Schedule: 

(1) Session 1

(2) Session 2

(3) Star Safari 

The Dark Sky Business Capabilities Course is being funded through the Regional Economic Development Plan. The Plan identifies opportunities with high-impact potential to grow our region over the next 10 years. WellingtonNZ manages the Plan and is partnering with Milky-Way Kiwi and Masterton District Council to give businesses the tools, connections, and support they need to grow astro-tourism in Wairarapa. To find out more about WellingtonNZ services, visit www.wellingtonnz.com/business/business-resources  

The course will have four components: two classroom sessions, one practical session at Star Safari. 

Instructors

Hari Mogoșanu and Sam Leske from Milky-Way.Kiwi

Session Three – Practical Stargazing Skills 

(90mins at Star Safari in Ponatahi) -  depending on the weather

• Health and Safety aspects of stargazing.
• Practical viewing and operation of telescopes and equipment.
• Discussion and demonstration of astrophotography.
• Identification and visibility of local constellations
• Discussion on lighting, physical site orientation and aspects of establishing a stargazing site.

Site Assessment Visit for Participants

• Milky-Way.Kiwi Ltd will visit each course participant’s site and conduct a survey of lighting, sky visibility and dark sky suitability for stargazing and astrophotography. An hour has been allocated at each site to achieve this.
• After the site visit, each participant will receive a report with technical recommendations particular to their circumstances.