Nau mai! Mātakitaki ki te Raki
Welcome! Oxford Area School Observatory
Our Passion: Astronomy and Space Exploration
Our Vision and Mission: Science education for our youth and communities
Tātai whetū ki te rangi
Tātai tangata ki te whenua
Mātakitaki ki te Raki / The Oxford Area School Observatory was opened on 16 June 2006. It houses two Meade Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes, one 12” and one 10”. As of the 2024 season, we also own a high-powered binocular station.
The Observatory is accessible to the community, and especially focuses on our students as well as students of other schools in the District. At Oxford Area School, we pride ourselves in this facility and commit ourselves to furthering astronomy education for all ages at all levels.
It is run by volunteers.
We run a calendar full of interesting events each winter season (April-September):
- Open Nights and Matariki Mornings (telescope, binocular station and stargazing)
- Private Evenings, Group Events
- Workshops for beginners to advanced students (astrophotography, the Moon, the Planets, etc.).
Use the menu for all details.
The Team at Mātakitaki ki te Raki / the Oxford Area School Observatory