Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory stands beside Hamilton Zoo in the west of Hamilton, New Zealand, one of the country's longest-running amateur astronomy venues.

About Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The observatory is run by the Hamilton Astronomical Society, founded on 3 July 1933 and one of New Zealand's oldest astronomical societies. It sits on Brymer Road next to Hamilton Zoo, to the west of Hamilton City.

History

The society built its first dedicated meeting house and observatory at the Hamilton Zoo site in 1984. In 1997, a dome housing a 24-inch Classical Cassegrain telescope was completed and officially opened by Sir Patrick Moore, the well-known British astronomer and broadcaster.

Telescopes & research

Alongside the 24-inch Classical Cassegrain, the observatory's equipment includes 14-inch and 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, a Lunt 60mm solar telescope, an 8-inch Dobsonian, and two 12-inch Dobsonian telescopes, a range that covers everything from deep-sky viewing to solar observing.

Location & getting there

The observatory is on Brymer Road, next to Hamilton Zoo, in the west of Hamilton, New Zealand.

Visiting Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The observatory opens to the public on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm (8:30pm during daylight saving).

See your named star from here

Once you've named a star, its exact coordinates can be shared with observatory staff so a telescope can be pointed its way during a public evening. Browse the catalogue to find your star.