astronomy

Strange New Worlds: Discovering and Naming Exoworlds!

Stephen Clothier

Have you ever wanted to have the chance for your thoughts and ideas to be permanently written in the stars? As part of our fabulous series of space-themed events for the October school holidays, we’re excited to announce a collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington which will see you exploring distant space as well as taking the opportunity to make your mark in the field of stellar cartography.

Find out more about these fabulous events below!

On a Planet Far, Far Away: Discovering Exoworlds

When? Friday 14 October, 11.30am – 12.15pm
Where? Karori Library, Ground Floor

In this interactive talk and demonstration, Victoria University of Wellington astrophysicists Dr. Tulasi Parashar and Dr. Yvette Perrott will be pulling back the curtain on the various tools and techniques space scientists use to map distant space, including the discovery of exoworlds — planets and stars that lie beyond our solar system. After the session, you will have the opportunity to chat to Tulasi and Yvette to learn more about their cutting-edge research in outer space.

This talk is open for space enthusiasts of all ages, and there’s no need to register! Find out more on our event calendar.

Making Your Mark: Naming Exoworlds

When? Friday 14 October, 12.30 – 1.30pm
Where? Karori Library, 1st Floor

Following the above talk, Tulasi and Yvette will be leading a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rangatahi aged 10-15. In this workshop, you will be learning even more about the fascinating science behind the detection of exoworlds, how different cultures assign names to celestial bodies, and then work together to propose an official name for one of twenty recently-discovered exoworlds currently being targeted by the James Webb Space Telescope.

As part of the International Astronomical Union’s NameExoWorlds initiative, the successful name will actually be put forward to the original discoverers of the planet we choose for official inclusion in the stellar charts used by the scientific community worldwide — meaning your thoughts and ideas may well become a permanent feature of the night sky as we understand it.

Because space is limited for this event, registration is essential. Visit our event calendar to register your interest in this event.

Meet the Space Scientists

We are enormously grateful to our friends at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences for providing these opportunities to meet some of the foremost experts in their fields.

Dr. Tulasi Parashar is a space physicist. His interests range from things a few hundred kilometres above Earth to things in the farthest recesses of the universe. He loves chatting with people, grown-up as well as young ones, about all things space. Learn more about Dr. Parashar.
Dr. Yvette Perrott is an astrophysicist and lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington. She started off researching exoplanets but now likes to study the biggest things in our Universe using light that we can’t see with our eyes. Learn more about Dr. Perrott.
Keen to learn more about space? Your local library has heaps of books and other resources — check out this blog post to get started!

 

 

Magazines for Kids: In Print and Online

Sue Jane

You might have a stack of books waiting for you to read, but sometimes flicking through a magazine is enough! They are colourful, have interesting bytes of info, and if you want to delve further, there are always more in-depth articles for you to read.

Wellington City Libraries have loads of kids’ mags for you to browse and issue – both as hard copies and online. There is something in the catalogue to cater for every taste. There are also a number of ways you can access these magazines. It’s as easy as tahi-rua-toru!

  1. Selected hard copies of kids’ mags are available at all our branch libraries… come in and have a rummage! Kids’ mags are free to issue on a child’s or young adult card, and are issued for ONE week.
  2. The latest issues of kids’ e-mags are available on OVERDRIVE or LIBBY to borrow using your library card. You can then read them on your device at your leisure.
  3. Have you checked out Press Reader? This is an online newspaper and magazine database that is free for Wellington City Libraries patrons to use, and has a great selection of kids’ mags for you to browse online.

