Gardening by the stars

On September 11, 2010 Maropeng will host the isiLimela Stargazing Evening as part of our monthly stargazing series.

The Pleiades star cluster, which appears in the evening sky in spring, is called “Selemela” in seSotho and seTswana, and “isiLimela” in isiZulu; both loosely translate as the “digging star”.

Many groups in sub-Saharan Africa believe the “digging star” dies in winter and is reborn in the rainy season. The reappearance of the Pleiades cluster is thought to be an important agricultural sign – an indication that the fields must be prepared for planting in anticipation of the summer rains.

Find out more about the significance of this cluster when you join Maropeng’s resident astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, for a basic introduction to astronomy and an inside look into these celestial objects.

The event costs R190 for adults and R90 for children under the age of 12, and includes dinner at the Tumulus Restaurant. Once they have eaten their fill, guests will participate in a laser-guided tour while stargazing through large-aperture telescopes and binoculars.

Those who do not want to make the hour-long drive back to Johannesburg after spending an evening under the stars will be pleased to know that Maropeng is offering an accommodation special for the Friday and Saturday night of each stargazing weekend. Prices for a night at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel are R770 per person sharing and R1 170 single.

Please note: Maropeng’s stargazing evenings are weather-dependent, and guests should bring their own binoculars.

To make a booking please click here.