Looking back in time – Yuri’s night and 100 hours of astronomy

Join the SA Astronomical Observatory for a stellar bring and braai on Saturday April 4, when we look back in time and space retracing the footsteps of our science ancestors. Yuri Gagarin became the first man to travel into space for Soviet missions on April 12, 1961. He was a brave man whose life will continue to be celebrated the world over and his passion for science has far reaching benefits to the way people think of space science today.
It is therefore fitting that the Cape Town Observatory opens its doors to the public, to share in the international “Yuri’s Night” celebration. The theme of the event is to create awareness about space science and to inspire the new generation of explorers. An array of exhibitions will be on display at the auditorium foyer, bring and braai on the lawn.
Of course, South Africa has been involved in modern astronomy since 1685 and our involvement in space dates back to the 1970s. Therefore, Yuri’s night is a heritage event that also happens to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy 2009 celebrations i.e. 100 hours of Astronomy. This is one of many global cornerstone events. It’s a sizzling year for Astronomy and the Observatory aims to share these events and more with the public!
For more information contact Veronique Kazie-Ravat 083 357 4650
SA’s involvement with NASA: www.hartrao.ac.za/other/dss51/missions.html
SA’s involvement with space: www.space.gov.za
International Year of Astronomy: www.astronomy2009.org.za