Happy Perihelion

How fast can you go on Wairarapa's SH2? On Perihelion Day, Earth will speed 1363 times faster than that as it goes around the Sun.

And while Christmas, Solstice and the latest Meteor Showers were great things to look forward to, Perihelion Day is also a great thing to celebrate. Why?

Just because we can't witness it with our unaided eye doesn't mean Earth’s Perihelion is less significant than any other astronomical phenomenon. In fact, the Perihelion plays a crucial role in our understanding of Earth's orbit, climate patterns, and the subtle yet profound ways our planet interacts with the Sun.

This year, on the 3rd of January, the distance from the Sun's centre to Earth's centre will be 147,100,632 km.

Join us for a talk with our own astrophysicist, Sam, who will delve into why the Perihelion is as essential as the more visually stunning astronomical events. Discover the science behind why the Earth's closest point to the Sun is critical to understanding our world and the broader cosmos.

As darkness embraces the sky, weather permitting we'll transition to a stargazing session under one of the world's most pristine night skies. Our 16" telescopes, positioned perfectly in the dark sky reserve, will offer a mesmerising view of the stars and planets. Hari and Sam are expert telescope operators and top space science communicators.

Highlights:
- Insightful talk on the significance of the Perihelion.
- A chance to appreciate an often overlooked but crucial astronomical event.
- Guided stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve - weather permitting for the 9 PM and 11 PM sessions
- Ideal for all ages and levels of astronomical knowledge.

This event is a mind-opening experience, encouraging us to appreciate our universe's less visible yet equally fascinating aspects. Join us at Star Safari Observatory for a night where the unseen is celebrated and understood.

On purchasing a ticket, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions
https://star-safari.nz/terms-and-conditions-star-safari/