siqi1995We often refer to our expanding universe with one simple word: space. Do you know what space looks like?
Like a perfect vacuum, space has extremely low pressure. In space, you can find bits of gas, dust and other matter floating around “emptier” areas, while more crowded regions host planets, stars and galaxies.
Watch this video and go on a journey through our Solar System to all of the confirmed planets.
Quiz Time! What is your planet personality?
Do you have a personality that’s out of this world? Find out which planet you are here!
The Story of Matariki
The appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in mid-winter marks the Māori New Year, or Te Mātahi o te Tau. The arrival of Matariki is a sign for people to gather, to honour the dead, celebrate the present and plan for the future.
Listen to the fascinating story of Matariki.
Make Your Own Matariki Star!
Follow this video or a detailed guide here to make your own Matariki star! Share with us on social media @motatnz
Download printable material here:
Challenge: Name the Whetū/Stars!
There are nine whetū/stars in the star cluster Matariki. In te ao Māori, each whetū holds dominion over a particular area of wellbeing and the environment. Can you name the whetū/stars? Play the game here to find out!
Looking to learn more about Matariki? Check out Five Matariki Facts and listen to the story of Te Huihui o Matariki.
MOTAT’s John Grigg Moon Photo Collection
Enjoy these beautiful images captured with a home made prime focus astrocamera attached to a 3.5-inch Wray refractor telescope in Grigg’s Thames Observatory.
Learn more about how John Grigg, an astrophotography pioneer captured New Zealand’s historical night sky here.
Credits:
John Grigg. 06 Feb 1892. Feb 6th 11 hours [Moon], 2003.48.2.2. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
John Grigg. 06 Feb 1892. Feb 6th /92 11 hours [Moon], 2003.48.2.22. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
John Grigg. 09 Feb 1892. Feb 9th 11 hours [Moon], 2003.48.2.7. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
John Grigg. 12 Feb 1892. Feb 12th 8.30 pm [Moon], 2003.48.2.20. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
John Grigg. 16 Feb 1892. Feb 16th 12 hours [Moon], 2003.48.2.14. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
John Grigg. 16 Feb 1892. Feb 16th 12 hours [Moon], 2003.48.2.23. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
