Main image via Mackenzie NZ + Experience Group
There’ve been many eclipses, meteor showers and various stargazing activities that we as Malaysians have missed due to our foggy and cloudy night skies.
But now, a stargazing event will be taking place TONIGHT that all of us will be able to enjoy, no matter how cloudy it is outside!
via GIPHY
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first begun, we’ve not had much opportunity to travel out of Malaysia as most countries’ border have been shut.
New Zealand however, are opening their borders virtually for a special stargazing livestream event that will be held to commemorate the start of the Māori New Yew, or Matariki.
Tourism New Zealand will be hosting the event and are inviting the world to join them in their inaugural stargazing livestream that will be held at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which has been hailed as one of the country’s most incredible stargazing locations.
Image via Mackenzie NZ
According to its website, “the clear skies found in this part of the world are like nothing else in New Zealand. Very limited light pollution means the views of the night sky seem to stretch on as far as the eye can see.”
The 4,300 square kilometer area is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only eight in the world. It comprises of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South Island.
“Keen stargazers will see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way,” the website writes.
Image via Mackenzie NZ
Tourism New Zealand notes that Matariki is a time of celebration and reflection and is also a special occasion that is signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky.
The livestream event will also shed light on the story, myths and legends of Mariki, as well as the significance of this moment in the year.
If this event sounds like it’s the perfect event for you, all you need to do is head to Tourism New Zealand’s official Facebook page and check out the event HERE.
The event will take place on 21st July 2020 at 1.30am on the Facebook page.
Image via Experience Group
We know what we’ll be staying up for tonight!
Will you be joining the stargazing event like us? Share this with your friends so they can stargaze right from their homes too!
Info via Mothership