An action-packed Mars Month at Stardome kicks off in March with a full-scale Opportunity Rover replica and a brand new Stardome-created show, Mars: The Red Planet. Plus there’s free screenings of Good Night Oppy and Martian-themed sci-fi movies!

Opportunity Rover

Come and see Oppy! A full-scale replica of the Opportunity Mars Rover has been created by the Auckland University's Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science and will be on permanent display at Stardome from 12 March (free with Stardome entry). The rover was proudly funded by the people of the United States of America through the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand.

To celebrate our new arrival, there's free screenings of Good Night Oppy (registration required and subject to availability). This documentary is the incredible true story of how a 90-day mission became a 15-year journey, and follows the team behind the creation of the rover and the remarkable bond forged between a robot and its humans, millions of miles away.

A new Stardome original production for 2025 - Mars: The Red Planet. This live presenter-led planetarium show explores humanity's relationship with our neighbouring planet.

Mars has always held a presence in our mythology. From ancient beliefs of its powers to the emergence of Martians in popular culture to planetary rovers and terraforming, what will the future hold for humans and the red planet?  

Starting 1 March. See website for session times. Pricing: $18 Adult, $15 Student/Senior, $60 Family Pass.
Bookings essential. Recommended ages 14+. Book now

Mars Telescope Viewings

Mars is ideally placed in the March night sky, and it’s a great time to see the red planet through a telescope! We have our courtyard telescopes out every night (except Monday) if the weather is clear. Be sure to come along one evening to see our planetary neighbour up close!

Martian Sci-fi in March

• The Martian – 5 March, 7.30pm
• Total Recall – 12 March, 8pm
• Mission to Mars – Weds 19 March, 8pm 
• Mars Attacks! - 26 March, 8pm

Pricing: $15 Adult, $12 Student/Senior, $7.50 Annual pass holders.