Winterstellar 2023, an exhibition of astrophotography, has opened in Arrowtown for its second year, with the heavens aligning for its opening at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in August.

As a teaser to the coming attraction and accompanying photography competition, a community day is planned for this Saturday (July 22), Winterstellar Charitable Trust chief executive Andy Davey said.

“The science outreach team from the Museum of Otago are going to bring their inflatable planetarium,” Andy said.

“Over 400 local schoolchildren will be coming through the museum, getting a planetarium experience, doing science experiments and hearing talks on astrophotography. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday is all about the kids.”

Those interested in attending the community day on Saturday are advised to register at [email protected] as places are limited. The opening of the Winterstellar 2023 exhibition at Central Stories will take place in early August, with the exact date also to be confirmed. 

Professor Brian Boyle talks with visitors at Lakes District Museum and Art Gallery in Arrowtown about astrophotography

One of the talks will be given by Andy about something close to his heart - dispelling the belief that astrophotography requires expensive camera equipment or totally dark skies such as those in Naseby.

“Modern phones can capture the aurora,” he said. 

“I see a lot of pictures from iPhones that are really pretty good.”

His own camera is an Android, but he has taken surprisingly clear photographs and videos using it.

“At the opening in Alexandra, what I’m going to show them is that it is possible to see auroras from the middle of town,” he said. 

“A couple of years ago, we saw Matariki rising from Pioneer Park.”

Last year was the first Winterstellar exhibition, and winners of the astrophotography competition were announced at the official opening ceremony. This year, and for subsequent years, that would be moved to the closing ceremony, Andy said.

“It’s definitely happening,” he said. “We have multiple thousands of dollars of camera gear in prizes.

“It has been such a good astrophotography year as well, so it gives people time to get their work in.”

That doesn’t mean those interested should wait for the end to see the exhibition (dates also to be confirmed), as Andy promises there are other things waiting in the skies to be revealed.

“There are some surprises we are holding back for the opening,” he said.