Alan uses a 9.25-inch telescope, in front of the Milky Way. Credit: Alan Viles
economic opportunities, jobs, and revenue for local businesses.
of New Zealanders can see the Milky Way and only 2.8% live under unpolluted night skies. Only 3.7% of our area is protected by International Dark Sky places and few people live in much of that protected area. It is great that new dark sky places are being developed but most have low populations. To reduce the light pollution experienced by most people, the light pollution in large cities must be reduced. In this country, we celebrate
Matariki. Matariki refers to a large cluster of young stars known by a range of names, including Seven Sisters, Messier 45, Pleiades in Greek mythology, and Subaru in Japan. The Māori new year is represented by different stars, depending on the location and the iwi. Some cultures refer to the star cluster of Matariki rising in the early day on the last quarter of the lunar month, which is about June. Matariki has generated greater interest in astronomy,
These locations serve as sanctuaries for stargazers, astronomers conducting
scientific research, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning opportunities to observe the night sky. In New Zealand, the Milky Way is visible from an impressive 96.5% of our land area, with 53.1% having pristine night skies. However, with most people living in cities and towns, only 16.6%
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SUSTAINABILITY
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