Travelling through Peru to explore archaeo-astronomy is the topic of a presentation at the Tauranga Astronomical Society's August meeting.

Originally planned for July, but postponed twice due to a weather bomb and then Covid, Gary Spark, president of the Hawke's Bay Astronomical Society and Hawke's Bay Holt Planetarium director, is in Tauranga today to give a live presentation on the subject at a public meeting this evening.

'In 1997, I had the opportunity to go on a specialist astronomical tour of Peru," says Gary.

'We visited sites that were well known and one that few members of the public had ever seen. In my talk I will share some of my images and some of the ideas that we discussed during the trip.”

Gary will be speaking at the Tauranga Astronomical Society meeting at Tauranga Observatory, Fergusson Park today Tuesday August 23 from 7.30pm.

Weather permitting, people will also get a chance to view Saturn which will be well placed for viewing as well as seeing some interesting star clusters. The Moon won't be visible so the sky will be very dark, says a Tauranga Astronomical Society member.

People interested in learning how to use their telescopes and becoming part of the team to help with viewing nights are invited to come along with join in on the fun.

Facemasks will be required as a condition of entry. The society says there will be no exceptions to this rule.

'Many of our volunteers and members and/or their family members are immuno-compromised and/or have existing health conditions which make them particularly vulnerable.

'We also ask that visitors maintain social distancing including around the people operating the telescopes.

'Thank you for understanding and helping to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

Admission is $5 for visitors (free for members). School age children are free. No EFTPOS is available onsite.

The Tauranga Astronomical Society observatory is located in the Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building in Fergusson Park, end of Tilby Drive, Matua, Otumoetai, Tauranga.

Regular public meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (Feb to Nov) at 7.30pm.

Presentations are given on current astronomical topics.

All those interested in astronomy in the Bay of Plenty district are invited to attend.

Weather permitting, there may be opportunities for viewing sessions through various telescopes.