Observation is one of the foundations of astronomy. From tracking the rising of Matariki to measuring distant galaxies, humans have always relied on careful observation and evidence to understand the Universe.
The Moon’s orbit is tilted by about 5° compared with the ecliptic, the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Because of this tilt, the Moon usually passes above or
Explore the Earth–Moon system in 3D, including orbital motion, axial tilt, lunar inclination, synchronous rotation, changing Earth–Moon distance and the barycentre. Switch between relative-size and true-scale views to investigate how
What does it feel like to leave Earth, experience weightlessness and see our planet surrounded by the immense blackness of space?
In this interview, Mark Rocket—the first New Zealander to
Explore Kepler’s Second Law through an interactive orbital simulation. Investigate how a planet’s speed changes throughout its elliptical orbit and discover why equal areas are swept out in equal intervals
This page demonstrates Kepler’s First Law of Planetary Motion with an interactive simulation.
Discover how cultures around the world interpreted the Pleiades star cluster through mythology, astronomy, observation and changing perspectives.
Explore the science of Matariki through the Pleiades star cluster, stellar evolution, galactic structure and humanity’s changing understanding of the night sky.
Heliacal rising of stars is a phenomenon used for millennia to mark time. What is it and what are some examples of stars that different cultures, including Māori used to
Explore how Matariki is observed through seasonal skies, lunar phases and the heliacal rising of the Pleiades in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Exploring Matariki through seasonal skies, observation, mātauranga Māori and humanity’s long relationship with the night sky in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This activity is part of our live SpacewardBound sessions delivered directly in schools. We run it as a full interactive experience using our mobile planetarium and hands-on activities.
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