Public Astronomy Lecture: Scanning The Darkest Skies

Matariki reminds us that astronomy begins with humanity’s shared view of the night sky. Yet today’s astronomers often explore invisible features of the cosmos – dark matter, gravitational waves, and black holes. Drawing connections between these two perspectives, Richard Easther will shine a light on how our small country can play a key part in answering the biggest questions.

Dr Richard Easther is a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, and is a scientist, teacher, communicator and commentator. Professor Easther helped to set up Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute and is currently President of the New Zealand Institute of Physics .

Richard is in Ōtautahi Christchurch as part of The International Symposium on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (CosPA2026) and the 13th Australasian Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (ACGRG13) . This event is part of Matariki 2026 , where we're celebrating Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond.

Bring your friends and whānau to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre (4-12 Hōngongoi July) for music, exhibitions, kapa haka, wānanga (workshops), night mākete and much more.