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Story: Light

Mt John observatory

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Mt John observatory

The clarity of light varies greatly within New Zealand according to the weather and the proximity of urban populations. But certain regions have an exceptionally clear atmosphere and high visibility. In particular South Canterbury and Central Otago are protected from the rain by the Southern Alps. This is one reason why the University of Canterbury sited their internationally respected observatory close to Lake Tekapo in South Canterbury.

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by Carl Walrond

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How to cite this page

Jock Phillips, Light – Scientific observation, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/7670/mt-john-observatory (accessed 20 June 2026).

Story by Jock Phillips, published 2 March 2009.