A scintillating star party at Kloofendal
Join in on a night to remember.
Friends of Kloofendal and the West Rand Astronomy Club is hosting a scintillating star party at Kloofendal Nature Reserve.
For five years in succession, the West Rand Astronomy Club has joined the Friends of Kloofendal in delighting the public with viewing the wonder, the mystique and magic of star gazing under a heavenly canopy of stars.
Club members will be there with their telescopes so that visitors can enjoy seeing the many interesting objects that fill our night skies.
Our earth will be at aphelion on 4 July. That is our deep winter, for the sun will be farthest away from the Southern Hemisphere.
The event on Saturday 5 July will kick off at 4pm with a solar viewing through telescopes fitted with special filters – the best time to observe the sun.
There will be a short presentation on how to read sky maps (a number of sky maps will be provided by the Johannesburg Planetarium). If they are early enough, you even may see the amazing giant Jupiter at twilight.
You will also be looking at the crusty, amazing half moon, its ancient craters, larva lakes and mountains, as well as beautiful Saturn and its amazing rings.
Other planets that will be viewed is the red and feisty Mars, the planet of the Greco Roman War Gods.
During the presentation you will see and name clusters of stars that look like baskets of sparkling diamonds in the night sky and Dark Nebulae to fill your mind with eerie wonder. Perhaps even a shooting star or two on which to place your wish.
Join in on a night to remember.
Dress warmly to keep the cold at bay (bring your beanies and gloves) and bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and don’t forget to wrap four layers of red cellophane paper over your torch lights. White lights are not allowed.
Entrance fee is R40 for adults and scholars and pensioners pay R20.
For bookings contact the Friends of Kloofendal on 079 693 5608. SMS name and the number of people attending.
Tickets are also available at the gate.
For more information visit www.kloofendalfriends.org.za and their facebook page Frok – Friends of the Kloofendal Nature Reserve.
Hot dogs, boerewors rolls and hot coffee will be on sale, which will be in aid of the Witpoortjie Dutch Reformed Church.
Alternatively, you can bring your own refreshments to enjoy in the night air.
