About
Earth & Sky
Our company mission statement is this:
"To better understand
the nature of the universe we live in by experiencing
the earth and sky through research, education and
environmental appreciation."
The
breathtaking night sky over Tekapo is unique and utterly
unforgettable, so we urge you to experience it for
yourself. Earth & Sky's uniquely gifted and talented
Guides present the mind-boggling astronomical facts in an
entertaining and informative way, giving you the
knowledge to interpret what you are seeing, taking this
unique experience to a whole new level of awe and wonder.
Meet
some of our Staff
| Margaret
Munro — General Manager |
|
I started with Earth
& Sky in 2008 and I have seen the company
rapidly flourish. It's a delight to lead a
company that is so unique and to have a team
of staff that is international, amazingly
up-beat and intellectual. We are very
fortunate with what nature has provided us to
work with — from the most dramatic daytime
scenery which delights our visitors at the
Astro Café on
the summit of Mt. John to the
most pristine clear and dark skies during the
evenings. I invite all those who have an
interest in 'anything' astronomy-related to
come along and join one of our night tours and
get in touch with the wonders of our universe.
Earth & Sky has an exciting future ahead of
it and with the passion of the team we are
determined to see the company grow into a
tourism activity that will be a must-do for
every person who comes to the Mackenzie area.
|
| Chris
Monson — Astronomy Guide &
Assistant Manager |
|
I'm a native of Phoenix,
Arizona, USA though in the last decade I've
called such varied locations as Honduras,
Japan, and New Zealand home. I graduated from
Phillips Exeter Academy before going on to
earn a biology degree and anthropology minor
from Kenyon College. Passionate about science,
education, Asian studies, backpacking,
international travel, and the bagpipes, I
ventured off to serene Lake Tekapo to join the
Earth & Sky team as an astronomy
manager/guide in 2008. I fell in love with
astronomy at the tender age of eight when the
Celestron 4" refractor I received for
Christmas dwarfed me in size and the concepts
of astrophysics were nearly as baffling as
girls. Lake Tekapo's brilliant skies, but most
importantly Earth & Sky's warmth and
vision provided me the perfect opportunity to
share this enthusiasm with the general public.
Some past acquaintances (undoubtedly my high
school calculus teacher) probably see
astronomy education as "light years" removed
from what they imagined me pursuing, but as I
often say, "There's an astronomer in each and
every one of us just dying to get out." My
greatest joy would be to help you find that
astronomer within.
|
| Andrew
Davies — Astronomy Guide &
Specialist Equipment Manager |
|
I grew up in Christchurch
and studied Biochemistry at the University of
Canterbury, although my scientific interests
have always been broad. Perhaps that's why I
took the opportunity to study an astronomy
course as a student, and why (with
biochemistry jobs for new graduates then
rather scarce) I applied to work at Earth
& Sky for a summer job. That summer job
has so far stretched out to over two years,
and I'm still finding there's plenty I want to
do here. I love fixing things, playing around
with telescopes and other cool technology, and
most of all lying back and staring at a clear
moonless sky.
|
| Kristian
Wilson — Astronomy Guide &
Marketing Manager |
|
I have always loved
looking at the stars and will always have a
fascination with the unknown. Combining an
interest in space with a degree in Physics, I
never thought I could become an Astronomer in
such a place like New Zealand. Yet Mount John
Observatory, I believe, is the best place in
the world to look up and admire our collective
place in the Universe. I am overjoyed to share
my understanding of what is above us, with
those from around the world. I am thrilled to
keep coming back to stargaze, as no two nights
are the same. Mount John is such a picturesque
place in all seasons; I enjoy returning every
day and every night to see what has changed. I
pinch myself when people tell me that not only
is this the most beautiful place they have
visited in New Zealand, but also that I have a
dream job. The things I enjoy the most about
my work are the green laser pointers that we
use to illustrate the night sky, seeing stars
and planets in the daytime with the help of
our telescopes, and the warmth and
friendliness of my co-workers. You can
follow Kristian's philosophical musings on
space-related topics in his Blog.
|
| Maki
Yanagimachi — Astronomy Guide &
Astrophotographer |
|
Having grown up in Tokyo,
I'm still overwhelmed by the beauty and warmth
of my new home away from home — Lake Tekapo,
New Zealand. Without a doubt I'm one of the
lucky few who can additionally call Mt. John
Observatory and all the exciting possibilities
it has to offer, my professional "playground."
I vividly recall my first night in Tekapo just
simply marvelling at the beautiful night sky,
and through my work as an astrophotographer and guide
over the last two years I have endeavored to
get visitors from all over the world, to at
some level, to also experience the profound
nature and beauty of all that is above... My
sincere hope is that more and more visitors
will be inspired to explore and learn about
astronomy through our Earth & Sky Tours. As
my expertise is photography, I always want to
remind folks of this other "way" in which to
capture and expose the wonders of the universe.
For anyone with a suitably equipped camera, I
eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you
along with my friendly colleagues to Mt. John
Observatory and assist you in unlocking the
numerous mysteries revealed through a lens.
|
Earth & Sky Ltd., P.O. Box 112, Lake Tekapo
7945, New Zealand.
E-mail: info@earthandsky.co.nz
Phone: +64 (0)3 6806960 Fax: +64 (0)3
6806950
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