Here’s just a small selection to whet your magazine appetite:

You might like a little bit of everything, why not try:

Overdrive cover K-Zone

It’s jam-packed with fun including movie news, gaming goss, comics and stacks of puzzles, quizzes, activities and posters. Every issue is themed around something special, be it superheroes, videogames or even K-Zoner favourites like pranks and jokes. (Overdrive description)

If tech and gaming is where it’s at for you:

Minecraft world magazine.
“Minecraft World is the essential monthly guide to the planet’s best videogame: Minecraft! In each issue, we’ll be keeping you bang up to date with what’s happening in Minecraft, as well as sharing secrets, essential tips, advice and the very latest news. We’ll be also serving up brilliant Minecraft constructions, expert hints, answering your questions, and packing page after page with as much as we possibly can about the game! Whether you’re playing Minecraft on a computer, a portable device or a games console, Minecraft World is going to be your essential independent guide to getting as much out of the game as possible. And none of the game’s monsters will be safe from us either.” (Catalogue)

Overdrive cover Scratch: Learn to program the easy way,

“Anyone can code. Certainly, writing the next Minecraft or programming complex simulations from scratch will require a deeper knowledge, but anyone and everyone has the potential to learn some basic coding skills, then take those skills and write a simple program. […]

The projects in this magazine are fun, so that kids and adults will enjoy making them, and playing them once they are done. They are also easy to customise, so that novice programmers can take what we have put together, change it and make their own mark.” (Adapted from Overdrive description)

Fun ideas for preschoolers:

Overdrive cover DOT Magazine,

“Aimed at preschoolers, DOT carries stories and games all aimed to foster imagination, creativity and fun in children aged 5 and under.” (Overdrive description)

You want to know how this big, beautiful planet works?

National geographic kids.
“National Geographic Kids magazine – the perfect balance between learning and fun! A must-have for children ages 6 and up. Each issue is packed with colorful photos, games, puzzles, fun features and facts about animals, science, technology, and more.” (Catalogue)

National Geographic little kids.
“National Geographic Little Kids magazine – perfect for children ages 3 to 6. Irresistible photos and simple text to enhance early reading experiences, along with games, puzzles, and activities, that turn playtime into learning time.” (Catalogue)

Is current affairs your interest?

Overdrive cover The Week Junior

“The Week Junior is a brilliant current affairs magazine for children aged between 8 and 14. It’s filled with fascinating stories and information, written to engage curious young minds and encourage them to explore and understand the world around them.” (Overdrive description)

What about animals and pets?

Overdrive cover Animal Tales

“Animal Tales is a children’s animal and poster magazine perfect for animal-loving kids between the ages of six and twelve. It’s filled with heart-warming animal stories, articles that will educate, and an extensive fun and games section- plus a series of six collectible animal posters will be included in each issue.” (Overdrive description)

Are you keen to know how everything works?

How it works.
“Welcome to How It Works, the magazine that explains everything you never knew you wanted to know about the world we live in. Loaded with fully illustrated guides and expert knowledge, and with sections dedicated to science, technology, transportation, space, history and the environment, no subject is too big or small for How It Works to explain.” (Catalogue)

Or maybe the stars and universe is your jam:

Overdrive cover Astronomy for Kids,

“Get 200+ astronomy facts, activities, & fun for kids exclusively from Astronomy magazine.This 100 page special issue includes engaging and fun articles, hands-on STEM activities, and even a 12-page comic by Michael Bakich, Astronomy Senior Editor and longtime planetarium educator.” (Overdrive description)

Does ancient Egypt really interest you?

Overdrive cover All About History Book Of Ancient Egypt

“All About History is the stunningly realised new magazine from the makers of How It Works and All About Space. Featuring beautiful illustrations, photos and graphics depicting everything from ancient civilisations to the Cold War, All About History is accessible and entertaining to all and makes history fun for the whole family.” (Overdrive description)

 

 

10 New Non Fiction to read during winter.

Katie

Hey kids! Winter is coming, and there are bound to be days where you will be spending more times indoors – whether it is at your local library or in the comfort of your own home. Luckily there is some awesome new non fiction available in the junior non fiction collection at your local library! Check out these books that will help you brush up on your English/grammar skills, prehistoric animals, and so much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsPlanetarium.

Check out the latest book which is part of the “Welcome to the museum series”, a collection of books where the museum is open all hours!

Welcome to the planetarium! A book that houses a huge collection of astronomical objects and enables you to explore the universe in all its glory!

