When visiting a new country or holiday destination you are usually kept busy looking around you in every direction so as not to miss an important attraction or sight. But when your chosen destination is South Africa’s beautiful city of Cape Town, there is another direction you need to be aware of – up. The city is home to the high-tech and entertaining Planetarium which is, in effect, a theatre of the celestial skies. Inside the domed auditorium of the Planetarium multiple projectors are used to recreate the night skies in various magical themed shows encompassing light and sound. The shows change from month to month but here is a sample of some, past and present, which may tempt you or the children in your life to a visit to Cape Town’s Planetarium.

Davy Dragon’s Guide to the Night Sky

All Davy wants is to be the world’s best flying dragon; and the Cape Town Planetarium aims to help him! This show is specifically designed with the under tens in mind and is a perfect introduction to the theories and methodologies of astronomy. Young children will learn along with Davy as he finds out all about the constellations in a fun and entertaining way.

The Sky Tonight

The perfect all-rounder show for both adults and children is held every Saturday and Sunday night at the Cape Town Planetarium. As you file into the auditorium you are handed a star map and, as the lights are dimmed and the domed ceiling illuminates as if by magic, you are led through the world’s most enjoyable and comprehensive astronomy lesson.

Table Mountain

Not content to be Cape Town’s most formidable landmark, Table Mountain is the only geographical feature to be represented as a constellation in the skies as well. Also called Mensa, the Table Mountain constellation in the Southern Hemisphere was named by the French astronomer who discovered it in his studies of the skies from South Africa. The show at the Planetarium covers the unique geology of the earthly Table Mountain as well as the remarkable properties of its celestial counterpart.

The Edge of the Known Universe

A show on a grand scale and definitely one not be missed, ‘The Edge of the Known Universe’ offers visitors to the Cape Town Planetarium an opportunity to experience first-hand the latest in high-tech methods to take you beyond the realms of your imagination. The show includes segments like Black Holes, Awesome Light, the Infinity Express and the delightful story of Tycho the dog who wants to be the first dog on the moon. Both educational and entertaining this all-rounder show appeals to the adults and children alike and has been one of the Planetarium’s most popular themed shows.

Solar Eclipse

Where is the best place on Earth to view a partial solar eclipse? Cape Town’s Planetarium would have to be up there for sure. Viewing the eclipse from just outside the auditorium you will be joined by the Planetarium’s experienced and knowledgeable staff ready to answer all the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about an eclipse.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town