Wave goodbye to Saturn | Taalmonument Special Events

Wuif totsiens vir Saturnus by ikoniese Taalmonument
Sterrekykpiekniek vier nuwe maankoning van die sonnestelsel

Kapenaars en besoekers kan hierdie November die skitterende sterre en planete – spesifiek die nuwe maankoning van ons sonnestelsel, Saturnus – van nader leer ken tydens ʼn lentepiekniek op Paarlberg op Saterdag, 23 November 2019. Dit beloof om weereens ʼn feestelike aand in die beeldskone omgewing te wees; boonop is ʼn pragtige sonsondergang en ʼn gratis begeleide toer van die ikoniese beeldhouwerk ingesluit én is die aand ten bate van ʼn goeie saak.

Besoekers kan die sterrehemel verken met behulp van Orion Observasie Groep (OOG) se lede wat graag hul kennis en teleskope gratis deel. Die fokus is op Saturnus wat met sy 82 mane (waarvan 20 onlangs ontdek is) pas vir Jupiter (met 79 mane) onttroon het as die planeet met die meeste natuurlike satelliete wat rondom dit wentel. Hierdie planeet is vir oulaas sigbaar in November, dus kom bewonder en groet hom tot volgende keer.

Die pieknieks is baie gewild onder plaaslike inwoners en oorsese besoekers wat veral die mooie vergesigte van die valleie, berge en skiereiland geniet. Die tema is ‘Kom ons wuif vir Saturnus totsiens’ en die piekniek begin om 18:00. Die begeleide toer van die monument is om 18:30 en besoekers kan van 20:00 tot 22:30 deur die teleskope na die hemelruim tuur. Gaste is welkom om hul eie piekniekmandjies te bring of een vooraf te bestel (R300 vir twee persone of R400 met ʼn mandjie ingesluit) by die koffiewinkel op 021 863 2800. Dit sal ook oop wees vir koffie en ligte verversings asook pizza. Veilige parkering is beskikbaar en toegang word beheer. Onthou asseblief verkykers en warm kleding. Besoekers word aangemoedig om die omgewing te verken en daar is buitelug-speletjies en speelparke vir die kinders.

Die piekniekreeks word aangebied ten bate van ‘Laat ons Lees!’, die Taalmonument se geletterdheidsprojek vir kinders, derhalwe word piekniekgangers versoek om nuwe of tweedehandse kinderboeke ter ondersteuning van dié projek te skenk. Die toegangsprys is R50 per volwassene en R10 per kind; kaartjies is by Computicket of die hek beskikbaar, maar bespreking (021 863 0543/4809) is noodsaaklik sodat daar vir genoeg teleskope voorsiening gemaak kan word. Sterrekykpieknieks sal helaas gekanselleer word indien die weer sleg is - skakel 073 853 3100 of 083 544 6510 vir weernavrae.
Vir meer inligting oor al die ander opwindende geleenthede, konserte en kursusse by die Taalmonument (wat in 45 jaar in 2020 vier), skakel 021 863 0543/4809, besoek www.taalmonument.co.za of volg hulle op Facebook. Die volgende Sterrekykpieknieks is op 21 Desember, 18 Januarie 2020, 22 Februarie en 21 Maart.
Naskrif: Daar is tans ʼn kompetisie om die nuutontdekte mane van Saturnus name te gee. Neem deel by https://carnegiescience.edu/NameSaturnsMoons en kyk of jou naam dit maak!

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Wave goodbye to Saturn at iconic Taalmonument
Stargazing picnic celebrates new lunar king of the solar system

Locals and visitors can get to know the glittering stars and planets - specifically the new lunar king of our solar system, Saturn - better during a spring picnic on Paarl Mountain on Saturday, 23 November 2019. It promises to once again be a festive evening in the beautiful setting; in addition, a spectacular sunset and a free guided tour of the iconic sculpture is included, and the evening is in aid of a good cause.

Visitors can explore the starry sky with the help of Orion Observation Group (OOG) members who like to share their knowledge and telescopes for free. The focus is on Saturn, which, with its 82 moons (20 of which were recently discovered), has dislodged Jupiter (with 79 moons) as the planet with the most natural satellites orbiting it. This planet is visible for the last time in November, so come admire and salute him until next time.

The picnics are very popular with locals and overseas visitors who especially enjoy the beautiful views of the valleys, mountains and peninsula. The theme is 'Let's wave goodbye to Saturn' and the picnic begins at 18:00. The guided tour of the monument is at 18:30 and visitors can stare into the skies from 20:00 to 22:30. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets or pre-order one (R300 for two people or R400 with a basket included) at the coffee shop on 021 863 2800. It will also be open for coffee and light refreshments as well as pizza. Safe parking is available and entry is controlled. Please remember binoculars and warm clothing. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area, and there are outdoor games and playgrounds for the children.

The picnic series is offered in aid of 'Let’s Read!', the Taalmonument's literacy project for children, and therefore picnic-goers are requested to donate new or second hand children's books in support of this project. The entrance fee is R50 per adult and R10 per child; tickets are available at Computicket or the gate, but booking (021 863 0543/4809) is essential to allow for sufficient telescopes. Unfortunately, Stargazing picnics will be cancelled if the weather is bad - call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 for weather inquiries.

For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument (which is celebrating 45 years in 2020), call 021 863 0543/4809, visit www.taalmonument.co.za or follow them on Facebook. The next Stargazing picnics are on 21 December, 18 January 2020, 22 February and 21 March.

Post script: There is currently a competition to name the newly discovered moons of Saturn. Participate via https://carnegiescience.edu/NameSaturnsMoons and see if your name makes it!