Make the most of the last few days of the summer school holidays with a visit to the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) in Paarl, for any of their upcoming events.
The next event on the Paarl Mountain is the full moon picnic where visitors will get to gaze at the Praying Mantis Moon tonight on Friday January 10.
According to the ATM, in support of the Centre for Astronomical Heritage’s project to promote indigenous names for full moons in southern Africa, this picnic is dedicated to the praying mantis, a religious figure of the San people who originally lived all over South Africa. In the San tradition, the mantis was a trickster figure, /Kaggen, the one who deludes. Over time, he also became the Nguni creature known as uThikoloshi.
Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass will be allowed) or to order picnics in advance at Suikerkan on 082 216 2510 or send an email to info@diesuikerkan.co.za
Gates will open at 5pm and visitors can stay and enjoy the views of the full moon until 10pm.
Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a torch. There is ample parking available at the venue.
The picnic series is in aid of “Let’s Read!”, the ATM’s literacy project for children, and therefore picnic-goers are invited to donate new or second-hand children’s books in support.
Tickets to the full moon picnic cost R40 per adult or R10 for SA students, pensioners and children; and sold online at Quicket.co.za or at the gate. Children under-6 years enter for free as well as annual permit holders.
On Friday January 24, there will be a stargazing picnic on the Paarl Mountain, focused on specifically studying the sparkling Orion.
Guests will get the chance to explore the galaxy with the aid of the Orion Observation Group (OOG) whose members are keen to share their knowledge and telescopes for free.
All eyes will be on the great Orion Nebula , an emission nebula (space, hydrogen, helium, and other ionised gases) whose centre looks like a butterfly. It is south of the constellation and is easily visible to the naked eye as a dull whitish spot in the centre of Orion’s belt.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or to order picnic baskets in advance at the Suikerkan.
Gates open at 6pm. Visitors can gaze into the skies from 8pm to 10.30pm. A free guided tour of the monument will take place at 6.30pm. Visitors are reminded to bring binoculars and warm clothing.
The entry fee is R55 per adult and R15 for persons under-18 and pensioners. Tickets can be bought online at Quicket.co.za or at the gate, but pre-booking is essential to ensure there are enough telescopes for attendees.
Pre-book at 021 863 0543/4809 or send an email to kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za
Stargazing picnics are weather dependent and will be cancelled should the weather not be fit. Visitors can call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 for weather enquiries on the day.
