Telescope Lab (120 minutes)

Service Description

Do you have a telescope but aren’t sure how to set it up or use it effectively? Our experienced staff is here to help you get the most out of your equipment. At the start of each session, you’ll have the opportunity for a personalized tutorial tailored to your needs and your telescope’s specific features. Learn the essentials, from properly assembling and balancing your telescope to aligning the finderscope and calibrating any computerized components. We’ll guide you through the process of collimating mirrors for optimal viewing and selecting the right eyepieces for observing various celestial objects. Our experts will teach you how to navigate the night sky with your telescope, helping you find and observe planets, stars, nebulae, and more. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first steps or an experienced stargazer wanting to refine your skills, we’ll ensure you leave with the confidence to explore the cosmos on your own. Bring your telescope along, and let us help you turn it into a window to the universe! Since these events are weather dependent, on occasions, we may need to postpone the event at short notice. If this happens, you will receive a text message on your mobile, one hour prior to the event, and your appointment will be re-arranged. These sessions are for smaller groups; up to five people and one telescope per person and are scheduled on demand. Agenda * Basic principles of telescopes * Learn how to setup your EQ mount * Learn how to setup your AZ mount * Learn how to collimate your telescope (mirror alignment) * Telescope clinic (fix and tune your telescope) - Additional fees may apply * Learn how to find objects in the sky LOCATION Stargazing Labs are taking place from Duder Regional Park, Maraetai, just 40 minutes from the Auckland CBD. This beautiful location offers stunning views of the night sky and extremely low light pollution coming from the city. If the gate to the regional park is closed, our staff will come to open it so you can park your car inside. There are public toilets close to the observation area, next to the car park. Finding the observation area can be tricky if you are not familiar with Duder Regional Park. Please, come at least 15 minutes earlier and consider following the google maps directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HDrdfFMamzZTqzQa7