GALLERY: Stargazers gain a scope of the cosmos
During Night of the Stars at The Pines, he presented a slideshow of images he had taken, showcasing the planets, clusters, galaxies and nebulae which make up the universe.
In life, a change in perspective is sometimes all it takes.
Over the course of millennia, mankind has looked skyward for possible answers to the ultimate question: why are we here?
To this day, the truth continues to evade us.
However, those who attended Night of the Stars last Thursday evening gained perhaps a new perspective, as to how small human problems are in the scope of the universe.
It was perhaps best described by astrophysicist, Carl Sagan.
In a public lecture in 1994, Sagan showed the audience an acclaimed image of Earth titled Pale Blue Dot and said the following:
“We succeeded in taking that picture and, if you look at it, you see a dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever lived, lived out their lives.”
That was the starting point for local astronomer, Angus Burns on Thursday.
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During Night of the Stars at The Pines, he presented a slideshow of images he had taken, showcasing the planets, clusters, galaxies and nebulae which make up the universe.
A large number of residents expressed keen interest in these.
“The human desire to understand has resulted in many innovations, and technology has progressed to the point where you can take photographs of the plants in your backyard.”
Burns’ first presentation was followed by the musical stylings of Quark, a Durban-based two-person group which used space as a central theme.
The band has used some of Burns’ images on their album covers.
After a presentation by Celestron South Africa on their varying products – not limited to telescopes – an audience member received a telescope in the lucky draw.
Door proceeds were also handed over to Liesel Beneke, representing St Martins Village.
In conclusion, Burns extended his thanks to Johan Pieters, the chief organiser of the event, and all who had contributed to the night’s success.
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