Hands down, one of the best books on planets!

Have a look at other books in the series, such as Animalium, Historium and Dinosaurium,

images courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe science of warfare : the ferocious facts about how we fight.

Want to learn the science of warfare? Then this is the book for you! This ferocious books of facts of how the best in warfare fight will tell you all you need to know. From medieval trebuchets and siege towers to the tanks and high-powered aircraft of today, it is an eye-opening introduction to the mechanics of warfare.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Lizards.

Whether they already own one, or beg for one each Christmas and birthday, children love pets, and PET PALS is the perfect title for any pet-loving child out there. From where they sleep to what they eat, and how you can make them feel safe and at home, this book provides all the pet care advice you could possibly need. Adorable photos, and gentle, accessible text, makes this the perfect guide for all pet carers – whether they own a pet or not!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAmazing transport : journey through the history of transport.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready to zoom through the history of transport and discover incredible facts about all kinds of vehicles along the way. With wonderfully intricate illustrations from Chris Mould, Amazing Transport tells the story of some of science’s most recognisable inventions in a way you’ve never seen before. Prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.

Hands down, one of the coolest books on transport I have ever seen! Ideal for anyone who is interested in transport and history!

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

My first dictionary.

My first dictionary contains core words, with clear definitions, simple spelling tips and fun wordplay activities. This is a great book to help improve children’s reading, writing and spelling.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

My first thesaurus.

My first thesaurus is an easy-to-use word finder containing more than 100 key words and more than 1,000 secondary words, as well as synonyms and antonyms. Simple example sentences and amusing cartoons clarify and visually reinforce word meanings while making the process of discovery fun. The thesaurus can be used alongside its companion title, My first dictionary.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Weather and the seasons.

This book is a good introduction to weather and the seasons, describing what is a cloud, why rainbows form, and how animals migrate for the winter, and includes four weather-related science projects.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Taniwhasaurus : the true story of finding the dinosaurs of Zealandia.

Tells the story of Joan Wiffen, a self-taught fossil hunter who discovered the first evidence of dinosaurs in New Zealand.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMaria Montessori.

New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Maria Montessori, the pioneering teacher and researcher. Maria grew up in Italy at a time when girls didn’t receive an equal education to boys. But Maria’s mother was supportive of her dreams, and Maria went on to study medicine. She later became an early years expert – founding schools with her revolutionary educational theories and changing the lives of many children. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the educators life.

6 new children’s non-fiction to read in November

Katie

Hey Kids! Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. Featured in this post are books about Greek goddesses, Star Wars, Famous family trees, and much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsAthena: the Story of a Goddess. 

This is the captivating story of the most fearless goddess, Athena. An astounding tale of daring, bravery, wisdom and one goddess’s love for adventure. –Adapted from back cover.


image courtesy of sydneticsStar Wars : the complete visual dictionary.

This comprehensive visual dictionary is the perfect Star Wars book for getting to know the galaxy far, far away. Packed with more than 1,500 stunning images, it showcases major and minor characters including Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, creatures, vehicles, weapons, props, and items of tech in unparalleled detail. Beautiful photography and engaging text written by Star Wars experts examines the finer points of Padmé Amidala’s costumes, displays Boba Fett’s array of weaponry, studies Darth Vader’s armour, and reveals the lesser-known background stories too many of the characters. Find out who Poe Dameron’s idol is, discover the tech behind BB-8’s rolling motion, and much, much more! Fully updated to include the latest instalments of the Skywalker saga – Star Wars The Force Awakens and Star Wars The Last Jedi – this invaluable reference guide incorporates all the latest stories and characters. The definitive companion to the Star Wars movies, Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary is a must-buy for the beginner and the die-hard Star Wars fan alike.


image courtesy of syndeticsFamous family trees.

Who did Cleopatra grow up with? Where did Gengis Khan’s fierce nature come from? And what was life like in the Kennedy household? Step into the lives of 25 famous faces from history and discover the intricate web of family that helped make them. Loved and loathed, this introduction to history comes with twenty-five family trees for the whole family to explore.



image courtesy of syndeticsThe Moon.

