Stargazing Geraldine

23/09/2026

Happy Equinox from Lake Hāwea!

Today the length of the night is equal to the length of the day and from now, the days will grow longer and warmer. Equinox is a helpful reminder for us to pause, check in and make sure life feels balanced, and adjust if required.

This photo is of my husband Mark Luxton, over looking Lake Hāwea on this moonlit night. The brightest star above his head is Altair (look for the group of 3, Altair is in the middle), part of the constellation of Aquila.

Mark is the number 1 supporter of Stargazing Geraldine (there are others too 😊) often giving up quiet nights in (and occasionally the rugby) to make sure our sessions are ready to roll before guests arrive. And now he is my astrophotography model.... thanks so much Mark x

03/08/2026

Mōrena stargazers 🥰 On my way to put the kettle on this morning, I stuck my face out the curtains to check on the sky. A gasp let my husband know the stars were great.
"Put your shoes on" he reminded me. I tend to just walk outside in my pj's and barefeet on stunning starry mornings and I've had the flu so it's good advice to a stargazer.

Once the coffee was brewing, I went back out with my new cellphone (splurge) and phone holder (cheap as from kmart) and had a go with the expert raw camera app. And voila, 10 minutes later I had captured my very first astrophoto! One of the best things about astronomy is there will always be something new and exciting to learn. 🤩

This is a photo of "The Pot". The pot is in the middle. The row of 3 bright stars is Orions Belt. This makes the bottom of the pot. Another name for these brilliant 3 stars is Tautoru - any other stars you recognise in this photo?

Photo credit: Ruth Thorner

12/04/2026

Kia ora 😊 its a great moon phase for stargazing this week but oh, those clouds are hanging around.
As all sky watchers know, the clouds have their own magic that draws us outside and encourages us to look up. While we wait for clear skies, here is a photo taken from our backyard showing Crepuscular Rays - this is an optical effect between clouds and sunlight as the sun sets.
I've been keeping an eye on the forecast, we might get a clear night on Thursday, if we do..... will you be outside and looking up? 🌟🥰

22/03/2026

More aurora action this weekend with a beautiful display of colours. I've recently learned, the colour depends on the type of gases in the earth's atmosphere that gets hit by the solar particles!! I missed the action myself but was super excited to hear and share the experience of others enjoying the show. 🥰
Equinox was also this weekend, when the day and night are equal lengths. We are now moving into the season of longer nights and shorter days as the season turns. Thanks Martyn Lea for sharing your wonderful photos.

16/03/2026

Magnificent photo captured by Martyn Lea on the weekend. There are so many of my favorites here, the Southern Cross, the Emu in the sky, the Magellanic Clouds as well as the Aurora. The night sky truly is magic 🌟

08/03/2026

This week's highlight was the Total Lunar eclipse - did you get to tick this off your astronomy bucket list? In Geraldine we were fortunate to be in the right place, at the right time with the right conditions. A total lunar eclipse is a process over a number of hours as the moon travels through the earth's shadow. Midway through the process, the moon takes on a red tinge, a wonderful phenomenon to observe. It's because of this red colour a Total Lunar eclipse is also known as a Blood Moon. Martyn Lea was up and making the most of the perfect conditions. Here is a sample of his photos showing the different stages of the Blood Moon process.

03/03/2026

Perfect conditions in Geraldine tonight for the lunar eclipse, its starting soon and will be at its best between 12am and 1pm. Enjoy 🤩

We are just one day away from a total lunar eclipse visible throughout the country! Here are the exact timings from start to finish for tomorrow nights blood Moon. New Zealand is one of a few countries that will be able to witness the eclipse for its entire duration.

The best time to see the blood Moon will be from midnight to 1am (New Zealand time), with the peak of the eclipse occuring just after 12:30am. If you manage to capture this beautiful celestial event, be sure to send us your photos!

02/03/2026

Its Autumn! While I reluctantly let go of the summer that never was, I am getting excited for cold and clear winter nights that will be full of stars.
I was delighted to see the two Pointers and Southern Cross high overhead when I stepped outside this morning.
It was quite light out, but this beacon of stars allowed me to get my bearings at the start of the day, reminding me of my place in the universe. I look forward to sharing the stars with you this season. ❤🌟
Photo credit: Phil Guilford. Aoraki behind the Ho**er Valley glacial lake. Thanks Phil. https://youtube.com/?si=1Ga56HYNih3rVScU

12/01/2026

Amazed everytime I see these bats. Thank you South Canterbury Pekapeka tou roa /Longtailed bat and Talbot Forest Working Group. Hear the sound of the bat detector followed by the fly by near the top left of the open sky 🦇

01/01/2026

Kia ora Stargazers and Happy New Year! While we wait for the clouds to clear, there is another special nocturnal experience to enjoy in Geraldine. View the Pekapeka bats emerging from their roost to feed at dusk from tomorrow 2 Jan to 12 Jan. Organised each year by the Talbot Forest Working Group a passionate and knowledgeable team keen to protect and promote these precious bats. See you there!

A chance to view bats in Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve, Geraldine