University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory

University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory The University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory is New Zealand's premier research observatory

The University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory is New Zealand's premier professional optical astronomy Observatory. The University undertakes world-class astronomical research, teaching and outreach activities on-site at the Observatory and on campus in Christchurch. For public visits to the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory, please see the webpage of our Astro-tourism partner, the Da

rk Sky Project https://www.darkskyproject.co.nz/. Current hours (as of 1 January 2024):
Astro Cafe: Monday - Sunday || 9am - 2pm (final order at 1.30pm)
Mt John access road: Monday - Sunday || 9am - 4pm

Please note: The Astro Café may be closed in certain weather conditions - in this instance, the entrance to Ōtehīwai Mount John will be shut. The Dark Sky Diner located at the Dark Sky Project base will open from 10am on days when the weather conditions prevent the Astro Café from opening.

Explore the full September sky guide prepared by Alan Gilmore of the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory
01/09/2026

Explore the full September sky guide prepared by Alan Gilmore of the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory

ASTR211 field trip to Mt John - galaxies, novae, comets, planets, moons, stars and some mixed weather ...
24/08/2026

ASTR211 field trip to Mt John - galaxies, novae, comets, planets, moons, stars and some mixed weather ...

August is a wonderful month to explore the southern winter sky.From Takapō / Lake Tekapo the Milky Way is at its broades...
03/08/2026

August is a wonderful month to explore the southern winter sky.

From Takapō / Lake Tekapo the Milky Way is at its broadest and brightest overhead, stretching through Scorpius and Sagittarius towards the centre of our galaxy.

Look for orange Antares near the zenith, marking the body of Scorpius. Its curling tail forms the familiar fish hook of Māui. In a dark sky, the dust clouds running through the Milky Way appear as dark gaps and channels between the stars.

Venus is also shining brilliantly in the west after sunset this month. On 16 August, the crescent Moon will sit close beside it—an easy pairing to spot before darkness falls.

Explore the full August sky guide prepared by Alan Gilmore of the University of Canterbury’s Mt John Observatory

Moonrise at dusk last night over recent snow
30/07/2026

Moonrise at dusk last night over recent snow

30/07/2026
Check out the Sky Charts for August 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨ ...
30/07/2026

Check out the Sky Charts for August 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨

Check out the Sky Charts for July 2026 including Matariki chart provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨ ...
15/07/2026

Check out the Sky Charts for July 2026 including Matariki chart provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨

Check out the Sky Charts for June 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨ ...
28/05/2026

Check out the Sky Charts for June 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨

We had a absolutely lovely night for the UC ALUMNI group visit on 23rd May - mild, clear, calm, and lots of stars! Astro...
25/05/2026

We had a absolutely lovely night for the UC ALUMNI group visit on 23rd May - mild, clear, calm, and lots of stars! Astro-Photos by Fraser Gunn. Thanks to Alan Gilmore, Pam Kilmartin, Karen Pollard, Michael Albrow and Fraser Gunn as well as the UC ALUMNI events team (Charu and Wendy).

Check out the Sky Charts for May 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨ ...
22/04/2026

Check out the Sky Charts for May 2026 provided by Alan Gilmore. Thanks, Alan! 🙌✨

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Godley Peaks Road
Tekapo

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