Stardome Observatory & Planetarium — Attraction in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

For all of history, humans have gazed up into the sky and felt a connection to the countless stars glimmering overhead. These distant suns have inspired our imagination, mythology, science and technology for millennia. Stars have fuelled exploration across the planet and guided journeys into space. As humanity reaches for the stars into the future, we continue an ancient relationship with the cosmos.

Many years ago people believed that the earth was flat. But through careful observation a Greek mathematician named Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the planet with remarkable accuracy around 240BC. He is credited as "the Greek who proved the earth was round."

Mysteries surrounding the origin of the universe have captivated our minds for ages, sparking contemplation and curiosity. In the 1920s Edwin Hubbles groundbreaking discovery of an expanding universe laid the groundwork for the "Big Bang Theory," when an infinitely dense fireball, known as a "singularity," exploded 13.8 million years ago and marks the beginning of space, time and matter. As space expanded and cooled down over time galaxies, stars and planets formed.

In the 1980s Alan Guth proposed the "Cosmic Inflation Theory" Guth's theory is consistent with observable scientific evidence. It resolves several enduring cosmological mysteries, including the horizon problem and flatness problem.

The most surprising thing is the scale of the universe which is impossible to comprehend or imagine. The most distant objects in the universe are 47 billion light years away, therefore the size of the observable universe is 94 billion light years in diameter. This is the distance light has travelled since the "Big Bang" about 13.8 billion years ago. There are 2 trillion galaxies in the universe that we can see and each galaxy has around 400 billion stars. In our own Milky Way Galaxy, it would take 100,000 light years to cross from one side to the other. We can only see 5% of universe which is ordinary matter. The other 95% is invisible. 27% is dark matter and 68% is dark energy.

It is generally agreed that the cornerstone of the laws of physics are Isaac Newtons, laws of motion and gravitation 1687, and Albert Einsteins, special theory of relativity 1905 and general theory of relativity 1915. Albert Einstein was working on a unified field theory when he died in 1955. He was trying to tie together his theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics..This theory was an attempt to explain all of physics forces as a single principle.

One solution to this was the "String Theory" first proposed by Gabriele Veneziano in 1968, which combines the two theories by assuming that there are multiple universes and dimensions beyond the ones we know.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming...

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium in Auckland is an absolute gem for astronomy enthusiasts and families alike. Here's what makes it shine:

Immersive Experience: The 360-degree dome planetarium offers hyper-realistic, fully immersive shows that'll leave you in awe. The comfortable, reclined seats ensure you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Engaging Shows: The live "Our Night Sky" show is a highlight, featuring a presenter-led tour of the celestial sights above Auckland. The show changes based on the current night sky, making each visit unique. Other shows, like "Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon" and "Matariki," offer a blend of music, visuals, and astronomy.

Telescope Viewing: After the show, enjoy courtyard telescope viewing, where knowledgeable staff help you locate stars, planets, and nebulae. On clear nights, you can even spot Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon up close.

Interactive Exhibits: The gallery features interactive displays on space and planetary science, perfect for kids and adults. You can explore exhibits on astronauts, space travel, and lunar exploration.

Tips for Visiting: Book Ahead: Shows often sell out, so book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Arrive Early: Get there early to explore the exhibits and grab a good seat. Dress Warmly: The courtyard can get chilly at night, even in Auckland's mild climate. Rain Checks: If the weather's not cooperating, Stardome offers rain checks for telescope viewing on another night.

Value for Money: With ticket prices around $25 for adults and $12 for students, Stardome offers great value for an entertaining and educational experience.

Overall: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is a must-visit attraction in Auckland, offering something for everyone. Whether you're an astronomy buff or just looking for a unique experience, you'll leave feeling inspired...

I expected more after coming back seeing the $2 million + upgrade. The new seats in the movie were not comfortable and you had to strain your neck to look up. It would have almost been more cost saving and more comfortable to have those sit up/ take away floor seats with extra pillows rather than expensive uncomfortable seats that don’t recline :-) of course options like this for elderly but at the same time options to just lie down with comfortable pillows for little ones and Middle Aged parents that don’t want a sore neck… as the movie is literally on the ceiling. Suggestions… have more sensory/ hands on experiences/ dress ups/ ‘star room area’ / telescopes to hold/ look through/ maybe ask some experienced educators some feedback about suitable hands on experiences that would engage younger children for longer and needs to be accessible for younger children. One area that talked about ‘liquids’ had no liquid in it. I did like that one seat that you sit down in to look like you’re in space, that was good, but I think Stardome could be so much better!!! You could even get entertaining experts in or train one staff member at the desk to do a hands on activity alongside the children at particular times for demonstrations/ shows. Eg a simple show or demonstration about what space smelt like/ looked like, interactive is the key. There are so many areas for improvement!!!! It’s difficult to explain through text but there is room for growth here and opportunities to be better. It would be interesting to see the age group of your customers how many are 5 and under that would benefit from better quality hands on experiences as it would attract many of them- as the playground is close by as well. Looking forward to seeing if anything changes for the better...