For the third time in its history, the Whakatāne Astronomical Society hosted the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand’s annual conference this month, attracting astronomers from around the world.

Society foundation member Norman Izett said they hosted 97 visitors over the weekend from all parts of the country and internationally, exceeding the last Whakatāne conference in 2014 by 25 guests.

“It was an excellent result after the massive effort put in by our small local team to make it happen,” he said.  Attendees came from as far afield as Thailand, Japan and England.

Mr Izett said guests were full of praise for the smooth organisation of the event and the Gateway Theatre venue.

Society president Keith Blair opened the conference by introducing society patron and Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca, who formally welcomed attendees.

Distinguished visitors present included Professor Anna Scaife from the University of Manchester, who spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on astronomy; Professor Rene Breton, also from the University of Manchester, who spoke about detecting pulsars; past RASNZ president Nalayini Brito-Davies, now president of Dark Sky International; Professor Emeritus John Hearnshaw; and Steve Butler.

Ms Brito-Davies, Prof Hearnshaw and Mr Butler have all been very active in promoting Dark Skies in New Zealand in recent years.  

Mr Izett said there were also 10 SWAPA (Students With a Passion for Astronomy) students there, which was something new for the Whakatane society.

The group was founded largely by Prof Hearnshaw in the years following the last Whakatāne conference in 2014.

“This nationwide scholarship programme had the potential for challenges, but very fortunately, Whakatāne High School teacher, Erin Nolan, stepped in and took care of them all event though she was not even a member of our society at the time,” Mr Izett said.

“She was joined by RASNZ member from Napier, Bruce Ngataierua and our own Charlie Lampitt to look after their welfare while here.

“These year 12-13 students always amaze us all with the knowledge they already have on their favourite aspects of astronomy.

The Norman Izett Whakatane Observatory is open for public viewing on Tuesday and Friday evenings (weather permitting) and other nights for groups by arrangement.