[AstroNet] Press Release: Sutherland Star Party

[Kevin Govender]

Hello AstroNet
Below is a press release of the first exciting and historic activity for 
the International Year of Astronomy 2009 in South Africa!
Spread the word and link your websites.
Hope to see many of you there.
Regards
Kevin
0824878466


  Seeing in the International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Style

Category: SAAO Press Releases

By: Kevin Govender 
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The South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland opens its doors 
to the public for the entire night of New Year's Eve 2008!

For the first time in the long history of the South African Astronomical 
Observatory in Sutherland, members of the public will be allowed access 
to the telescopes (including the world famous Southern African Large 
Telescope, or SALT) in this otherwise restricted research area for one 
entire night -- new year's eve 2008! As word of this decision leaked 
out, astronomy enthusiasts from all over the country, recognizing this 
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, have already begun planning their trips 
to this small town in the Northern Cape, which has for a long time 
carried a "stellar" reputation.

"We have decided to go ahead and dedicate the use of the observatory on 
the night of 31st December 2008 to a public event in Sutherland" said 
Prof Phil Charles, director of the observatory. "This is in recognition 
of the significance of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and the 
importance of encouraging and enhancing the public's participation in 
astronomy"

The locals in Sutherland have also rallied together to make this an 
unforgettable celebration. Guest house owners, community development 
workers, the local municipality, as well as members of the community, 
have all joined forces to host a Sutherland New Year's celebration like 
no other.

The week long build up to 2009 kicks off on Boxing Day with free daytime 
tours to the observatory (including SALT) every-hour-on-the-hour, 
culminating in the now very popular "Essential Astronomy" presentation 
and Q&A every afternoon with astronomers. This 2-hour presentation is 
aimed at absolutely everyone, no matter what your knowledge or 
background, and is guaranteed to change your perspective of the 
universe. Also, every evening for that week there will be guided 
stargazing through visitor telescopes, where people can get a taste of 
the impeccable Sutherland skies, reputed to be so clear that on a 
moonless night one can walk around comfortably just by the starlight.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, a large (but restricted) number of 
people will be allowed onto the observatory plateau to set up their 
telescopes, long exposure cameras, deck chairs and sleeping bags -- 
whatever they wish to bring (except for alcohol of course - a standard 
restriction in the telescope domes due to the risks to sensitive 
equipment). From this spectacular vantage point they will enjoy the last 
sunset of 2008. During the night they will have access to both the 
research telescopes and visitor facilities, but most importantly to the 
amazing night sky at one of the world's best astronomical sites. Then, 
after welcoming the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) at 
midnight, and a little more stargazing, they will experience the first 
sunrise of 2009 from what has often been described to feel like the top 
of the world.

But all this is just what will be happening at the observatory itself. 
In the meantime, 18km away, the little town of Sutherland will come 
alive that week with music, parties, food stalls and events, as well as 
portable telescopes. Visitors will have the choice of staying in guest 
houses, hostel accommodation or even camping sites. Sutherland has 
tourists visiting all year round and is well equipped to cater for 
everyone's needs -- no doubt this event will have the town bursting at 
the seams though.

Note that space is limited! To keep the number of people at the research 
telescopes to a manageable amount, bookings are essential and a standard 
fee will apply. All funds raised above the cost of the event will go 
towards the education and outreach programmes conducted by the 
observatory. Watch the IYA2009 website for booking details 
(www.astronomy2009.org.za <http://www.astronomy2009.org.za/>).

Kevin Govender

0824878466



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