Sjoe, Saturnus!
Skitterende sterrekykpiekniek sal Taalmonument laat vonkel
Met die lente in volle swang kry inwoners en besoekers die kans om die prag van die naghemel – met Saturnus in die kollig – te ontdek tydens die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument (ATM) se eerste sterrekykpiekniek op Paarlberg op VRYDAG, 14 NOVEMBER 2025. Dit beloof om ’n feestelike aand in ’n asemrowende omgewing te wees, met ’n skouspelagtige sonsondergang, gratis toegang tot die ikoniese beeldhouwerk én die wete dat die aand ’n goeie doel ondersteun.
Die Orion Observasie Groep (OOG) neem gaste op ’n reis deur die heelal met hul teleskope en entoesiasme. Die ster van dié aand is Saturnus – die sesde planeet vanaf die son en tweede-grootste in die sonnestelsel. Sy pragtige ringe, soos ’n kosmiese kroon, maak hom een van die mees betowerende “sjoe!”-gesigte in die ruimte. Hierdie reuse-gasplaneet, meer as 900 keer groter as die aarde, herinner aan ’n hemelse skildery: stil, tydloos en oorweldigend mooi.
Hekke open om 17:00 waarna besoekers die beeldskone vergesigte oor die valleie, berge en die skiereiland kan inadem voordat hulle van sononder tot 22:00 deur die teleskope na die hemelruim kan tuur. Gaste word aangemoedig om die terrein, uitstallings en die simboliekryke monument te verken. ’n Gratis begeleide toer vind om 18:30 plaas om die geskiedenis en betekenis van die monument toe te lig. Vir jong sterrekykers is daar buitelugspeletjies en speelparke beskikbaar.
Piekniekgangers is welkom om hul eie kos en drankies (geen glas) saam te bring. Onthou om warm klere en verkykers mee te neem; veilige parkering is beskikbaar. Die piekniekreeks ondersteun die ATM se geletterdheidsprojek Laat ons Lees!, wat daarop gemik is om kinders die vreugde van lees te laat ontdek. Gaste word aangemoedig om nuwe of tweedehandse kinderboeke as skenking saam te bring.
Toegang is slegs:
R55 vir volwassenes
R15 vir SA studente, pensioenarisse en kinders 18 en jonger
GRATIS vir kinders onder 6 jaar
Kaartjies is beskikbaar by quicket.co.za of die hek, maar vir hektoegang is voorafbespreking noodsaaklik via 076 017 6026 (WA) of
a29tbXVuaWthc2llIHwgdGFhbG11c2V1bSAhIGNvICEgemE= sodat genoeg teleskope beskikbaar is. Indien die weer nie saamspeel nie, sal die piekniek ongelukkig gekanselleer word – skakel 073 853 3100 of 083 544 6510 op die dag vir weernavrae. Voorafgekoopte kaartjies kan oorgedra of terugbetaal word. Die volgende sterrekykpieknieks is op 13 Desember (47 Tucanae), 17 Januarie 2026 (Orion), 13 Februarie (Jupiter) en 14 Maart (Juwelekissie).
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Wow, Saturn!
Spectacular stargazing picnic will make Taalmonument sparkle
With spring in full swing, residents and visitors have the chance to discover the beauty of the night sky – with Saturn in the spotlight – during the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM)’s first stargazing picnic on Paarl Mountain on FRIDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2025. It promises to be a festive evening in a breathtaking setting, with a spectacular sunset, free access to the iconic sculpture and the knowledge that the evening supports a good cause.
The Orion Observation Group (OOG) takes guests on a journey through the universe with their telescopes and enthusiasm. The star of the evening is Saturn – the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest in the solar system. Its magnificent rings, like a cosmic crown, makes it one of the most enchanting “wow!” sights in space. This giant gas planet, more than 900 times larger than Earth, resembles a celestial painting: still, timeless and overwhelmingly beautiful.
Gates open at 17:00, after which visitors can soak in the stunning views over the valleys, mountains and the peninsula before turning their gaze skywards through the telescopes from sunset until 22:00. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, exhibitions and the symbol-rich monument. A free guided tour takes place at 18:30 to explain the history and meaning of the monument. For young stargazers, outdoor games and playgrounds are available.
Picnickers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no glass). Remember to pack warm clothing and binoculars; safe parking is available. The picnic series supports the ATM’s literacy project Let’s Read!, which aims to help children discover the joy of reading. Guests are encouraged to bring new or second-hand children’s books as donations.
Entry is only:
• R55 for adults
• R15 for SA students, pensioners and children 18 and under
• FREE for children under 6 years
Tickets are available at quicket.co.za or at the gate, but for the gate entrance advance reservation is essential via 076 017 6026 (WA) or
a29tbXVuaWthc2llIHwgdGFhbG11c2V1bSAhIGNvICEgemE= so that enough telescopes are available. Should the weather not play along, the picnic will unfortunately be cancelled – call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 on the day for weather updates. Pre-purchased tickets can be transferred or refunded. The next stargazing picnics are on 13 December (47 Tucanae), 17 January 2026 (Orion), 13 February (Jupiter) and 14 March (Jewel Box).
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Paarl, Exhibitions in Paarl, Arts events in Paarl.
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