Explore our mysterious universe with Maropeng

August 1, 2011 – Laura Maggs

Join Maropeng’s resident astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, for an evening of stargazing focusing on Our winter skies on August 27, and learn more about our mysterious universe.

Did you know that the edges of our solar system are made up of enormous magnetic bubbles? Or that astronomers recently discovered free-moving planets that wander through space without an orbit? Or that while the Nasa shuttle programme has come to a close, Russia has just launched a powerful radio telescope which will allow us to observe the edges of the Milky Way and beyond?

While we go about our daily lives, confined to the borders we have created on Earth, our galaxy and galaxies beyond are charged with activity and constantly revealing secrets.

Try sitting down in a quiet place and focusing your mind on the question, “What is beyond our Universe?” You are likely to either give up within seconds or give yourself a headache as you race through the possibilities.

Often we are so focused on what we are doing down here that we forget to look up and admire the mysterious and extraordinary expanse of stars and lights that fill up the night sky. Those of us who live in cities very rarely notice this special window of opportunity – the chance to get a glimpse of what exists beyond our planet, and maybe even to gain a little perspective too.

Those extra 10 minutes spent stuck in a bit of traffic, the grumpy colleague who leaves you in a bad mood, realising you’ve hit the snooze button too many times on a Monday morning … all of these gripes seem a lot smaller and less significant when you take the time to truly appreciate the scale of things up above – the fascinating discoveries that have been made and the brave people who have pushed themselves to the limit and explored the unknown in space.

Everyone could benefit from spending a little time staring at the stars, thinking about the mysteries still to be unravelled and marvelling at what we have already learned about the universe.

“I am passionate about stargazing – for me, it’s a chance to really get people to open their eyes and realise how wonderful it is to be alive in this amazing universe,” says Nettmann. “I want people to ask questions. I use astronomy as a medium for people to discover, explore and achieve that sense of wonder.”

Enjoy welcome drinks and a delicious three-course dinner at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel, followed by a fascinating introduction to astronomy and the opportunity to make use of Maropeng’s range of large-aperture telescopes.

Tickets cost R295 per adult and include the stargazing presentation as well as dinner.

Click here to book your place at the next stargazing evening – sure to be a memorable and special night out.

News comments powered by Disqus