[AstroNet] International Year of Astronomy 2009 Closing Star Party underway in Sutherland

[Kevin Govender]

Hi all

The closing event for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009)
is well underway in the town of Sutherland - running from the 26th
December until midnight on the 31st, and culminating in a star party
during the partial lunat eclipse on the 31st!

Visitors are steadily streaming into the small Northern Cape town which
is home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the South
African Astronomical Observatory. Every day visitors are able to see
SALT during basic hourly tours and also have the opportunity to learn
more about astronomy during a daily "Essential Astronomy" workshop.
These workshops cover all the basics about astronomy and is an
opportunity for the public to ask any questions they've ever had on the
subject. In addition to these daytime activities there are TWO packed
stargazing sessions every night until the 30th at the observatory!

On New Year's Eve the public will have a unique opportunity to see the
last sunset of the International Year of Astronomy from the observing
plateau at the observatory. Soon after sunset they will also see the
full moon rise (this will be the second full moon of December, an event
popularly called a "blue moon" although that's not actually what a "blue
moon" really is - an interesting misunderstanding - see www.saao.ac.za).
The star party will then move into the town of Sutherland where there
will be telescopes set up for the public and everyone in the area will
be invited for a "bring and braai" under the stars when we will observe
the partial lunar eclipse as part of the grand closing finale for IYA2009!

In parallel to the activities at the observatory there will be a number
of activities taking place in the town which are coordinated from the
Sutherland tourism office in collaboration with the observatory. It is
important to note that these events, such as a star party in Sutherland,
besides celebrating astronomy, are organised to encourage tourism in the
area, an activity that helps with the socio-economic development of the
area. Visitors are also encouraged to participate in community events
and interact with the locals - there are many opportunities in
Sutherland to make a difference in the lives of many, and we invite you
to explore these opportunities as you explore our beautiful town and
observatory.

So, if you haven't made plans for New Year's yet, come on down to
Sutherland for an astronomical end to the year!

Regardless of this, wherever you are in the world, look at the moon for
the partial lunar eclipse on the 31st December around 21:23 South
African time (19:23 UT) and let us all reflect on an unbelievable
International Year of Astronomy which draws to a close at the stroke of
midnight.

More information on www.astronomy2009.org.za

Regards
Kevin
0824878466