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.