Eye in the Sky - International Year of Astronomy 2009

Globe at night is a worldwide hands-on approach that aims to address the effects of light pollution on what we are able to see up in the sky. The theme is “star hunt” and “star count”.  The focal point for observations is the constellation Orion (also known locally as the “Three Sisters” or “Three Kings”) as this is the most visible constellation in the evening sky at this time of year. Participants will count the number of stars in Orion that are visible in their respective locations and record that on the charts provided. This will be compared to other observations by participants from various parts of the country and abroad. The more the light pollution, the fewer the stars people see.This event is open to all but some schools will get a special bonus. The S.A. Astronomical Observatory will have activities at four different schools around Cape Town where learners will participate in the counting of stars and have a chance to look through telescopes. These school visits will take place in March on 17, 19, 24 and 26 from 19:30 till 21:30. The programme aims to create awareness about light pollution and to bring about fun in science using an interactive approach.As humans, we deem light as vital to our existence, however, too much light at night is also harmful to our livelihood and those of many animals and plants around us, hence the awareness of light pollution. Too much light also hinders astronomy research and spoils fun for the dark sky enthusiasts, not to mention the large amounts of energy we waste by lighting up places that don’t need to be lit.
Activity packs can be found at:www.astronomy2009.org.za/for-public/events/2009-events/globe-at-night/Contact person: Dr Enrico A. Olivier (SAAO) Tel. No.: 083 483 5557