Kloofendal Nature Reserve to host a star-gazing evening

An evening of solar viewing and a planet walk awaits members of the public on 5 July.

West Rand Astronomy club chairperson Kenny Neville said that Kloofendal Nature Reserve will once again play host to this magical event.

“The event will start at around 4pm with a planet walk. During this walk we will view the sun and other surrounding planets with telescopes fitted with special filters. A short presentation will also take place where attendees will learn how to read sky maps.”

He added that if people are lucky, they might see Jupiter at twilight.

“We will see and name clusters of stars that look like baskets of sparkling diamonds in the night sky and Dark Nebulae perhaps even a shooting star or two.”

Karin Spottiswoode from Friends of Kloofendal explained that the event is family-friendly and that picnic baskets can be ordered ahead of time.

“The picnic baskets can be ordered latest on 3 July but hot dogs, boerewors rolls and coffee will also be sold at the event in aid of the Dutch Reformed Church based in Witpoortjie. People are also welcome to bring along their own dinner and blankets or chairs to enjoy an evening under the stars.”

Neville advised people to dress warmly as earth will be at aphelion on 4 July, which means that the sun will be furthest away from the southern hemisphere.

Details: West Rand Astronomy Club chairperson Kenny Neville 082 335 1983, Karin Spottiswoode 011 664 7707.