Science Fun

In New Zealand, it is a New Year – Happy New Year!  The 24^th of June is Happy Maori New Year.  This is a tradition that goes back 100s of years.  Pleiades, known as Matariki to the Maori tribe in New Zealand is in the early dawn sky.  According to the ancient traditions, the New Year starts on the day of the first New Moon following the appearance of Matariki in the dawn sky.

Different tribes had different customs and celebrations as to when the new year started.  Some started their celebrations after the Full Moon rose and others waited until the New Moon.  In and around Auckland, New Zealand, the celebrations for the Maori New Year of 2009 begin on June 24^th and will run through July 24^th.  Programs and events will be held during the month to celebrate the traditions and customs of the Maori culture.  www.spaceweather.com

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