also holds public sessions at BBO and other locations around the city around events like Matariki, the Dunedin Science Festival, or Wild Dunedin.
While Dunedin itself doesn't host big dedicated astro events, there are annual star parties further afield, such as
'Among the Stars' at Herbert (organised by Damien McNamara) in September, or
Stardate at Staveley (Canterbury) in February. However - living in Dunedin you'll know that quite often it's better to get to observing/imaging straight away when the weather is good, rather than wait for a star party to come around, or organise one. There are smaller groups of us heading out past Outram often when conditions look good and those outings tend to be pretty awesome.
Anyway shoot me a message if you'd like to know more, or pop around to one of BBO's public nights (Sundays from 7.30pm outside of daylight saving). Someone is usually there even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Might see you there...
