MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/Fairfax NZ

GREAT BALL OF FIRE: The sun seen through the naked eye is bright and yellow, but with the aid of a high-powered telescope and a special hydrogen alpha filter it turns red. Here Heather McTague demonstrates the correct way to use the telescope to view the sun.

Seeing a star 4.3 light years ago is almost like looking in the past, and astronomy fans can do that and more this April.

And you do not have to wait till after dark to appreciate astronomy.

Astronomy, a study of celestial objects, can now take place in the afternoon, and with April being global astronomy month, astronomy aficionados can get their fill in South Canterbury.

Global Astronomy Month (GAM), organised each April by Astronomers Without Borders, is the world's largest global celebration of astronomy.

GAM 2014 will bring new ideas and new opportunities, bringing enthusiasts together worldwide to celebrate Astronomers Without Borders' motto "One People, One Sky".

South Canterbury Astronomers Group will conduct two astronomy events in Timaru as part of Global Astronomy Month 2014.

On April 5, Astronomers Without Borders' New Zealand co-ordinator, Richard McTague, will use special telescopes to observe the sun from 11am at the Mitre 10 carpark in Bank St, Timaru.

With the aid of a coronado, solar max 11 - a specialised telescope for viewing the sun - people can view the burning ball of fire in all its glory, said Mr McTague.

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Star-gazing party in store