Astronomers head to Tekapo for glimpse of Pluto's shadow

Astronomers from around the world are heading to Canterbury University's Mt John observatory near Tekapo for a rare event this month.

At 4.23am on June 13 the occultation of a faint star by Pluto will happen.

Professor John Hearnshaw, of Canterbury University, said the occultation happened the Earth and Pluto lined up with the faint star and the shadow Pluto casts from the star could be seen from Earth.