STNG: 2025 – 2030

Work Package VI: This work package will integrate space weather into STEM learning, creating more accessible pathways for students, particularly those from currently underrepresented demographics, to pursue careers in STEM. To do this, we will collaborate with reo Māori experts to build authentic and appropriate vocabulary specific to this work programme and kaupapa, and work to support educators in delivering space weather education in classrooms.
        Leader: Vic West (Tūhura Otago Museum)

Work Package VII: We will empower New Zealanders to engage with, and grow their resilience to, space weather impacts through proven methods of community-focused science engagement. This will include citizen science activities centred on monitoring the ionosphere, public engagement activities in collaboration with NEMA around household electricity use, and further development of the travelling showcase along with other activities designed to reach wider audiences online and in-person.
        Leader: Vic West (Tūhura Otago Museum)

ST1: 2020 – 2025

Work Package VIII: A sliver-lining to geomagnetic storms are the auroras they produce. Here in the southern hemisphere we can be treated to amazing Aurora Australis displays.  Auroras provide a very effective entrée into opening up conversations about how they are produced by solar storms and their ‘down-side’ impact on the energy network. Tūhura Otago Museum will undertake a dedicated public engagement programme that will integrate Mātauranga Māori and western science knowledge around solar storms and auroras, including developing a mobile Solar Storm Science Showcase, to help the public better understand space weather together with its risks and benefits to our livelihoods and culture.
        Leaders: Craig Grant and Toni Hoeta (Tūhura Otago Museum)