OBSERVATORY
Observatory Dome
The observatory at Stargazers features a research grade 14" Celestron CGE Pro 1400XLT telescope in a solar powered rotating dome as it’s main instrument.
The telescope is sited on a fully computerised mount and equipped with an astronomical CCD imager, which can also be set up to analyse starlight with a SBIG SGS spectrograph.
Remote computer control of the telescope and the imager makes it easy and comfortable to undertake extended observations through the night from the spaceous observatory office in the main building.
Rotating Dome Observatory
photo by Peter Drury
Other instruments
Other instruments include giant 6" astronomical binoculars, which offer the closest experience to a space walk you can get... Several other portable instruments including dedicated solar telescopes allow group viewing. Two spare concrete piers allow guests to set up their own instruments.
Planetarium
Spitz Planetarium The observatory office features the classic Spitz A2 planetarium that was formerly located in the Auckland War Memorial Museum and is currently undergoing restoration. This fascinating machine, partly designed by Albert Einstein, will be used to give night sky tours when the sky outside is cloudy and also for daytime astronomy shows.
1954 Spitz Planetarium,
currently under reconstruction
Archive Photo
Visitors on Stargazers' astronomy tours will have a chance to examine the machine and learn how it works and what it can be used for.
