Starfinder Astronomy Course at Iziko Planetarium

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It's five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
You don't need to be a Trekkie (which I am not) to be familiar with this line.

I have always loved staring up at the night sky, pointing out constellations that lesser mortals might only guess. Knowing where Taurus begins and ends and that the Pleiades (you may know them as the seven sisters) form part of the constellation. Being able to identify stars such as Rigel, Castor, Pollux and Antares.
I have the late, great Professor Tony Fairall to thank for my (waning) knowledge of the southern skies.

The Iziko Planetarium is one of my all time favourite places to go in Cape Town, albeit it has been a while since I last saw an astronomy presentation. Which is why, this week, I am once again boldly going where no man has gone before. Okay, maybe that's a little melodramatic.

The Starfinder Astronomy Course is a 4 week course which gives you a glimpse of the heavens and how to identify the constellations that appear in our night sky. It is something that every Capetonian should do at least once. And so, this Wednesday, myself and 3 of my favourite Capetonians, shall be reclining in those ever so comfy chairs and gazing at the stars.

Of course, the other bonus about attending these evening courses is that you get to explore the Museum at night. It's hardly Night at the Museum, but exciting nonetheless.

If you are interested in attending the Starfinder Astronomy Course, call the Planetarium on 021 481 3900. Tickets are R200 per person and the course runs every Wednesday evening (19h30 till 21h30) from this week until the end of the month. I know it's short notice, so it's best to call ahead. If you miss this one, don't fret, the course will run again.

While you're at it, check out these shows that are also on at the moment. Morris Mouse is great for younger children and The Sky Tonight is great for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

If you are already booked for Wednesday, come say hi... I'll be the one looking up.

N.