For the fist time the University of Canterbury will be opening the doors of its mountain-top observatory to the public in a stellar overnight experience. It'll be just them, the experts and 50 million distant solar systems.
Mt John Observatory is a haven for astronomers in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. The six high-powered telescopes are normally only seen by researchers. Since 1965 Mt John has become a site of pilgrimage for astro-tourism. However few guests get access to New Zealand's most powerful telescopes – let alone for the whole night.
It will not only be the heavens that are star-studded. Celebrity astronomer Dr Ian Griffin, Astrophysicist and director of the Otago Museum will be on hand to guide visitors through the heavens.
![It'll be just 8 guests, the experts and 50 million distant solar systems. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NXNNB5FPAOQI2C7JWRDE42S4VA.jpg?auth=14c64df15979316a1827c68f2f8c613f3604aba955248dc5bce7135298266937&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)