Two Dunedin boys have discovered the best place to view the night sky in the city, collecting accolades and praise in the process.
Kavanagh College pupils Campbell MacDade and Archie Campbell (both 11) won the premier award in the 2015 Aurora Otago Science and Technology Fair for their project on light pollution in Dunedin.
The boys took a sky-quality meter out across Dunedin and measured the amount of light pollution in various points in the city.
Their work would contribute to published research on the topic, Amadeo Enriquez-Ballestero, a Spanish-born science educator at the Otago Museum, said.
''We have got some kids that are doing science and they can reach other kids, reach parents and other adults, and reach the scientific community - that can't be done by scientists,'' he said.
''This is really neat for a year 7 kid. They are educating adults and helping other scientists.
''I think that's amazing. To me, it's an inspiration.''
The science fair project, titled ''Light Pollution: Where is the best place to see the Milky Way in Dunedin'', won three awards at the fair: the premier award, the excellence in energy research award and the School of Surveying, University of Otago award.
Even more impressive was the fact that it was the boys' first project for a science fair.
The boys were pleased with their haul and enjoyed science.
Their interest in the project began after they joined the Dunedin Space Programme.
Asked what the most challenging aspect of the project was, Campbell said: ''Trying to find a spot on the motorway [to perform light readings]''.
The pair hoped to continue contributing to research on the subject.
And, for the record, the best places to view the Milky Way in Dunedin are Hoopers Inlet and Tunnel Beach.
