Editing Stardome Observatory (section)

{{Short description|Astronomical observatory and planetarium in Auckland, New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Stardome Observatory Cornwall Park.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Stardome Observatory & Planetarium from the southwest]]

'''Stardome Observatory & Planetarium''' ([[IAU]] observatory code 467, previously known as '''Auckland Observatory''') is a public [[astronomical observatory]] and planetarium situated in [[Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill|Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill Domain]] in [[Auckland, New Zealand]].

Stardome has operated from its premises in Auckland's Maungakiekie One Tree Hill Domain since 1967 and has operated as a place of exploration, research and sharing of knowledge ever since.

Stardome's history began in 1948 when the [https://www.astronomy.org.nz/ Auckland Astronomical Society] began fundraising for a public observatory in Auckland. By 1956 they had significant funds, including a substantial bequest from Mrs Edith Winstone Blackwell<ref>{{Citation |title=Edith Winstone Blackwell |date=2023-05-23 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Winstone_Blackwell |access-date=2024-09-04 |language=en}}</ref> for the purchase of a telescope for public use. The Society formed the Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust Board to build on these funds and provide for the construction and management of a new observatory.

In 1960 One Tree Hill Borough Council provided a 21-year lease, which has been subsequently extended, for a site in One Tree Hill Domain (which Stardome still occupies), and in March 1967 the Observatory opened.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Not in my Backyard" – The Construction of the Auckland Observatory |url=https://ahi.auckland.ac.nz/2021/07/22/not-in-my-backyard/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Auckland History Initiative |language=en-NZ}}</ref>