Fostering Astronomy in the Nelson & Tasman Regions

Education

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, usually at the Cawthron Institute’s Milton Room. Talks on various astronomical subjects are given at these meetings. Upcoming talks will be posted on the Events Calendar

Observatory

The Society manages the Cawthron Atkinson Observatory, which is located at Clifton Terrace School. The observatory houses a 14″ schmidt cassegrain telescope, which provides glorious views of the stars, planets and deep sky objects. It also houses several smaller telescopes. The observatory is open to the public periodically from April until October, when the nights are longer. Open times can be found posted on the Events Calendar.

Open nights for special interest groups are also possible. Please send a request through the contact form below.

Dark Sky Park

The Nelson region is home to one of the few New Zealand designated Dark Sky Sites at the Wai-iti Domain. Star Parties are held there periodically through the winter period. These are open to the public to come and observe through members telescopes. Star Party nights are posted on the Events Calendar.