Ever wondered what it’s like to touch a star? Right here at Stardome Observatory in Auckland, you can begin to explore that dream. Stardome has been sharing the wonders of the cosmos since 1967. It is more than just a building. Stardome is a portal to the universe.
Stardome Observatory’s story began in 1948. The Auckland Astronomical Society started fundraising for a public observatory. By 1956, they had significant funds. A substantial bequest came from Mrs Edith Winstone Blackwell. It was for the purchase of a telescope for public use. The Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust Board was formed. It would build on these funds. It would provide for the construction and management of a new observatory.
In 1960, the One Tree Hill Borough Council provided a lease. It was for a site in One Tree Hill Domain. This lease has been extended. In March 1967, Stardome Observatory opened its doors.
Originally, the Auckland Museum operated a planetarium. The Farmers Trading Company donated it in 1958. However, the museum’s planetarium closed in 1989. This gave Stardome the opportunity to build a replacement. Fundraising was undertaken. The vision was clear. They wanted to provide the country with the best facility possible.
Major funding came from various sources. The Lotteries Commission contributed. So did the ASB Community Trust. A loan from the Auckland City Council helped. Donations from the Auckland public were crucial. Nearly $3 million was raised for the project. The new planetarium opened in February 1997. Its 11-meter domed cinema is the largest and most advanced in New Zealand.
Stardome is a trusted center. It shares astronomy and mātauranga Māori in Auckland. Visitors can learn with entertainment. They can explore the interconnections between people, Earth, and the cosmos. Stardome is a registered charity.
The Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is located at 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom. It is within Maungakiekie One Tree Hill Domain. The facility covers 1000 square meters. It features two telescope domes. One is available for public viewing sessions. There is a 75-seat planetarium. A gallery and exhibition space are available. You can find a retail shop. An outdoor courtyard provides telescope space. There’s space for education groups and private hire.
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium ensures celestial stories are shared. Astronomy, mātauranga Māori, and cosmological science are presented with integrity. Visitors can explore the connections between people, Earth, and the cosmos.
Stardome is a recognized ELC provider. Its education program aligns with Te Whāriki. It also aligns with the New Zealand curriculum, and Te Marautanga.
The Auckland Astronomical Society meets at Stardome. They meet on the first four Mondays of every month. The Society offers educational sessions. Speakers and lecturers are featured. Practical astronomy advice is given. They do documentary screenings. Educational outreach happens in the community.
In 1969, the observatory constructed a UBV photoelectric photometer. This was with assistance from the University of Auckland. This photometer on the Zeiss telescope became a successful instrument. It produced many research papers. The most important discovery was the phenomenon of super-humps. This was in the SU Ursae Majoris class of cataclysmic binary stars in 1974.
In 1988, Stardome participated in the discovery of Pluto’s atmosphere. This was by measuring the brightness change as the planet passed in front of a star.
The primary fixed telescope is the 0.5 m Edith Winstone Blackwell Telescope. It is a classical Cassegrain reflector. Carl Zeiss of Jena manufactured it. It was installed in late 1966. It is one of about 20 comparable instruments produced by Zeiss.
So, as you stand here at Stardome, remember you’re standing on a place of dreams, of discovery, and of endless possibilities. Look up. The universe awaits.