skywatch

Farewell to the celestial arachnid

Farewell to the celestial arachnid

Our southern summer nights are dominated by Orion.

Reflections on the hot hearts of the galaxy

The Southern Cross is reflected in the waters of Hoopers Inlet. Photo: Ian Griffith

Reflections on the hot hearts of the galaxy

Ever-increasing activity on the sun means there has been a lot of auroral action in the past few weeks.

Best seats for a great show

A long exposure photograph of the eclipse in May last year. Photo: Ian Griffin

Best seats for a great show

It's looking like clear skies in the South on Tuesday night to experience one of nature’s most spectacular light shows - a total lunar eclipse. And it's the last one we'll see until March 2025.

Galaxy sends its light from a distant past

The Andromeda Galaxy over the Southern Alps, with Lake Alexandrina in the foreground. Photo: Ian...

Galaxy sends its light from a distant past

The moon is new on Tuesday night. We are therefore entering the prime time of the month for stargazing, writes Ian Griffin.

Early-morning risers treated to view of Mars

This week I’d like to invite you to get up a little earlier than usual, writes astronomer Ian Griffin.

Nocturne captures an aurora’s pastel glow

Nocturne captures an aurora’s pastel glow

Arriving home after dinner with friends a few weeks ago, I noticed the sky was clear, writes Ian Griffin.

Mercury at its best, at arm’s length in the west

The moon reached last quarter yesterday, which means the early part of the night is devoid of moonlight and prime time for stargazing.

Breathtaking views in the clear air

The cockpit view from Sofia last weekend. PHOTO: IAN GRIFFIN

Breathtaking views in the clear air

Ian Griffin takes a trip on his favourite flying observatory for the last time.

Ringing the changes around Saturn

Any chance to observe the beautiful planet Saturn is good for the soul, writes Ian Griffin.

A deeper appreciation of natural purple

Purple sunrise over Otago Peninsula. PHOTO: IAN GRIFFIN

A deeper appreciation of natural purple

I have always been fascinated by the colour purple, writes Ian Griffin.

A big week for astronomers

The next seven days are exciting for anyone interested in astronomy.

An encounter with the rainbow of the night

Two of a sequence of photos taken with a wide angle ‘‘fisheye’’ lens.

An encounter with the rainbow of the night

The merest hint of an aurora compels me to fill my car with cameras and head out into the night, writes Ian Griffin.

A shepherd to the herdsman

With new moon occurring on June 10, the early part of the night will be dark, making it the perfect time to stargaze.

First-quarter a great time for the moon

The moon reaches the first quarter just after 10am on Thursday, which means our closest celestial neighbour will be relatively high in the northwestern sky at sunset.