GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Last week, Jurg Wagener from Sterland Stargazing in Sutherland offered a group of enthusiastic locals the opportunity to stargaze and learn more about the heavens of the Southern Hemisphere.

Jurg offers stargazing sessions at Sterland, a privately-owned interactive stargazing farm just outside of Sutherland, nearly every day of the year.

The course on basic astronomy and stargazing in Graaff-Reinet was held over three evenings.

Each night, 35 astronomical enthusiasts gathered at the local airfield where there were constellations, bright stars and deep sky objects awaiting them.

According to Jurg, the area surrounding Graaff-Reinet has the astronomical advantage of being pretty unpopulated with only slight light pollution apparent in the night sky near town.

This, with the added luck of having clear and cloudless night skies throughout last week, meant that perfect conditions prevailed for the viewing of the night sky.

With the help of a laser pointer and Jurg's powerful Celestron CPC1100 telescope, Jurg revealed the secrets of the Milky Way and beyond to his attentive audience.

Fascinated, those in attendance - armed with new-found celestial knowledge - were able to engage with Jurg throughout the evening, while he pointed out the stars and different constellations.

Anyone interested in finding out more, or wanting to inquire about future stargazing experiences, can contact Jurg at 082 556 9589 or 072 599 7970 or visit www.sutherlandsinfo.co.za.

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