Rotorua Astronomical Society

Rotorua Astronomical Society Contributors to the page:
Rotorua Astronomical Society We are a small group that is steadily growing - and boy are we enthusiastic about what we do!

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RAS meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30pm at the Rotorua Arts Village (RAVE), 1240 Hinemaru St (corner of Hinemaru and Himemoa Sts ) Rotorua. The monthly meetings generally include presentations from members or a special guest covering a wide variety of topics as well as viewing through the society’s telescope when the weather permits. The Rotorua Astrono

mical Society (RAS) was established in February 1986 and is affiliated with the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ). Engaging with schools, community groups and visitors is one of our favourite things to do and we are proud to say we often go above and beyond to share our passion and collective knowledge with the community. The intention of making astronomy accessible to the community and ignite people's wonder of science is what drives us. The intention of its founding members in 1986 was to create a group with a shared passion of astronomy and make astronomical events easily accessible to the Rotorua community. One of the main focuses of the group in 1986 was the study and observation of Halley’s Comet. This was particularly relevant as it was a once in a life time opportunity to see the return of the comet during its regular 72 - 76 year orbit. RAS’s involvement in education in and around Rotorua continues to grow including visits to schools and organisations in the community throughout the year. Opportunities to attend various astronomical events around New Zealand throughout the year are coordinated through the society. These are a great way to meet new people, gain access to some truly impressive telescopes and to observe the busy skies and all they have to offer away from the light pollution of our cities. Being a member of RAS is a great way to share knowledge and understanding of astronomy and the science behind it. RAS Annual Membership is available as follows:
Per person $25.00
Couple or family $40.00
Casual (with first meeting free) $5.00

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22/02/2026

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In just 10 days, Aotearoa New Zealand will have a front-row seat to witness a total lunar eclipse in its entirety - the only lunar eclipse of 2026.

The lunar eclipse will begin on the night of 3 March at around 9:45pm, when the Moon starts to enter Earth’s shadow, slowly dimming before turning a deep red hue at around 11pm. Totality will occur just after midnight, with the best time to catch the eclipse around 12:30am.

Lunar eclipses require no special equipment — just your eyes and a clear view of the sky. Be sure to check the forecast for your local area if you’re planning to watch this dazzling celestial display.

There will not be another total lunar eclipse until 2028, and we are among the few locations able to watch the entire event unfold over the Pacific. Only an estimated 2% of Earth’s population will be able to view this eclipse from beginning to end.

One for early risers and rainless skies .......
17/08/2025

One for early risers and rainless skies .......

Top tips for seeing the morning planet alignment on 18 and 19 August 2025, including where to look and when.

Dusting off and giving the Rotorua Astronomical Societies Celestron C8 Schmidt-Cassergrain a run.
15/08/2025

Dusting off and giving the Rotorua Astronomical Societies Celestron C8 Schmidt-Cassergrain a run.

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31/07/2025

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NEW STARLINK TRAIN ALERT ~6:15pm Thurs 31 July

Weather permitting, the newest Starlink satellite train (G10-29) *may* be visible tonight from around 6:15pm (depending on your location). Please allow a few minutes either side as this data may have changed since launch.

As seen from Tauranga, Starlink G10-29 will rise in the Southwest at around 6:15pm and will pass high across the sky as it passes over the Waikato. Starlink will be highest, almost straight up, at 6:18pm before heading Northeast.

Please refer to the map to check the direction you need to be looking as seen from your location. For observers in the South Island, Starlink will appear 2-3 minutes earlier, rising in the Southwest.

Due to a number of factors, there is no guarantee the satellite train will be visible - but if it is, it may be a spectacular sight.

You might want to set a reminder alarm on your phone! :)

In the north-eastern sky shortly before sunrise at about 6:00am early risers will see a bright star. This is the plant V...
23/07/2025

In the north-eastern sky shortly before sunrise at about 6:00am early risers will see a bright star. This is the plant Venus which is one of the brightest objects in the sky. The seven bright stars known as Matariki or Pleiades surrounded by a fuzzy bright cloud of nebulosity are now visible higher to the left of Venus.
The planet Jupiter can be spotted just appearing up above the horizon.
To the right is the grouping of stars commonly known to most New Zealanders as the pot. The pot is part of the constellation of Orion the hunter. In the head of Orion above the three bright stars is the Orion nebula, an area of star birth.
All these objects present well through a set of binoculars or a small telescope. The images are from Stellarium which is a free planetarium software that can downloaded from Google play to a cell phone.

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