Galaxy watching, a weekend treat
What activity can you do that’s relaxing and can include the whole family? Why not go stargazing?
Saturday night plans cancelled? Trying to plan a last-minute date or outing with the family? Well, how about grabbing a blanket and a picnic basket and going stargazing?
According to AccuWeather, the weather this weekend will be partly cloudy but perfectly fine for stargazing, so why not find a place outdoors to have a relaxing evening out with a loved one?
On Saturday the weather looks to be partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms, however rain is not predicted for the evening, with high temperatures in the 30s and low temperatures hovering around 17 degrees.
On Sunday, rain is predicted for the evening and temperatures will range from about 30 degrees during the day to 16 degrees at night.
If you’re considering stargazing but have no idea of how to start, AccuWeather has a few tips to get you started:
1. Decide where you will be going to do your stargazing (see the end of the article for some suitable spots)
2. Watch the weather forecasts
3. Don’t buy a telescope. It’s not necessary for your first trip
4. Bring a few things that will make your experience enjoyable, such as a blanket
5. Don’t focus on trying to identify the things you see – rather just enjoy the experience.
If you’d like more information, take a look at https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/astronomy/stargazing-for-beginners-planning-your-first-night-out/63296
Consider using one of the following venues for your stargazing excursion:
1. Maropeng—Cradle of Humankind, located off R563 Hekpoort Road | Sterkfontein. To make a booking, contact them on 014 77 9000 or check out their website at https://www.maropeng.co.za/index.php
2. The Johannesburg Planetarium, located on Yale Road, Johannesburg, 2001. You can contact them on 011 717 1390, or have a look at their website at https://www.planetarium.co.za/
3. Kloofendal Nature Reserve, located on Galena Avenue, Roodepoort 1709. You can contact them on 011 761 0226 or on their website at https://www.kloofendalfriends.org.za. Stargazing activities must be arranged in advance.
4. Hartbeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, located on Farm 502 JQ Hartbeesthoek, Broederstroom Road, Krugersdorp, 1740. You can contact them on 012 301 3100 or on their website at https://www.hartrao.ac.za.
On Saturday, 20 January, Maropeng will be hosting a child-friendly stargazing event called ‘Our Summer Skies: Stargazing at Maropeng’ from 6–9pm. For more information on the event, check the Maropeng Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/119659918842989/
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert in astrology to stargaze. The most important thing is that you have fun and enjoy the experience.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
