Calling All Stargazing Enthusiasts to Picnic at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument

Stargazing enthusiasts can once again look forward to a series of Stargazing Picnics at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic while they discover the night skies with the help of the Orion Observation Group (OOG), an informal stargazing club from the Boland.  
 
The first Stargazing Picnic of the season is scheduled for International Observe the Moon Night, on Saturday 6 September. This is an annual event that is celebrated worldwide to encourage people to look up and take notice of our nearest neighbour, the Moon.

• The picnic starts at 18:00.
• A guided tour of the Monument starts at 18:30.
• Visitors can watch the skies from 20:00 to 22:30 through telescopes under the guidance of OOG members.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets or they can order one from Volksmond Coffee Shop at 021 863 2800. Volksmond will be open for coffee and light refreshments. No dogs and fires are allowed. Safe parking is available and access is controlled. Visitors are advised to bring along binoculars and warm clothes. Entrance is R30 for adults and R10 for children. To book, call tel. 021 863 0543/4809 or 072 181 6744 (also for weather enquiries). Stargazing Picnics will be cancelled if the weather is bad.

More Stargazing  Picnics are scheduled for:

• Saturday 25 October (Sagittarius brings his kettle).
• Saturday 22 November (Marching to Mars).
• Saturday 13 December (The Cape Clouds).

During 2015 the Stargazing Picnics will take place on as follows:

• 17 January (The Summer Hunting Scene).
• 21 February (Cosmic  Matrimonial Dance).
• 21 March (The Southern Cross and nine stars).

A photography workshop will be presented at the Stargazing Picnics on 25 October 2014 and 21 February 2015. Participants will learn to take time-exposure photographs to record star trails. This practical workshop by professional photographer and registered tour guide, Peter Haarhoff, of the Cape Photographic Company, is suitable for beginner and intermediate photographers. A digital or 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera is essential. The workshop fee of R450 includes notes and light refreshments. Limited space is available and must be booked with Amira Clayton at 021 863 0543/4809 or kommunikasie@taalmonument.co.za.
 
The picnic series is presented in aid of the Taalmuseum’s reading project for children, Let’s Read! Visitors are encouraged to bring along a new or second hand Afrikaans children’s book in support of the project.