NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org

Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn make a wonderful line-up in the early evening sky. 

Take a look at the sky tonight. Simply download the Sky Chart and search our Southern Skies for these stars - a fun activity after dinner.  

The sky chart and notes of the evening sky are prepared in New Zealand about our Southern Skies by Alan Gilmore, Mt John Observatory of the University of Canterbury.

Fun space links

Have some fun over the holidays with these great games and activities by NASA:

http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/funzone_flash.html

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/nasakids.cfm

 

Skygazing Links

Without doubt, the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand is the best place to go for up to date information on what's going on in the night sky. From Moon phases, to month-by-month sky charts - it's all there.

If you're a budding stargazer, then take a look at Carter's nearest neighbour: the Thomas King Observatory. Maintained by Carter and run by Wellington Astronomical Society, this small observatory is available for night sky viewing sessions.

 

 

Cooke Telescope