A leading NZ astrophotographer is showcasing the art of capturing the beauty of the night sky in a talk in Tauranga on Saturday evening.

John Drummond is the special guest speaker tonight at the Tauranga Astronomical Society Observatory in Matua. The observatory is located in the Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building in Fergusson Park, at the end of Tilby Drive.

In this talk, John will show how to capture the beauty of the night sky and how to overcome some of the challenges when imaging faint targets using long exposure times.

After John's presentation, there will be a 10 minute break. Tea, coffee, Milo and biscuits are available for $2. The meeting runs from 7.30pm - 9pm.

After the main meeting, weather permitting, telescope viewing may be possible.

Admission is $5 for visitors (free for members). School age children are free. Please note that there is no Eft-Pos available, so the club requests cash only please.

There is an optional 12 Month membership which is $40 for individuals, $50 for families, or $20 for tertiary students. This gives members free entry to any of the meetings, access to the loan telescopes (a hire fee and bond may apply) and access to the extensive library.

The lecture this evening with John Drummond is being brought with the assistance of the Gifford-Eiby Memorial Lectureship Scheme administered by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.

Anyone interested in learning how to use the telescopes and becoming part of the team to help with the society's viewing nights is welcome to come along and join the society.

Regular public meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between February and November, 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 the various telescopes at the meetings.