All our stargazing experiences commence with a welcome and refreshments. While “sundowners” are being enjoyed, a highly visual (no boring text) power-point presentation commences. There is plenty of time to interact and ask questions during the presentation which lasts about 30 minutes and also allows dusk to be replaced by darkness.
After the presentation, while James does final adjustments to the telescopes, visitors have snacks and Regina shows off some binocular astronomy highlights. This is followed by a discussion on the current night sky.
Three telescopes are usually in use. A smaller telescopes (A Meade ETX 70 or a 90mm Maksotov Cassegrain) are used for lunar views (if visible). A Skywatcher 200mm Newtonian and Celestron 8” Schmidt Cassegrain are used for planetary and deep sky viewing.
The viewing menu varies throughout the year, A general night would start with a brief discussion on the current night sky. following this, telescopic views of a planet/s, deep sky objects such as the Omega Centauri or Tucanae 47 globular clusters. Open clusters such as the Pleiades and Jewel-box are popular with the ladies. Nebulas, such as the Orion and Tarantula nebulae show off areas of star-birth. We will also see nearby galaxies such as Andromeda and the Magellanic Clouds. If there is interest, we will “split” double stars such as Alpha Centuarus. Have a look at the calendar to see whether there is a scheduled astro-night. You can also check whether your preferred dates fit in with a lunar or deep sky night.
“Junior Astronomer”
This experience is geared towards younger visitors and is shorter and less technical, containing information on the zodiac, history of astronomy and basic terminology and the scale of the universe.
“Adult Experience”
The experience contains a little more technical information as well as some discussion on the origin of the universe.
“Howling Moon Nights”
As full moon approaches deep sky viewing is affected. Howling moon nights ( during Supermoons) are very informal “bring your own drinks and braai packs” events. They include a short presentation on the moon and telescopes are set up for lunar viewing. A fire and coals are provided for braaing (barbecue)
The Shack @ Darkskyes
If you want to spend a night at Darkskyes, consider “The Shack”, a rustic 0ff-grid cottage that sleeps two. It is a self catering facility with great views of the Swartberg. Water is scarce in these parts, but it has all you need, including a “meteor shower”. Download the pamphlet here
Celestial Events
Dark Skyes will arrange special events around celestial occurrences such as conjunctions, major planetary oppositions and lunar and solar eclipses. (We have safe equipment for viewing solar phenomena such as sunspots and eclipses). Such events may have a meal included in the price.
Disclaimer
Many people have become accustomed to the phenomenal space images made possible by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. Visitors should understand that earthbound equipment will never be able to achieve such views. The gallery contains examples of what one could expect to see through a small telescope. In addition to the limitations of telescopes, our own eyes are very inefficient and only take a snapshot, whereas many astro-photographs are composites that combine many hours of exposure.
