One of the optional excursions offered to us by our New Zealand host, The Langham Auckland, was an evening visit to the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Even though we had already taken part in an extended day of touring the Auckland region, I was eager to take part in the nighttime trip. Not that I’m a dedicated stargazer who can identify dozens of constellations, but I appreciate looking up at a dark sky and taking in  the magnitude of the universe. This would give me the opportunity (weather permitting) to have a guided introduction to the stars of the Southern Hemisphere and, in particular, the Southern Cross. The first part of the evening consisted of a star show in the planetarium’s dome which would feature the stars, planets and constellations visible in the sky that night. Later, we would go outside and have the opportunity to use some small telescopes to observe the moon and a few planets. And a lucky few of us would have access to the .5-meter Zeiss telescope. I wondered just how much we would be able to see; as we arrived, a thin skim of clouds trailed across a full moon. The clouds didn’t concern me nearly as much as the bright light of that moon and the light pollution from the surrounding city. The planetarium is located within One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) Domain, an immense park situated over one of Auckland’s volcanic cones, so at least there was a bit of a buffer from all the street lights. I have to admit that the comfortable, semi-reclined seating and dark, warm room, combined with my tired body, made it difficult for me to be completely attentive for the entire sky show. I did pick up enough information so that when we adjourned to the courtyard outside I was able to immediately spy the Southern Cross and a few other constellations that had been featured inside. The few clouds had drifted away, and although the magnificent moon was extremely bright, there right above us was the iconic Southern Hemisphere constellation and Alpha Centauri. Unlike the Northern Hemisphere’s Polaris, the south has no fixed star by which to navigate, but the Southern Cross and its “pointer” stars serve nearly as well. After pausing briefly in the courtyard, we moved on to the small domed building housing the Zeiss telescope for some close-up viewing. Those in our group later agreed that together with the opportunity to view the Sombrero Galaxy (blurrily), the binary stars of Alpha Centauri, the rings of Saturn and the surface of the moon through that grand telescope, the highlight of the evening was the gentleman who operated the telescope and taught us about what we were viewing. It is always a pleasure to meet someone who so obviously loves what he does and loves sharing his passion for it with others. He patiently explained the difference between a galaxy and a solar system and why it was so difficult yet remarkable to be able to view a galaxy beyond our own Milky Way (and then explained it again for those who didn’t catch it the first time). He didn’t overwhelm with a lot of esoteric facts and figures but simply communicated his unfading delight and awe in the worlds above him. Along with the crystal-sharp image of Saturn, rings tipped vertically, that will remain one of favorite memories of my New Zealand evening excursion. — Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader