Astronomy
Womb with a view: when can a foetus see?
Science news – research suggests 34-week-old foetuses can see in the womb, plus the Zika virus could be used to treat brain cancer and measuring a white dwarf star with light. Audio
Nights Science - Astronomy
Former University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory superintendent Alan Gilmore raises our gaze to the bodies floating in space. Tonight, a habitable super-earth? and audible meteors explained, sort… Audio
A stunning sight: Aurora Australis seen from Auckland to Otago
Otago University astronomer Ian Griffin says Aurora hunters are being treated to an unusually intense and widespread display of the Southern Lights, and it's not over yet. Audio
Taking penicillin while pregnant could affect your baby's brain
Taking penicillin when pregnant could alter the brain chemistry of your offspring; and scientists have detected an atmosphere around an Earth-sized planet about 40 light years away. Audio
The 22 kilobyte galaxy
Scientists recently announced they'd discovered seven earth-sized planets orbiting a nearby star, but their discovery had been predicted already - by a computer game. Audio
Tech news: No fly drones and exoplanets
The problems of private drone use during an emergency; claims that half of the world's web traffic is encrypted; and gamers identify planets for scientists in a cool citizen science project. Audio
Hugh McCarroll: The Space Poop Challenge
Hugh McCarroll of Hamilton is one of the finalists in a global competition designed by NASA to crowdsource ideas for collecting waste from astronauts. Audio
Seven Earth-like planets found that could have life
The discovery in a nearby solar system has excited astronomers as it could lead to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Video, Audio
Seven Earth-sized Planets Discovered
NASA has just announced the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets that orbit a star other than our sun. Three of them are in what is described as the "habitable zone" where scientists say liquid… Video, Audio, Gallery
Nights' Science
Former University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory superintendent Alan Gilmore raises our gaze to the bodies floating in space. Tonight, cosmic radiation. Audio
Dr Chris Acton: Hubble telescope
Dr Chris Acton will be talking the Hubble telescope. Audio
The women ‘computers’ who measured the stars
Dava Sobel tells Kim Hill about the ‘Harvard Computers’, the women who helped usher in modern astrophysics. Audio
Nights' Science - Astronomy
Imaging planets around other stars, a billion star positions measured by the GAIA satellite, and the reason why Venus is so bright at the moment - We're exploring celestial bodies with former Mt John… Audio
Nights' Science - Astronomy
Tonight's full moon will be largest and brightest for almost 70 years. But is there really anything "Super" about it? We ask Former Mt John University Observatory superintendent Alan Gilmore. Audio
Touching the universe: astronomy for the blind
How 3D printed models can be used to teach blind students about astronomy. This Way Up visits Manurewa High School in Auckland to experience 'tactile astronomy' in action. Audio, Gallery
This Way Up
Observing the night sky and mapping the stars, planets and other celestial bodies in it, typically involves peering into a telescope and consulting star charts. It's not exactly an easy activity for… Audio
The ultimate map of the universe
In 2013 Gaia, the world's most powerful space telescope, was launched by the European Space Agency. Its aim is to create the first ever HD map of our galaxy, the Milky Way, in order to answer those… Audio, Gallery
China's colossal radio telescope begins testing
The world's largest radio telescope, which has been built in China, is beginning an intensive testing phase.
Nights' Science - Physics
Prof. Shaun Hendy from the University of Auckland examines the life and work New Zealand astronomer and and cosmologist Beatrice Hill Tinsley. The Association of Scientists have just awarded the very… Audio
The search for life on other planets
Some of the world's top astronomers gathered on Great Barrier island over the weekend to discuss the search for life on other planets. Audio