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<tt>Hello AstroNet<br>
Below is a press release of the first exciting and historic activity
for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 in South Africa!<br>
Spread the word and link your websites.<br>
Hope to see many of you there.<br>
Regards<br>
Kevin<br>
0824878466<br>
<br>
</tt>
<h1 class="csc-firstHeader">Seeing in the International Year of
Astronomy 2009 in Style</h1>
<div class="news-single-category"> Category: SAAO Press Releases </div>
<p class="news-single-author"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="javascript:linkTo_UnCryptMailto('ocknvq,miBuccq0ce0bc');">By:
Kevin Govender</a></p>
<p class="bodytext">The
South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland opens its doors to
the public for the entire night of New Year’s Eve 2008!
</p>
<p class="bodytext">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. </p>
<p class="bodytext">“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”
</p>
<p class="bodytext">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. </p>
<p class="bodytext">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.
</p>
<p class="bodytext">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.
</p>
<p class="bodytext">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.
</p>
<p class="bodytext">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 (<a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="http://www.astronomy2009.org.za/" target="_blank">www.astronomy2009.org.za</a>).
</p>
<p class="bodytext">Kevin Govender
</p>
<p class="bodytext">0824878466</p>
<br>
<br>
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