Taupo observatory one year old

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 563, 22 November 1994, Page 11

Taupo observatory one year old

The Taupo Observatory marked the anniversary of its first birthday recently , with a host of competitions, prizes and childrens' give-aways. Among these was the chanee to win a scenic flight for two over Taupo and the Central Plateau' s mountains, with DeBrett's Aviatioh. Over 25,000 visitors have already enjoyed the T aupo Observatory to date. There has been keen interest from schools, universities and polytechnics from around the region who are now using the Taupo Observatory as a valuable resource for earth science education. Many clubs and organisations have also attended special evening presentations including tourism operators in Taupo and Rotorua, all keen to boost their knowledge of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The Taupo Observatory is a learning experience for young and old alike. It is a dynamic place reflecting changes and advances in geological science. As part of the Wairakei Research Centre the Observatory is a new and exciting

visitor centre that presents science as it happens. As well as being an important educational resource, available for class visits, the Taupo Observatory exposes the casual visitor and tourist to the wonders of the earth in motion. Interactive displays allow visitors to discover for themselves amazing facts about the way our environment has formed and evolved. At its centre is a large three dimensional map of the central North Island. It presents photos of volcanoes and geothermal activity within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Push buttons and lights highlight these features for the visitor, and further push buttons single out different volcano types and the volcanic vents active in the last 5000 years. Colourful wall panels surround the display area with information about the earth' s interior, volcanoes and volcanic hdzards, geothermal activity and groundwater resources. The Taupo Observatory' s 40 seat auditorium offers video and slide presentations as well as lectures and talks. Videos are shown of volcanic eruptions from New Zealand and around the world. As well as displays, models and audiovisual presentations there is a 'Geology Shop' with books, posters, videos, brochures and items of geological interest available so that visitors can take some of this fascinating knowledge and striking imagery away with them.