Aurora, dark skies and backyard astronomy from Aotearoa New Zealand

7 November 2026 A Guide to the Magellanic Clouds

How to find and explore the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds from New Zealand, with the Tarantula Nebula, 47 Tucanae and NGC 362, and when they ride highest.

5 November 2026 Using a deck as a stargazing platform, and keeping the timber sound

How to make a backyard deck work for telescopes and binoculars: dealing with vibration, red-friendly lighting, and caring for outdoor timber in NZ sun.

5 November 2026 Spiders, wasps and mice: keeping critters out of your telescope and observatory

The spiders, moths, wasps and rodents a New Zealand stargazer actually meets, and how to keep them out of telescope tubes, cases, sheds and observatories.

3 November 2026 Weatherproofing a Backyard Observatory

Keeping a roll-off roof or dome observatory dry in New Zealand weather: sealing, flashings, condensation control, insects, UV-resistant finishes, rust and wind.

30 October 2026 Where to Go Stargazing in the South Island

South Island stargazing spots from Takapō and Aoraki to Wai-iti, Rakiura, Central Otago and the Catlins, with notes on weather, access and the West Coast.

29 October 2026 Outdoor Lighting at Home and the Night Sky

A practical checklist for lighting the outside of a New Zealand home without washing out the stars: shielding, warm colour, timers, brightness and wildlife.

22 October 2026 Photographing the Aurora with a Phone or Camera

Practical settings for catching the aurora australis on a phone or camera in New Zealand: night mode, manual exposure, focusing on a star and foregrounds.

17 October 2026 Binocular Astronomy Under the Southern Sky

Why 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars are the best first instrument in New Zealand, how to steady them, and the southern targets worth finding in each season.