If you are quite bored of the constant light pollution in Singapore, this is for you.
Tourism New Zealand is commemorating the start of the Māori New Year, or Matariki, by inviting the world to join them in their inaugural stargazing livestream.
The event will be held at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, touted as one of New Zealand's most incredible stargazing locations.
Aoraki Mackenzie is a gold-rated dark sky reserve (an area which restricts artificial light pollution) and comprises Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South Island. The area was formally recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve in 2012.
Why stargazing?
According to Tourism New Zealand, Matariki — a time of celebration and reflection — is a special occasion and it is signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky.
The Matariki Pleiades star cluster. Credit EarrthandSky, via Tourism New Zealand.
For most Singaporeans who may not get to enjoy stargazing here in light-polluted Singapore, this could a fun and eye-opening experience.
The livestream event will be hosted by former All Black Israel Dagg who will shed light on the story, myths, and legends of Matariki, as well as the significance of this moment in the year,
If you wish to join the livestream, here are the details:
Date, time: July 21, 2020, 1.30am SGT (5.30am NZT)
Location: Tourism New Zealand Facebook page
Top photo of Great Barrier Dark Sky. Image credit: Mark Russell.