Geyserland Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
In the geothermal city of Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island, Geyserland Observatory carries out precise variable-star research from a private site on Homedale Street.
About Geyserland Observatory
Geyserland Observatory is privately owned and operated, run by Managing Director Rolf Carstens. It holds International Astronomical Union observatory code E89 and is affiliated with both the American Association of Variable Star Observers and the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.
Telescopes & research
The observatory's research focus is photometric observation of variable stars and intermediate polars, a specialised area of astronomy that measures how a star's brightness changes over time, contributing data used by professional and amateur astronomers worldwide through its AAVSO affiliation.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located at 120 Homedale Street in Pukehangi, Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island, in the Oceania region.
Visiting Geyserland Observatory
As a privately owned research site, Geyserland Observatory does not appear to run regular public tours. Anyone interested in visiting should reach out in advance, for example via the observatory's Facebook page, before planning a trip.
See your named star from here
A facility built for tracking subtle changes in starlight is exactly the kind of place that could help locate a named star by its coordinates on a clear Rotorua night. Name a star, or browse the star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
