Astronomy and Astrophysics
Classroom resources for you
Use these interactive resources in your classroom
These fantastic interactive pages were created by Sam, to describe different topics in astrophysics that you might use in the classroom. Learn how our solar system formed, what is an accretion disk, how the proton-proton chain works or simply explore our stellar neigbourhood.
Created by us for you
A virtual visit to JPL
We took this photo of the Mission Control at JPL in July 2024 – when we visited them.
Fortunately, they put together a virtual visit as well.
the deep space network
In July 2024, we visited JPL in Califonia together with 23 students from Mount Maunganui and their teachers, Jim and Anita. One of the most incredible things we saw was an art installation created to show when downlinks or uplinks from the Deep Space Network are being received or sent at JPL.
Here is our host, Sarah Marcotte, holding a replica of the Perseverance Drill. The Deep Space Network installation is to the right – the small LED tower is it!!
This serendipitous photo was taken at the exact moment a data transmission was passing through the Deep Space Network.
The star Puanga – Rigel is the blue star above Orion’s belt. Photo: Hari
News and events curated by us
Scientists have discovered all five DNA and RNA nucleobases on an asteroid for the first time! This astonishing finding reshapes our understanding of the origins of life. Could asteroids have delivered the ingredients for life to Earth? Learn how this discovery connects to the RNA World Hypothesis, panspermia, and the New Zealand’s science curriculum.
Our planetarium is called the Mars Blueberry Astrobiology Dome, here is why.
Today, November 12, 2024, marks a significant celebration in the Martian calendar – the 38th Mars New Year! This date represents the start of a new Martian year, a day that astronomers, scientists, and space enthusiasts recognise as a unique marker in our quest to understand the Red Planet. But what is the Mars New Year, and why does it matter?
Get ready for a thrilling journey to Mars! The Mars Society is launching the Southern Hemisphere International Engineering Design Competition—a six-week programme where students design a human mission to Mars. With real-world challenges and guidance from industry pros, teams will plan habitats, vehicles, supplies, and more for a crew on Mars. Perfect for inspiring teamwork and innovation, it’s a chance to make history. Share this with anyone interested, and let’s bring Mars closer to home!
