Learning about stars and the planets

The West Rand Astronomy Club and Friends of Kloofendal hosted an annual stargazing event at Kloofendal Nature Reserve on 5 July.

According to the chairman of the West Rand Astronomy Club Kenny Neville, stargazing is aimed at promoting astronomy in South Africa and it was the fifth year that they have been hosting such an event.

Included in the activities was a planet walk, where Neville guided guests throughout the walk.

He also gave a laser pointer presentation on life on the international space station.

”We made available 10 telescopes for the public to view various stars and in the evening sky,” said Neville.

About 80 people braved the winter evening and dressed up warmly to keep the cold at bay, with others wearing beanies and gloves.

Some people brought chairs and blankets to sit on and brought their torch lights wrapped with four layers of red cellophane paper for viewing throughout the evening.

Others brought binoculars to make stars more clearly visible.

“Among our guests were people from America who came to look at the night sky,” said Steve Spotiswoode of the Friends of Kloofendal.

Several amateur astronomers were available to help people with telescopes in viewing craters on the moon, the rings around Saturn and much more.

Apart from the knowledgeable members of the West Rand Astronomy Club who attended to answer questions, the well-known historian, architect and night sky observer, Neville, told stories about space.

Members of the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Church) from Witpoortjie provided refreshments for the evening to keep the guests warm.

“It was a very special evening that was suitable for the entire family that I feel should not be missed, especially if you wish to know more about the wonders of the universe,” said Esther Smith from Weltevreden Park, who spent the evening with her family at the stargazing event.

“I have learned more about night skies and the universe,” said one of the guests from Linden, Angela Burger.