Stargazing enthusiasts should not miss the second stargazing picnic of the year at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain on Saturday 25 October. At these picnics visitors can discover the night skies with the help of the Orion Observation Group (OOG), an informal stargazing club from the Boland.
The theme for the evening is “Sagittarius brings his kettle”. The picnic starts at 18:00. A guided tour of the Monument starts at 18:30. From 20:00 to 22:30 visitors can watch the skies 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 (tel. 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 evenings will be cancelled if the weather is bad. For more information about events at the Taalmonument, visit www.taalmonument.co.za.
Stargazing picnics are also scheduled for Saturday 22 November (Marching to Mars) and Saturday 13 December (The Cape Clouds). In 2015, Stargazing Picnics will take place on 17 January (The Summer Hunting Scene), 21 February (Cosmic Matrimonial Dance) and 21 March (The Southern Cross and nine stars).
- A photography workshop will also 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 tel. 021 863 0543/4809 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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 secondhand children’s book in support of the project.
