The Rock Lodge north of Okahandja will become a Mecca for fans of Namibia's starry skies on the penultimate weekend in August. On Friday afternoon and Saturday, 22 and 23 August, the Namibia Scientific Society (NSS) invites everyone who is interested to the 'Southern Start Party 2025'.
On Friday afternoon from 4 p.m., amateur astronomer Lutz von Dewitz will give participants a good introduction in two presentations, "Stargazing 101" and "Introduction into Stellarium". After dinner, it's time for some hands-on practice: stargazing until you drop.
On Saturday morning, a very special star will be presented. It is closest to our Earth and shines so brightly that it cannot be overlooked even during the day. We are, of course, talking about our sun.
In the afternoon, a presentation will give participants a closer look at our planets: "The planets up close and personal". Afterwards, you can observe solar phenomena and visit the mobile planetarium set up on site.
In the evening, the natural starry sky will be explored again, which spreads out over the remote lodge with virtually no light pollution. Speaking of which: Of course, it is no coincidence that there will be a new moon on 23 August ;))
More information about the 'Southern Star Party 2025' can be found on the NSS website, including contact details for registration.
To find out what else the Namibian night sky has to offer this month, check out the corresponding article on Namibian.org.
Sven-Eric Stender