Canterbury Astronomical Society Open Nights

Join the Canterbury Astronomical Society for an unforgettable evening exploring the Southern night sky, held every Friday night through to mid-October (weather permitting - check the website or Facebook page for updates before you travel).

Hosted at the RF Joyce Observatory in West Melton, these popular open nights invite you and your whānau to discover the universe through the eyes of passionate amateur astronomers. From your very first glimpse of Jupiter or Saturn through a telescope, to spotting constellations, distant stars and glowing nebulae, it’s an experience that stays with you.

Your evening begins with a welcome talk at 7.30pm, followed by a guided sky tour and telescope viewing until 9pm. The observatory is equipped with four fixed telescopes along with additional portable scopes, giving you plenty of opportunities to take a closer look at our night sky.

This is a fun, hands-on and educational experience suitable for ages 5 and over. Wrap up warm and bring the family along for a night that’s equal parts learning and wonder.

Good to know:

• Gates open at 7.20pm sharp (no early entry)
• Events are weather dependent – check the CAS website before you travel
• Tickets sell out quickly, so book early - no gate entry
• Children aged 5 - 5 must be accompanied by an adult
• Group bookings and VIP tours are available

Please note that we cannot accept gate entry to sold out events. However, you may wish to consider membership, which allows you unlimited access during the year.

Whether you’re a first-time stargazer or already fascinated by the cosmos, this is your chance to experience the night sky in a truly memorable way.