Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered together some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our shows below.
Opening Hours and Pricing
When are you open?
See our Opening Hours here
http://www.stardome.org.nz/default/opening-hours/
What is your entrance price and does that include the show?
Entry to our foyer exhibition is free. Our planetarium show prices are here http://www.stardome.org.nz/default/Prices/
How many people does a family pass include?
A family pass includes up to two adults and three
children, and costs $30. These passes can be used for either the evening
or weekend kids shows.
What age is a child?
Our child price applies to children who are aged 3-15yrs.
Can you email prices and info?
Sure, email us on
info@stardome.org.nz to request this.
Show Information
When can I see a show?
Our public shows take place in the evenings Tuesday-Sunday and during weekend afternoons.
For show times, please visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/events/
During daytime hours Monday through Friday, shows are also available for group and school bookings!
For more information on school bookings, we invite you to visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/education/
How long does the show go for, and what does it include?
Weekend afternoon shows run for approximately one hour and include a feature show and projected night sky in the planetarium.
Evening shows run for one and a half hours including the
planetarium show (40 minutes), topical space presentation (20 minutes)
and courtyard telescope viewing (30 minutes).
Daytime group visits vary, depending on what your group organizer has booked.
Are all the shows on the reclining chairs in the planetarium?
All of the planetarium shows take place on these
reclining seats. Evening shows also include a 20-minute topical space
presentation in the Space Room, which has regular non-reclining seats.
Can we go to the Zeiss telescope separately or do we have to go to a show? Is it available every night?
Viewings through the Zeiss telescope are only
available as an ‘add-on’ with tickets to our 8pm Thu, Fri & Sat
planetarium shows.
What can we expect to see through the telescopes?
Through our courtyard telescopes we will be
able to show you a variety of celestial bodies, depending on the time of
year. Usually we can show you one or more planets such as Saturn or
Jupiter. We can also show you star clusters such as the Jewel Box or
Matariki.
What happens when it is cloudy or rains?
Our planetarium shows take place rain or
shine, day or night. Telescope viewings only take place after the shows
if it is a clear night. If the weather is unsuitable for telescope
viewing, you will get a ‘rain check’ ticket that you can use to return
on a clear night instead.
How should I dress?
If you are coming to one of our evenings shows
we recommend you bring warm clothing. The telescope viewings are
outside in the cold night air.
Does the Moon affect the telescope viewing?
The presence of the Moon can sometimes obscure
particular stars we might like to observe, but usually it has no impact
apart from adding another beautiful object to observe in the night sky.
What’s the weather going to be like tonight?
Try this website for a forecast
http://weatherwatch.co.nz/content/auckland
What is on next month?
Our shows change each month. Check the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for the most up-to-date details we have available.