Space Place upgrade creates gateway to science

Space Place proudly explores mātauranga Māori alongside western astronomy.

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington completed the final phase of its multi-year upgrade with the support of Wellington City Council in April.

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Wellington Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics Yvette Perott, a member of the group which planned the work, says the new approach makes space much more relevant to visitors.

“It’s really important to share the excitement of science and finding out about our universe. Science is about playing, being inquisitive, and we want everyone to know they can be part of this, it’s not just for men in white coats far away.

“This upgrade gives us the opportunity to develop content that is very up to date, like information about the Gaia Satellite and the discoveries it’s made about how our Milky Way galaxy has been shaped over time. It’s mapping all the stars in our Milky Way very precisely, measuring their position, how far away they are, what direction they are moving in, their temperature and luminosity and it’s had a really important impact. It’s like a census of our galaxy. That’s a big idea in science but approached in a way that makes it easy to understand.”

Her work with the university’s new Space Science Programme prepares students to work in the space sector.

“I see space as a gateway for science. It’s really easy to get kids talking about rockets, stars and galaxies eand that can lead to them being interested in science in general. We definitely see the opportunities that open up to people who are curious about learning and develop their skills in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.”

Wheako Pōneke Public Programmes Manager Science Colin Smillie says visitors to Space Place now begin their journey close to home and move toward the beginning of time.

“Visitors start with the whenua they are standing on and learn how Pacific and European explorers came to Aotearoa across the southern seas, using the stars to navigate. Then we cover how we look at our skies, humans in space and the great things that are going on with space exploration and the contribution that Aotearoa is making. The last place we arrive at is the beginning of everything, as we reach back to the start of the cosmos.”

He says a growing interest in Matariki, shows the appeal of learning about our connection to the stars and it is vital that future generations keep building on this science-based knowledge.

“We present knowledge brought to us by experts. We want our visitors to find the mīharo or wonder in that and inspire a thirst for knowledge to take the next step.”

Wellington City Council allocated $1.5m for the project. Additional fundraising continues to be sought for additional experiences and elements to future proof the space museum.

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington acknowledges the support of Wellington City Council, Lion Foundation, The Four Winds Foundation, Lotteries Environment & Heritage Fund, Pub Charity, Nikau Foundation, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Pelorus Trust, Sargood Bequest, Grassroots Central Trust, One Foundation, Sally and Brian Hasell, Betina Pavri and Randy Pollock, Stina Pearson and Max Gordy, and the Friends of Wellington.

Space Place is in Kelburn on the edge of Wellington’s Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.