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How to celebrate Astronomy Day with your kids

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The night sky has been a source of endless fascination for thousands of years, a curiosity which prompted the birth of astronomy - the study of outer space; from the planets and stars in our own solar system, to the meteoroids, gas clouds, and galaxies throughout the Universe.

Each year, International Astronomy Day is celebrated on the 29th April, providing the perfect opportunity for parents to encourage their children to take up an interest in the study, especially those already learning about this science in school. 

To get the ball rolling, we’ve pooled a list of stargazing locales and planetary resources to help you inspire your kids.  

The Big 5 of the African Sky Presentation

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Kirstenbosch Wednesday Talks

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Click on the image to enlarge


Hosted by the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa 

Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, John Winter Hall
Date: Wednesday, 26 April
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Contact: Cathy Abbott 021 465 6440 / Email: cathya@wol.co.za

National  Observatories and Planetariums

planetarium

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)

Cape Town Head office
1 Observatory Road, Observatory, Cape Town
(021) 447 0025
enquiries@saao.ac.za

Sutherland Field Site
(023) 571-2436
suthbookings@saao.ac.za
Schools are advised to book up to three months prior.

The Cape Town Science Centre
370B Main Road, Observatory
(021) 300 3200
info@ctsc.org.za

Cape Town Planetarium 
25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
(021) 481 3900
NB: Currently closed for construction, reopening on 27th May 2017 

The Wits Planetarium (formerly Johannesburg Planetarium)

University of the Witwatersrand, Yale road (East Campus), Braamfontein
(011) 717 1394
planet@planetarium.co.za

The Naval Hill Planetarium
6 Van Vuuren Avenue, off Union Ave, Bloemfontein
(051) 401 9751

Apps

Navigate the solar system from your smart phone with these cool apps.

SkyView - Explore the Universe

SkyView makes stargazing a breeze, aim your iPhone, iPad, or iPod at the any part of the sky - and the app will provide the name of the stars, constellations, satellites, and lots more.


Download for iOS here.

Solar System Explorer 3D

A virtual exploration of outer space, the Solar System Explorer 3D app features HD graphics and atmospheric music

Videos

Check out these videos for astonishing facts and live streaming spacewalks.

Solar System 101

NASA TV

Instagram

Fascinating Instagram feeds for space lovers to follow:

NASA

A post shared by NASA (@nasa) on

International Space Station

SpaceX

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What are you planning to do with your children this Astronomy Day? Share your comments by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we may publish them.  

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