Starry-eyed at the Taalmonument

Starry-eyed at the Taalmonument

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Starry-eyed at the Taalmonument

Sparkling 47 Tucanae visible in the south during Stargazing Picnic

Locals and visitors will get to know the glittering night sky – specifically the sparkling globular star cluster 47 Tucanae – better during the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument’s (ATM’s) Stargazing picnic on Paarl Mountain on SATURDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2025. It promises to once again be a festive evening in the beautiful setting; in addition, a spectacular sunset and a visit to the iconic sculpture is included, and the event is in aid of a good cause.

Visitors will explore the galaxy with the help of the Orion Observation Group (OOG) whose friendly members enjoy  sharing their knowledge and telescopes for free. The focus is on 47 Tucanae, the universe’s second-brightest globular star cluster that is clearly visible in the south. The cluster appears at roughly the size of the full moon in the sky under ideal conditions.

The picnics are popular with locals and overseas visitors who especially enjoy the beautiful views of the valleys, mountains and peninsula. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or to order picnic baskets in advance at the Suikerkan via 082 216 2510/082 856 1871 or info@diesuikerkan.co.za – this bistro will also sell refreshments during the event.

Gates open at 18:00 whereafter visitors can gaze into the skies from 20:00 to 22:30. Guests are encouraged to explore the area and exhibitions and have a look at the monument which is an exceptional, symbol-rich sculpture. A free guided tour to explain all of this takes place at 18:30. There are outdoor games and playgrounds for the children. Please remember binoculars and warm clothing. The picnic series is in aid of ‘Let’s Read!’, the ATM’s literacy project for children, and therefore picnic-goers are invited to donate new or second-hand children’s books.

The entrance fee is only R55 per adult and R15 for under-18s/pensioners – buy them as soon as possible on quicket.co.za. Tickets will also be available at the gate, but in this case prebooking (076 017 6026 [WA] or kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za) is essential to ensure sufficient telescopes. Unfortunately, stargazing picnics will be cancelled if the weather doesn’t play along – call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 for weather inquiries on the day itself. Pre-bought tickets can be transferred or reimbursed. The last stargazing picnics is on 29 March. More on OOG at facebook.com/OrionObservasieGroep

 

  • For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit taalmonumentco.za or follow them on Facebook/Instagram. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages ​​on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects. Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro and Full Moon Picnics. The bistro offers delicious food and beautiful views daily; contact them via diesuikerkan.co.za or 082 216 2510.

To register for this event <strong>email your details to</strong> <a class="event_registration_email" href="mailto:kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za?subject=Registration%20via%20%22Starry-eyed%20at%20the%20Taalmonument%22%20listing%20on%20https%3A%2F%2Ftaalmuseum.co.za">kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za</a>

Register using webmail: Gmail / AOL / Yahoo / Outlook

 

Date And Time

2025-02-22 @ 06:00 PM to
2025-02-22 @ 10:30 PM
 

Location

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