May 2025 Star Party

The moon will be in hiding again, so it will be another great night to chase some deep space objects with the telescopes at the  Wai-iti Dark Sky Park on May Saturday 24th 

At the star party there will be telescopes provided by Nelson Astronomical Society members.

We require clear skies, so check the sky and check back here if he weather is a bit suss so we can advise of any cancellation. Please park in the river side park area and walk into the viewing area so your head lights do not upset the viewing.

Nelson Astronomical Society members attend free; for non-members, a koha would be appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE

Look for the illuminated orange cone as you cross the Reserve. This will mark the first of several telescopes we hope to have out. Please line up there and as the person in front of you finishes their turn on the telescope, step up to have a go. When you’ve finished, there will be another telescope further along with another queue forming.

But you don’t actually have to do the telescopes in order, feel free to join a queue further along if it is shorter.

Also, please feel free to ask questions of the volunteers who will be operating each telescope.

Note the following hazards: with the wet weather, there are ruts, mud and puddles at the entry to the viewing area and in the parking area. Please be aware of the uneven ground as well. Gumboots and warm socks may be a plan.

Dress warm, and please use a red light if you can for guidance into the viewing area. If you don’t have a red light, keep the torch light on the ground directly in front of you or your group and turn it off when not needed.