Looking up at 70 years
The observatory was named after Waiarapa businessman Charles Rooking Carter who gifted ₤2,240 towards establishing an astronomy facility in Wellington. The Carter Observatory officially opened its doors in December 1941.
Over the years the Observatory has seen many changes – the use of the 21st century technology being one of the biggest changes.
The observatory now houses multi media exhibitions, and has a full-dome digital planetarium that “ immerses viewers into the night sky.” If you are a regular at the observatory you will take note of the Thomas Cooke telescope which adds to the observatory’s “ primary legacy to house historical items.” The Thomas Cooke telescope was one of the observatory’s first pieces of equipment and is used for public observation, while the Ruth Crisp Telescope, which arrived in the 1960s is used for astronomy research. Dawn Muir of the observatory says the Carter Observatory has been a “wonderful legacy for our city.”
A private function will be held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the observatory’s existence. The observatory is well known for it’s ongoing educational programs, which have helped locals gain a deeper understanding of the night sky. The observatory has plenty on during December. Here Comes The Sun is a mystery summer trail at the observatory where visitors can search through the multi-media space galleries for a “ hidden sun.” Families are also invited to the Solstice Celebration where they can explore local stars. The Carter Observatory will also offer something special for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve with a special evening for families with the multi-media centre open until 9.30 pm on those nights – and the telescope will be open for searching the stars.
Carter Observatory, 70th anniversary, December 20
Here comes the sun, Carter Observatory, December 17
Solstice Celebration, Carter Observatory, December 21










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