"It’s in the stars – the stories behind your sign of the zodiac"
Released: Monday 14th May 2012

Presentation in Levin –
Richard Hall - Myths and Legends of the Zodiac

Horowhenua Astronomical Society Inc is pleased to announce a visit by the eminent astronomer Richard Hall. "Richard is one of New Zealand’s leading astronomers, and a renowned communicator with a gift for making the science and history of astronomy enjoyable and easy to understand" said Stephen Chadwick, President of the Horowhenua Astronomical Society, adding "we are definitely
honoured to have him as our guest visiting the Horowhenua".

"He will share some fascinating information at a public presentation to be held in the Horowhenua District Council Chambers on Thursday 24th May at 7:30 PM.
Admission will be by gold coin donation with proceeds to the local Horowhenua Library Trust" (Te Horowhenua Trust).

Richard Hall was formerly the senior public programmes officer at Carter Observatory Wellington and co-founded the Phoenix Astronomical Society.
He is currently Director of the Stonehenge Aotearoa Astronomy Centre, located at 51 Ahiaruhe Road, RD2, Carterton.

Mike White, Events Coordinator for the Horowhenua Astronomical Society, recalls that "in 2009 Richard was awarded the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand’s most prestigious honour, the Murray Geddes Memorial Prize, for his outstanding contribution to astronomy in New Zealand."

Richard Hall has been involved with production of the Radio NZ series ‘Summer Stars’ and ‘Transit of Venus’, which reached many thousands of radio listeners throughout New Zealand and around the world. He is author of several books on astronomy, the latest being “The Zodiac – Myths and Legends of the Stars”.

"If anyone knows anything about the stars it is their star sign” said Stephen Chadwick. “The signs of the Zodiac are among the most ancient of constellations and the science and myths surrounding them formed a cornerstone to the rise of civilization. To those who can read it, the night sky is a picture book of stories from antiquity. Here are the tales of the gods, heroes and mighty events. These stories are a window into the past that give us insight to the beliefs and thinking of our ancestors".

"Thursday 24th May will be an interesting evening for the inquisitive thinking public" said Mike White. "In his presentation Richard will take people on a journey back in time to explore the facts, myths and legends of the Zodiac. Here we find the origin of astronomy, astrology, our spiritual beliefs and many of the traditions or myths we live by."

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