Chasing the light at night, looking for a horizon under a dark sky, and sharing his love of astrophotography will be topics Grant Birley plans to talk about at the next meeting of the Tauranga Astronomical Society on Tuesday night, August 27.

Grant, who has been out photographing the night sky and natural night scenes since 2018, has been invited as the guest speaker to talk on ‘Chasing Light at Night – Auroras of the Sea and Sky, Stars and Nightscapes’.

“I have been chasing the stars and nightscapes for a little while now and I am just as passionate about it now as I was six years ago,” says Grant.

The 'auroras of the sea' refers to the bioluminescence he has been out pursuing and capturing while the rest of us are mostly tucked up in bed.

Grant Birley also loves to look for bioluminescence, and sharing the experience with his son. Photo: Grant Birley.

Born in South Africa but calling New Zealand home for the last 18 years, Grant's nightly adventures take him up and down the upper North Island where he says the best spots can be found.

"Under the cloak of darkness, on certain nights of the year, if you cast your eyes out to sea you may bear witness to true magic," says Grant.

"When and how often is the million dollar question – which I don’t believe anyone knows for sure."

"Back in May 2020, my son and I came across a scene in Mangawhai that I truly believe ranks up there as a once-in-a-lifetime experience – we managed to capture a bioluminescent bloom of epic proportions," says Grant.

"The waves were huge, the surf and breaks were clean, which made for almost perfect conditions for a bioluminescent show.

"I am no expert and am learning as I go along, with regards to when and why it occurs."

The Milky Way. Photo: Grant Birley.

Grant says anyone looking for him needs look no further than very dark places under clear skies.

"Under the cloak of darkness is when my world comes alive! When the sun sets and true darkness is upon us, that is when I head out in search of the darkest skies, brightest stars and the lights of the night that fuel my passion and drive to photograph.”

He says living in a city with many street and building lights can be a challenge for astrophotographers.

“Light pollution is the enemy and as such we need to get as far away from it as possible - not easy living in a major city that is highly light polluted. Luckily, here in NZ, while the major cities are swamped in light pollution, we are able to get to dark skies no more than 20-40 minutes outside of town. I suspect not many other cities and countries have this luxury.”

Capturing the Aurora Australis. Photo: Grant Birley.

He plans to tell his story of how he goes about it, and what he captures, as well as what drives him on his tireless pursuit.

The Tauranga Astronomical Society meets at Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building in Fergusson Park, at the end of Tilby Drive in Matua,Tauranga.

The meeting will begin at 7.30pm, and admission is $5 for visitors and free for members. School age children have free entry. There is no EFTPOS available, so cash only is required.

“From around 8.30pm, weather permitting, Saturn will be high enough in the sky for viewing through our telescopes,” says society president David Grieg.  

Grant Birley.

“Other objects such including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies may also be visible.

“At around 8.30pm, we will have a 10-minute break. Tea/coffee/Milo and biscuits are available for $2.”

The main meeting ends around 9pm. David says some families with young children choose to leave during or after the break, and if the sky is clear, telescope viewing may continue after 9pm for those remaining.

“Please check back on our Facebook page before the meeting in case of cancellation due to bad weather or illness,” says David.

Full moonrise behind the Sky Tower, Auckland. Photo: Grant Birley.

For those keen to join the Tauranga Astronomical Society, there are the options of 12 month membership of S40 for individuals, S50 for families, or $20 for tertiary students.

“This gives you free entry to any of our meetings and viewing nights, access to our loan telescopes - a hire fee and bond may apply - and access to our extensive library,” says David.

“Also check out our extensive range of TAS caps, beanies, polo and tee shirts, hoodies and jackets. They make great gifts for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages.”

David is keen to hear from anyone interested in learning how to use the telescopes and become part of the team to help with their viewing nights?

“Come along! We would love for you to join us,” says David.

Regular public meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from March to November, at 7.30 pm. Presentations are given on current astronomical topics. All those interested in astronomy in the Bay of Plenty district are invited to attend.

Tauranga Astronomical Society meeting 7.30pm, Tuesday, August 27, with guest speaker Grant Birley. Topic: ‘Chasing Light at Night – Auroras of the Sea and Sky, Stars and Nightscapes’. Admission $5 for visitors. Members and school age children have free entry. No EFTPOS available.