Experience the Planet Walk again
KLOOFENDAL — Take a trip through the solar system at Kloofendal Nature Reserve.
The Roodepoort Rotary Club’s Planets Walk at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve has been restored and will be open to the public, after being vandalised last year.
The Planet Walk set to open on 20 June is an educational experience where the size of each planet is proportionate to the others and the sun is represented by a large yellow metal framed sphere on which children can climb.
This is an exciting experience, particularly if you are something of an astronomy wiz. All eight planets are mounted on rocks and each has an engraved granite plaque with information on that planet – size, distance from sun, length of orbit, time taken to orbit the sun, number of moons and temperature, among others. These facts and the accuracy that has gone into the design of the Planets Walk make a visit a truly educational experience.
The West Rand Astronomy Club will introduce the new Planet Walk to the community, starting at the “Sun” at 5pm on the day. Karin Spottiswoode from Friends of Kloofendal said that the Planet Walk will be followed by the annual star gazing evening, now in its sixth year.
“The West Rand Astronomy Club will have several telescopes set up for public viewing and they will be able to see a couple of the planets. The light pollution is less visible from the Kloofendal Reserve and the chilly winter nights ensure the ideal conditions to look at the stars.”
Spottiswoode added that the West Rand Astronomy Club and Friends of Kloofendal would appreciate a donation for adults and children.
To book your spot Call Karen Spottiswoode on 079 693 5608.