Explore the history of man’s relationship with the Moon – the science, the myths, the facts and the fiction – and how it affects our everyday lives and the world around us.


image courtesy of syndeticsHow not to be a twit and other wisdom from Roald Dahl.

From advice on finding magic and thinking nice thoughts, to the importance of frequent whizzpopping, the writing of Roald Dahl is filled with wit and wisdom and advice for little people growing up – and big people growing down.


image courtesy of sydneticsThe short & curly guide to life.

Why are things the way they are? Why do we do things a certain way? Wouldn’t it be better if we did things differently? The Short & Curly Guide to Life poses the thorniest questions and the toughest topics to think about – all in the most fun and entertaining way! You’ll find yourself wondering if it’s okay to break a promise – even if it is in a video game! Questioning whether you would want to spend eternity in an amazing virtual reality. Umming and ahhing over whether there’s anything wrong with keeping the cutest baby fox for a pet . . . and so much more! Covering topics such as fairness, bullying, bravery, friendship and choice, The Short & Curly Guide to Life is a must-read for every child, parent and teacher.

 

 

 

 

8 New Non Fiction to read during the holidays!

Katie

Kia ora koutou tamarikima!

The school holidays are almost over (Boo!). Cheer up though; we have some new amazing non fiction that you must get your hands on and read before the holidays are over. Books about cooking with pokemon, outstanding world breaking records and there the world of space, animals and records collides.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsPlanet Awesome.

In this hilarious and informative book filled to the brim with eye-opening, kid-friendly facts about our planet, you’ll find scientifically accurate information from beloved children’s book author Stacy McAnulty and vibrant art by award-winning illustrator David Litchfield.

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsThe Pokémon cookbook : easy and fun recipes.

Create delicious dishes – from desserts to pizza- that look like your favourite Pokémon characters with more than 35 easy recipes. One pokemon book you must catch!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRecord Breakers!

Check out the latest Record Breakers, where you will read all about  the first, fastest, longest, largest, biggest, and best records in the world. One book you must get your hands on these school holidays.

 

 

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsFootball record breakers : goal scorers! trophy winners! football legends!

From the biggest leagues to the most exciting cup tournaments, football’s record-breaking stars are here. This book is packed with thousands of eye-popping stats about incredible trophy-winning teams and legendary goal scorers from around the globe, and contains all the need-to-know facts and figures from the 2016-2017 league seasons around the world.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA cat’s guide to the night sky.

Cats and astronomy are combined in this beautiful book where you will join Felicity the cat on a discovery of the night sky. You will learn about the phases of the moon, the constellations and how to spot the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. This beautiful, fun book will introduce you to the beauty of the night sky and show you the stars like you’ve never seen them before. A librarians choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of sydneticsPredators.

Check out iExplore Predators and Extinct Animals, where you will learn is the most ferocious animals on earth, as well as bring them back to life  with the use of augmented reality. You will get to learn about these animals  learn and be entertained for hours on end. Good to have on hand for a rainy day.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRobot : meet the machines of the future.

The robots are here at the library, in the form of this amazing book! “From giant fighting robots to nanobots that can work inside the human body, this book explores the latest technology transforming out world. The robot revolution is here to stay!”–Publisher’s description. Contains information about popular and famous robots, such as PARO, as robotic seal designed for pet therapy, bionic kangaroos, social robot called  Pepper and you even get to learn more about our very own humanoid NAO robots, Blue and Red! Another librarians choice all the way!

6 New Non Fiction on Lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers thrown in for good measure.

Katie

The Easter break and school holidays are here. Time for some Wellington City Libraries kids blog entertainment!

This post is dedicated to the world of lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers to feed and curb your big screen entertainment.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie.

