Astronomy
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
Mysterious signal found 95 light years from Earth
A team of scientists looking for signs of extraterrestrial life is investigating mysterious signal spikes from an ancient star. Audio
SETI investigate mysterious signal spikes from old star
A team of scientists at Califonia's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute, or SETI, is investigating mysterious signal spikes coming from a 6.3-billion-year-old star in the constellation… Audio
Nights' Science - Astronomy
Former Mt John University Observatory superintendent Alan Gilmore on Juno's arrival at Jupiter. Audio
High above NZ on board world's largest airborne observatory
For the past eight weeks, the world's largest airborne observatory has been cruising high above New Zealand and the Southern Ocean. RNZ's Veronika Meduna joined NASA astronomers on board. Audio
Huge asteroid helped shape 'Man in the Moon'
One of the Moon's biggest craters was created by an asteroid more than 250km across, a study suggests.
Meteor or space junk? South Island skies lit up by bright light
Are you still puzzling over what exploded over the southern skies last night? We get the answers from astronomer Ian Griffin from the Museum of Otago. Audio
New Zealander helps discover new dwarf planet
A New Zealander has helped to discover a new planet that is 65 times further from the sun than planet Earth. Audio
Orion Nebula shot is out of this world
A spectacular new image of the Orion Nebula star-forming region has revealed an abundance of planet-sized objects.
Juno spacecraft to unlock Jupiter's secrets
A NASA spacecraft has successfully entered the orbit of our solar system's largest planet, Jupiter. NASA scientist Jared Espley joins Checkpoint. Audio
Planet Hunter, Michael Albrow
Before 1995, the only planets we knew that existed, were those in our solar system. How things have changed! Audio
Exhibition shines light on Māori star lore
While many of us may have taken part in Matariki celebrations over the past few weeks, how much do we actually know about the traditional astronomy that underpins the Māori New Year?
The most powerful space telescope ever created
Dr. Amber Straughn from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center explains how the most powerful telescope ever created will explore the mysteries of our origins and our future. Audio, Gallery
Mega telescope to map the stars
It could be one of the most ambitious astronomy projects, and it's underway, with the help of a team of New Zealanders. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), is being built in northern Chile… Audio, Gallery
