Cape Karoo stargazing

Ever wondered what stars, planets and constellations look like up close?

Well, the town of Prince Albert in the Cape Karoo is the perfect place to start. This charming town is THE perfect stargazing location due to the fact that it has the least light pollution in the area and it is here that you can learn to distinguish between a planet and a star and see planets up close such as Saturn and its rings.

Astro Tours, led by two passionate local astrologists, is the best way to gain a better understanding of the night sky. Did you know that dung beetles navigate using the stars? Can you name the celestial ‘Big Five’? If the making of the things beyond earth excite you, this tour is bound to leave you in awe.

The Karoo skies provide you with the perfect opportunity to spot the celestial “Big Five" which consist of the brightest star, the closest star, the largest globular cluster, the most beautiful open cluster and the closest galaxies. Winter is the best time for viewing as the stars tend to be clearer, but just remember to pack warm clothes, because the Karoo can get very chilly this time of the year…

After an introduction to the tour and night’s tapestry,you will have the opportunity to witness a Karoo sunset through Solar Eclipse glasses, an explosion of colours sure to blow you away, as the sky bursts into a visual cascade of pink, orange and blue. Next you will enjoy a delicious three-course Karoo cuisine experience in the Victoria Room at the Swartberg Hotel before heading out for the big finale under the stars.

Experience telescopic views of Jupiter and Saturn and the famous ‘Jewel Box’ cluster, complete with all its different coloured stars of blue and orange. It’s an unrivalled stargazing experience and will leave you astonished that just 5% of what lies above us has been discovered…

Website: www.astrotours.co.za