Stargazing between Xmas and the New Year – things not to miss
Krugersdorpers love their animals and don’t necessarily want to discharge fireworks. So why not look at the stars?
Because the by-laws regarding fireworks are so strict during New Year, and because Krugersdorp has so many animal lovers who prefer not to discharge fireworks, the News has some alternative recreational activities in mind for its readers.
Why not watch the stars instead of destroying the quiet?
Here’s some tips for stargazing without a hassle:
• Check the weather. You don’t want to be disappointed by a cloudy night. Surrounding towns may have clear skies, so be willing to drive out when the sky’s all cloudy.
• Choose a dark spot outside the city. Luckily, Krugersdorp has Tarlton, which is countryside and mostly dark. This is perfect for avoiding city lights. Find a spot on a farm or on a piece of open field. Just remember two things – it is still South Africa and this might be dangerous, and ask the farmer beforehand – they tend to have shotguns.
• You don’t need a telescope right away. Start by using binoculars. You first need to know where to point the binoculars, so have a look at a constellation map of the Southern Hemisphere sky during December.
• Be patient, with both yourself and the sky. It takes your eyes a bit of time to get used to the dark and the longer you gaze up, the more you will see. Who knows, if it’s dark enough, you might even see the dust of the Milky Way.
• Choose a moonless night. The moon is beautiful, but not ideal for star gazing because the brightness it reflects blinds your eyes to the stars.
• Bring a blanket. It might be warm outside when you start your outing, but it’s never fun being cold and uncomfortable. Remember, if you’re planning to lie on the blanket, bring another one to cover yourself.
Here are some astronomical events not to be missed:
29 December: Three planets align before sunrise
30 December: Look at the moon
31 December: Sirius midnight culmination
1–2 Jan: The year’s largest super-moon
3 Jan: Latest sunrise – longer night
5 January: Orion the Hunter will be easy to spot
7 January: Mars/ Jupiter conjunction
For more information about astronomical events, visit https://earthsky.org/tonight/spot-moon-antares-saturn-after-sunset
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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