Longest eclipse of the 21st century on Saturday morning!
Astronomers are hoping for clear skies on Saturday morning when the longest eclipse of the 21st century works its magic in the night sky - it is expected just after 8am.
According to Nasa, the moon will be in full eclipse - or totality - for 103 minutes. But the moon will enter totality not long before setting in this country. The next such event will not happen again until 2021.The total lunar eclipse will be the result of the sun, moon and earth lining up perfectly.
HOW TO VIEW IT
- You'll need to be as far south as possible, have clear skies, and be in a location where you can see the Moon setting in the south west and the Sun rising in the north east.
- The higher you can get, the better. That's because the Sun will be barely clearing the horizon as the Moon sets in the opposite direction.
- Unfortunately, MetService is predicting Saturday will bring showers or rain in the west and south of the country, heavy for a time over the South Island.
- In Invercargill, there will be five minutes between sunrise at 8:12 and moonset shortly thereafter, with the Moon entirely within Earth's shadow.
- In Dunedin the interval is reduced to four minutes; in Christchurch, three minutes.
Read more and follow updates here.
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Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.
What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?
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0% It's fine!
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0% It's questionable
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0% Other - I'll share below
Take sides
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