Measuring Space and Time from Pukeahu

This year marks 150 years since Aotearoa New Zealand’s first bilateral science collaboration with the United States of America. In 1874, 800 kilometres off the coast of the South Island on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island, scientists from both countries came together to map the solar system during the Transit of Venus. Eight years on, in 1882, an observatory was constructed at Pukeahu to observe the December 6 Transit of Venus. Pukeahu has partnered with Massey University and Wellington Astronomical Society to celebrate and remember this momentous scientific relationship and occassion, and delve into some of Pukeahu’s lesser-known astronomical histories. Explore Pukeahu’s starry history on an X marks the spot guided park tour with local astronomy experts, revel in the historic photographs of the 1874 and 1882 Transit of Venus observations, hear from Massey University Lecturer David Johnston about place-based astronomical history in Te-Whanaganui-A-Tara, and sun gaze in the park with Wellington Astronomical Societies specialised solar telescopes. The exhibition and talk will be held at the Pukeahu Education Centre, tours will also leave from this point. X marks the spot tours: 12:15pm and 2:15pm A History of Pukeahu Astronomy: 1:15pm