Calling all Lego and Batman fanatics!  Brace yourself… there’s another hot new non fiction book where the world of Lego, DC Universe and Da da da da da da da…Batman colides! The LEGO Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie tells the inside story of how Warner Bros. and the LEGO Group joined creative forces to bring Batman’s brick world to life. Also features exclusive insights from the filmmakers, animators, and LEGO designers. This book is in a word – COOL!

Also check out The Batman movie : the essential guide, where you can go behind the scenes and discover everything there is to know about The LEGO Batman Movie with this ultimate guide. Featuring the latest LEGO Batman set and minifigures. image courtesy of syndetics

Also feel free to check out the latest movie trailer to The Lego Batman Movie, man oh man, after watching it multiple times, I still think it’s hilarious, especially when the Joker experiences a case of rejection and heartbreak from Batman, hmmm do I detect of hint of would-be bromance on the Joker’s part?

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations with bricks you already have.

Turn your pile of lego bricks into a day of fun!… especially when it’s a cold and miserable day. This book holds 50 new robots, dragons, race cars, planes, wild animals and other exciting projects to build imaginative worlds

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook.

Pokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook describes the concept of the Pokémon battle, and presents descriptions of the original 151 Pokémon available to catch in the game.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe librarian who measured the earth.

This book describes the life and work of Eratosthenes, the Greek geographer and astronomer who accurately measured the circumference of the Earth. This story is a celebration of curiosity and a tribute to the questing mind.

 

 

imgae courtesy of syndeticsA child‘s introduction to Greek mythology : the stories of the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and other mythical creatures.

This book presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the roles of gods and goddesses, as well as the adventures of heroes and mythical beings.

 

Also check out the trailer for The Boss Baby. It is in a number words, funny, hilarious, innovative and where the lines of sibling rivalry are crossed and taken to the extreme. However instant sibling rivalry must soon be put aside when Tim, the older brother discovers that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a secret mission, and only he can help thwart a dastardly plot that involves an epic battle between puppies and babies.

We Are Aliens!

admin

A new show will be on at Carter Observatory starting on November 21st.

We Are Aliens explores the possibility of life existing elsewhere in our universe through a new 360 degree digital planetarium show. Find out about what we are doing to search for alien life and whether scientists think they will find life on other planets or not. Visit this site to watch the show’s trailer.

For Harry Potter fans you’ll be pleased to know that the show is narrated by Rupet Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the HP movies.

Sit back in Carter Observatory’s indoor planetarium and enjoy the show!

Ticket and more info here.

 

Solar Eclipse

admin

A solar eclipse can be one of the most dramatic of celestial events and there’s one happening on November 14th.

An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are lined up and we see the Moon to crossing in front of the sun. It looks like the sun is blacked out for a moment while the moon is in front of it.

The upcoming eclipse is a partial solar eclipse in New Zealand (the moon wont cover the whole sun, just a bit of it). But the further north you go the more the moon will appear to cover the sun. To see a full eclipse you’d need to be 1200kms north of New Zealand, sitting in a boat in the pacific ocean (or around where Cairns (in Australia) is).

The eclipse in Wellington will be on Wednesday November 14th between 9.26am – 11.47am, with the largest portion of sun covered (about 76%) at 10.34am.

Looking at the sun can be dangerous and harmful for our eyes. Luckily the Carter Observatory has the eclipse covered (pun!) and suggest the following ideas for viewing this cool event:

  1. Eclipse glasses (available to purchase from the Carter Observatory)
  2. Pinhole projection
  3. Welding glasses
  4. Use a telescope

Check out what the Carter Observatory has planned for the eclipse, lots of fun and learning!

Interested in Astronomy? This book has heaps of projects and things you can make and do about astronomy. Have fun spaceheads!

Free open day at the Carter Observatory!

fionamk

If you enjoyed the Cosmodome and other astronomy-related happenings last year, then head up to the Carter Observatory this Saturday.

The Observatory is reopening with a huge range of things to do on its first day: take a virtual tour through space at the new planetarium, discover the Universe through NZ’s largest telescope, or just join in with one of the many fun things that are planned.

For more details of what’s happening see the Carter Observatory website.