https://astronomy.net.nz/ Aurora, dark skies and backyard astronomy from Aotearoa New Zealand en-nz https://astronomy.net.nz/southern-cross-finding-south/ https://astronomy.net.nz/southern-cross-finding-south/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:40:00 GMT How to find due south from the Southern Cross and the Pointers, why there is no southern pole star, and how the Cross shifts through the night and the seasons. https://astronomy.net.nz/matariki-finding-the-cluster/ https://astronomy.net.nz/matariki-finding-the-cluster/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:55:00 GMT How to find the Matariki star cluster low in the north-east before dawn in late June and July, with tips for practising in summer and the binocular view. https://astronomy.net.nz/choosing-first-telescope-nz/ https://astronomy.net.nz/choosing-first-telescope-nz/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:10:00 GMT Dobsonian, refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain? A practical guide to choosing a first telescope in New Zealand, and the southern targets that make it worthwhile. https://astronomy.net.nz/best-stargazing-spots-north-island/ https://astronomy.net.nz/best-stargazing-spots-north-island/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:20:00 GMT Where to find properly dark skies in the North Island, from Aotea and the Wairarapa coast to the central plateau, with notes on access, weather and safety. https://astronomy.net.nz/dark-sky-places-new-zealand/ https://astronomy.net.nz/dark-sky-places-new-zealand/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:35:00 GMT A guide to New Zealand's certified dark sky reserves, sanctuaries and parks, from Aoraki Mackenzie to Wairarapa, and what each designation actually means. https://astronomy.net.nz/aurora-forecast-nz/ https://astronomy.net.nz/aurora-forecast-nz/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 17:50:00 GMT Kp, Bz, solar wind speed and BoM watches explained for New Zealand observers, plus how to judge whether tonight's aurora australis is worth a drive south.