Taalmonument star gazing picnic

The Taalmonument will host a star gazing picnic on Paarl Mountain, on Saturday February 9. Visitors will explore the sky with the help of Orion Observation Group (OOG) members who share their knowledge and telescopes. The focus is on Carina, a rich part of the Milky Way with many interesting objects such as the second brightest star visible from Earth. The picnic starts at 6pm, with a guided tour of the monument at 6.30pm. Stargazing takes place from 8pm to 10.30pm. Visitors may bring their own picnic baskets or order one (R300 for two people or R400 with a basket included) at Volksmond Coffee Shop on 021 863 2800. The picnic series is in aid of “Let’s Read!”, the Taalmuseum’s reading project for children. Picnic-goers are requested to take a new or second-hand children’s book to donate to this project.  Entry costs R40 for adults and R10 for children. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the gate, but booking on 021 863 0543/4809 is essential to ensure that enough telescopes can be catered for. Stargazing picnics will be cancelled due to bad weather. Call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 for weather inquiries. For more information contact  021 863 0543/4809 or visit www.taalmonument.co.za