The Dark Sky Reserve Mount John Observatory is located in the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand. It is one of the best places in the world to view the night sky, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. The observatory is situated atop Mount John, which is approximately 1,034 meters above sea level.
The History of Mount John Observatory
The Mount John Observatory was established in the early 1960s by the University of Canterbury. It was initially used for atmospheric research and meteorology. In the 1980s, the observatory was expanded to include astronomical research. Today, it is home to several telescopes, including the MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) telescope, which is used to search for planets beyond our solar system.
Dark Sky Reserve
In 2012, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was established. It is a protected area that covers over 4,300 square kilometers and includes the Mount John Observatory. The reserve was created to preserve the dark skies of the Mackenzie Basin and to promote astronomy tourism.
Viewing the Night Sky
The Mount John Observatory offers several ways to view the night sky. Visitors can take a guided tour of the observatory, which includes a visit to the control room and a chance to look through one of the telescopes. The observatory also offers stargazing tours, which take place outside of the observatory on a viewing platform. Visitors can use telescopes and binoculars to view the night sky.
Events at Mount John Observatory
The Mount John Observatory hosts several events throughout the year. The annual AstroFest is a popular event that features talks by astronomers, stargazing tours, and workshops. The observatory also hosts school groups and offers educational programs for children.