News articles
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Kaikōura Dark Sky EXPO
Come along to our EXPO from the 22nd to 28th May 2023 in the Exhibition Suite at the Mayfair Theatre and learn all about our proposed International Dark Sky Sancutary. … Read more
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Dark Sky Quiz – Answers
Thanks to all those who took part in our recent Kaikōura Dark Sky Quiz to celebrate International Dark Sky Week 2023. Here are the answers: What is our home galaxy … Read more
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Private Plan Change Process Underway
In order to protect the natural darkness of the sky across the district, the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust are preparing a private plan change to the Kaikōura District Plan to … Read more
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Resources
There are unlimited resources if you’re interested in learning more about how to enjoy the night sky and how you can protect the night sky. Here are a few recommendations:
Downloadable Posters, Brochures & Guides
Responsible Lighting Guidelines for Kaikōura
Posters produced for the Dark Sky Expo in May 2023
- Who We Are
- International Dark Sky Assos. & Dark Sky NZ Network
- Our Heritage
- Stargazing in New Zealand
- Enjoy Our Night Sky
- Ecology & Environment
- Light Pollution
- Lighting, Crime, & Safety
- Wasted Energy
- Best Practice Lighting Top tips
- Private Plan Change
Presentations produced for the Dark Sky Expo in May 2023 by Professor Emeritus Phillipa Gander PhD, FRSNZ, ONZM
Websites

Dark Sky Network NZ

International Dark-Sky Association

Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand

Royal Society Te Apārangi
Apps

Stellarium Mobile – Star Map is a planetarium app that shows exactly what you see when you look up at the stars. It helps you identify stars, constellations, planets, comets, satellites, and other deep sky objects. It also gives a realistic view of the Milky Way. Use the settings to be sure that your location is correct. Touch and hold the constellations setting to give lots of options.

Constellation Map – stargazing app. Simply point your device towards the sky and this application will display the names of the stars, constellations and planets. You can check the orbital position of the planet in the solar system on a separate screen. You can display the names of about 100 bright stars, constellations, ecliptic, celestial equator, Deep Sky Objects, ISS, Celestial pole, and so on.

Globe at Night – Measure the night sky brightness. An international citizen science campaign which invites you to measure & submit you night sky brightness observations.

DarkLight – allows you to use your phone at night as a source of red light in the dark. The reason for this is that white light from your phone will spoil your dark adaptation for night vision but red light won’t.
Articles
Is street lighting damaging our health?
Videos
Animated showing the effect of night light on nocturnal animals and easy solutions
How blue night affects us in Aotearoa
Interview with John Hearnshaw about the problem with light pollution