Helping with high-tech pest control

With stars in their eyes

Story and picture by Debra Douglas

You could say Nalayini and Gareth Davies have stars in their eyes. Enthusiastic astronomers and committed advocates for New Zealand to become the world’s first dark sky nation, the couple are now looking to share the night sky’s sparkles with fellow RNZYS members.

Nalayini has recently been appointed President of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ). She holds a masters degree in astronomy, is a member of the Auckland Astronomical Society (AAS) and is chair of Astronz (a charity established by AAS to make astronomy more accessible to New Zealanders). As a director of the International Dark-Sky Association she is also a driving force behind dark sky enthusiasts around the country who are trying to preserve primeval night in their neighbourhoods by minimising light pollution.

Gareth, an IT professional, is a night brightness measurement specialist and a regular astronomy podcaster. He is a member of AAS, a

Pictured Left: Nalayini and Gareth Davies with a piece of the Squadron’s memorabilia, a telescope that saw action during WW11. Captured near Tobruk in November 1941 from the German Afrika Corp. by the 6th New Zealand Field Artillery Regiment, the telescope was presented to the Squadron in 1945, in recognition of the many members who served in The Second NZ Expeditionary Force.

committee member of the International DarkSky Association and with Nalayini was part of a team who pursued certification of the Aotea/ Great Barrier International Dark-Sky Sanctuary.

“My aim as RASNZ President is to continue the process of building a diverse and engaged astronomic community in New Zealand,” said Nalayini. “This will include both professional and amateur astronomers, as well as those just starting out on their astronomy journeys. I am concentrating on modernisation and inclusivity of a previously very traditional Society. I want to make astronomy more accessible, especially to young people.”

With this in mind, Nalayini is a tutor at an immersion course, ‘Astronomy, The Night Sky & The Universe’ to be held at the Squadron, October 21 to 23. Topics include an introduction to New Zealand’s night sky and the universe, practical usage of telescopes and binoculars, an introduction to Maori astronomy and hands-on stargazing. It is aimed at those who are interested, for example, in our night sky and beyond, astrophotography, astrotourism and the Dark Sky Movement in NZ.

Alongside her Society commitments, Nalayini and Gareth, through their involvement with the Dark Sky Movement, want to bring to the attention of New Zealanders the issue of light pollution.

“Our night skies are constantly under threat from new and stronger lighting. The Milky Way is no longer visible to one third of humanity and 80% of Europeans and 99% of the US population live under light-polluted skies,” said Nalayini. “We want to ensure this does not happen in this country. In the developed world, Australia and New Zealand are the two ‘darkest’ countries. But we still must contain light pollution, so it doesn’t get any worse and quietly work at reducing what is there.”

Turning night into day affects biodiversity. For animals and especially migratory birds, light triggers confusion when navigating, hunting or breeding. And for humans, according to the International Dark-Sky Association, research suggests artificial light at night can also negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes and breast cancer.

Nalayini: “Awareness of light pollution is building. Light pollution is recognised as a form of pollution by the New Zealand Government. It is the only form of pollution on which we can have an immediate impact.

“We can switch lights off and use timers. Shields stop lights from scattering in all directions, and concentrate on areas that need to be lit up. I’m not saying light is a bad thing – we all need light to live – I am saying don’t have unnecessary lights. It is most manageable of all the pollutions and everyone can do their bit.”

Some groups are already doing their bit. Aoraki Mackenzie (Tekapo), Aotea/ Great Barrier Island, Rakiura/Stewart Island and Tasman District’s Wai-iti Recreational Reserve have achieved International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) certification. In 2017, Great Barrier became the world’s first island to be recognised as a dark sky sanctuary.

“Another 20 communities, including Waiheke Island, are working towards certification,” said Nalayini. “Hopefully we are on track to becoming the world’s first dark sky nation.”

In the meantime, Gareth is planning to hold monthly night sky telescope viewing sessions at the Squadron. Groups up to 15 will be able to see and hear about life in the night from a vantage point a short walk from the building.

“Of course, these sessions will be weather dependent, but dates will be backed up with a rain date,” said Gareth. “With my scope you will see some amazing things, as far away as 200 million light years.”

Members interested in October’s ‘Astronomy, The Night Sky & The Universe’ immersion course will see details in Mainsheet. And members who are keen to make a night of it with Gareth Davies at the Squadron this Spring should also look for star-gazing viewing times in Mainsheet.