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the wonders of the southern skies await

Public Viewing Evenings at the Observatory

The observatory opens its doors to the public on Saturday evenings, inviting them to explore the fascinating offerings of the night sky. 

The evening begins with an informative slide show, followed by the opportunity to peer through various telescopes. A wide range of celestial objects awaits, including planets, comets, nebulae, open clusters, globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and even visible galaxies. The specific objects observed depend on the time of year, the phase of the moon, and prevailing weather conditions. 

These public viewing events not only introduce individuals to the marvels of the night sky but also serve as a vital source of income for the observatory’s ongoing development.

CHECK THE WEATHER

To enjoy optimal stargazing conditions, clear and dark skies are preferable. The observatory will not be open when weather conditions are bad. Please check the weather forecast before deciding to come stargazing with us.

CHECK THE MOON PHASE

The observatory is not staffed on full moon weekends. This is because when the moon is full it casts a significant amount of light into the night sky. This intense moonlight washes out the faint light from stars, hampering stargazing.

PLAN YOUR STAY

When planning a visit to the Cederberg Observatory, securing accommodation in the vicinity is essential. The Cederberg region offers a range of accommodation options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.  

CHECK YOUR DISTANCE

We highly recommend that you check how long your journey to us will take on Google maps. This will help planning where to stay the night after stargazing!

DISTANCE TO THE OBSERVATORY

Sanddrif – 5 minutes

Kromrivier – 15 minutes

Driehoek – 20 minutes