The only total lunar eclipse visible from South Africa during 2011 will take place on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. The most spectacular part of the eclipse will happen from 20:25 when one side of the moon will start to darken as it moves into the earth's shadow. The moon will be in total eclipse from 21:25 until just after 23:00, when the process is reversed and the moon will be "full" again by midnight.
If the weather permits, you are welcome to pay a visit to the Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain to watch the lunar eclipse through telescopes under the guidance of the Orion Observation Group (an informal stargazing club from the Boland area); you are encouraged to bring your own binoculars. The gates will be opening at 19:00 and will close at 22:30.
Entrance Fee: R25 for adults and R10 for children.
Soup and light refreshments will be available from Volksmond Coffee Shop (Tel: 021 863 2800 or e-mail volksmond@taalmonument.co.za). Simonsvlei dessert wines will be for sale at cellar prices.
Safe parking is available and access is controlled. No fires or dogs are allowed.
Booking and Weather Enquiries:
021 872 3441
or
072 181 6744
Amira Clayton
Tel: 021 872 3441
Cell: 076 017 6026
Fax: 021 872 3642
E-mail: kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za
Website: www.taalmuseum.co.za or www.taalmonument.co.za