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James Smith
Astronomy – Around the Southern Cross
One of the most recognisable constellations in the winter sky is the Southern Cross, also known as Crux. It is so well known that it...
Astronomy – Winter wonders
This time of year, everything changes. We say goodbye to summer sky constellations and welcome the winter ones. Orion, which dominates the summer skies, now...
Astronomy – Special Christmas star
If you look up into the night sky during the Christmas period, you will see something rare – a special Christmas star. To be fair,...
Astronomy – Planet month
November is the month of the planets. Seven of them making an appearance this month. Venus will be the brightest of them all, but Mercury,...
Astronomy – A bright red star
A question I have been asked often in recent days is what is that bright, red star in the east. If you go out in...
Astronomy – Spring skies
Spring is my favourite time of year, particularly as an astronomer. The weather is warming up, which makes for a more comfortable skygazing experience, yet...
Astronomy – Father’s Day in the stars
With Father’s Day around the corner, I was asked recently whether I had any astronomy related ideas for the perfect Father’s Day. For me, Great...
Astronomy – Matariki a positive sign
In ages past, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became...
Astronomy – All you need is binoculars
I love our winter skies! New Zealand, in particular, boasts very clean air which provides fantastic opportunities for star gazing. And there is so much...
Astronomy – Winter revelations
As we move from autumn towards winter, the skies above us change.Orion, who dominates the summer skies is moving off and is now setting in...
