Using the Stars to Get from There to Here

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

25 September 2011

From Captain Cook to GPS: Using the Stars to Get from There to Here

Navigation Nights continues at Carter Observatory with a special evening event featuring a talk from sailor and celestial navigation tutor Dr Julie Teetsov on Tuesday 27 September.

A presentation by one of Carter Observatory astronomers in the Pelorus Trust Planetarium will be followed by a talk from Dr Teetsov, and light refreshments. Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7pm. Normal entry price applies.

Dr. Julie Teetsov is a seasoned sailor and navigator and has used the stars to guide her on many epic ocean voyages.

She will discuss her own experiences of celestial navigation and talk about using the stars versus GPS and dead reckoning, as a modern day small-boat navigator versus the equipment used on modern ocean liners and tankers. Hear her amazing stories of the first map makers, the history of the compass, the many perils faced by early navigators, and the way in which we are all connected to the stars.

“Julie’s talk is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of European navigation and is part of a fantastic series of events looking at navigation and migration from around the world”, says Dr Claire Bretherton, Education & Public Programmes Manager at Carter Observatory.

Her talk will be preceded by a navigation-themed presentation in our planetarium - taking visitors on a journey of the stars, looking at the constellations that guided our ancestors from all parts of the globe to New Zealand.

This event is part of “From There to Here ~ 1,000 Years of Navigation”, a series of special events and activities at Carter featuring navigation and traditional stories of the stars from around the world. The programme runs between 11 September and 9 October, as part of the REAL New Zealand Festival.

As part of the celebrations, the Observatory will be open until 9.30pm for a week of late nights from 24 September to 1 October, with stargazing on clear nights.

Doors open at 6:30pm, presentations start at 7pm. Entry prices are $18 Adult / $13 Concessions / $8 Children (4-16) / Free to Star Pass holders. Light refreshments included.

More information about the ‘From There to Here’ programme can be found on: http://carterobservatory.org/real_new_zealand_festival.php

Key Facts:

From There to Here: 1,000 Years of Navigation runs from 11 September – 9 October.

Whether your tipuna came to New Zealand via a migratory waka, or an early settler ship….even if you arrived on a brand new aircraft: celestial navigation has played a part. Navigation is the tie that connects all of us in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Visitors or residents, we have all arrived in this country using the celestial positions of the stars to guide us here. Navigate your way to Carter Observatory, and find out more.

During this period there will be:

• Live presentations on celestial navigation and skylore by Carter Observatory presenters included in all planetarium shows
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• A chance to navigate your way around our exhibition with our special kids trail
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• Special evening events: European navigation (27 Sep) and Māori skylore & navigation (4 Oct)
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• A week of late night opening at Carter from Sat 24 Sep – Sat 1 Oct. Telescope viewing if the skies are clear
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