Exploring a cosmic spider’s web
Since my relocation to New Zealand almost 12 years ago, the southern sky has become more than just a view.
skywatch
Moon, Saturn appear close but don’t be fooled
Moon, Saturn appear close but don’t be fooled
As the sky darkens this week, Venus will be the first "star" you see, shining brightly in the western sky.
Jupiter at best in opposition
Jupiter at best in opposition
If you are a fan of the largest planet in the solar system, now is a great time to check it out.
Moon’s ‘straight wall’ should be visible by 3am
Moon’s ‘straight wall’ should be visible by 3am
Over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed some marvellous moon views using binoculars and telescopes.
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Planets in the western sky
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Planets in the western sky
In ancient mythology, the constellations of Scorpio and Orion are depicted as eternal opposites in the sky, locked in a perpetual celestial chase.
A tale of two auroras
A tale of two auroras
It was the best of times, and it was undoubtedly the epoch of incredulity last Friday night when I found myself perched beside one of the Otago Peninsula's back bays.
Test shots of our galaxy
Test shots of our galaxy
Last weekend, I was at the University of Canterbury’s observatory atop Mt John in the Mackenzie Country.
Best view of comet is now
Best view of comet is now
This week, I have been getting up before dawn to try to spot a bright comet in the eastern sky.
Old man shakes fist at lights
Old man shakes fist at lights
As twilight falls tonight, a celestial marvel will grace our evening sky: the planet Venus.
A very spotty sun
A very spotty sun
Each year, at approximately 5.15pm on April 21/22 and August 21/22, the sun sets directly behind the Mount Cargill Antenna, as viewed from my home in Portobello.
A distant nebula far, far away
A distant nebula far, far away
On Monday at 9.26pm, the moon will reach its last quarter, causing it to rise progressively later after midnight throughout the week.
The mysteries of the universe, like Steve
The mysteries of the universe, like Steve
You might think that writing a weekly astronomy column is challenging due to the slow pace of change in the cosmos.
Enchanted by an oceanic constellation
Enchanted by an oceanic constellation
On a night when an aurora illuminated the south, an oceanic constellation of krill proved a beautiful distraction.
Low Venus sneaks into Leo with a crescent Mercury
Low Venus sneaks into Leo with a crescent Mercury
On Monday afternoon at 4.15 and 51 seconds, it will be precisely four years until the peak of arguably the most exciting astronomical event ever in Otago.
Aurora’s crowning glory
Aurora’s crowning glory
The "Mother's Day" aurora of 2024 was undoubtedly one of the best seen from these shores in decades.
Mercury planet of extremes
Mercury planet of extremes
One of the most captivating books in my antique astronomy collection is Telescopic Work for Starlight Evenings, penned by William F. Denning in 1891.
When the Moon meets Matariki in the morning
When the Moon meets Matariki in the morning
Yesterday morning, we got to mark the start of the Māori year, as pre-dawn ceremonies across the land celebrated the appearance of Matariki in the morning sky.
Look for Matariki, a captivating celestial wonder
Look for Matariki, a captivating celestial wonder
On Friday we celebrate New Zealand’s third national Matariki holiday.
Comet’s ‘coma’ a sight to behold
Comet’s ‘coma’ a sight to behold
During the past six weeks, a stunning comet has been providing a remarkable display in the western sky after sunset.
Seeing Saturn’s rings in a new light
Seeing Saturn’s rings in a new light
Viewing Saturn is an unforgettable experience.