Sterrekykpieknieks | Stargazing picnics

Alle oë op Saturnus!

Bewonder die ringreus tydens Taalmonument se sterrekykpiekniek

Met die lente in volle swang kry inwoners en besoekers die kans om die prag van die naghemel – met Saturnus in die kollig – te ontdek tydens die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument (ATM) se eerste sterrekykpiekniek op VRYDAG 27 NOVEMBER 2026. Dit beloof om ’n feestelike aand in ’n asemrowende omgewing te wees, met ’n skouspelagtige sonsondergang, gratis toegang tot die ikoniese beeldhouwerk én die wete dat die aand ’n goeie doel ondersteun.

Boonop neem die kenners van die Orion Observasie Groep (OOG) gaste op ’n reis deur die heelal met hul teleskope en entoesiasme. Die ster van dié aand is Saturnus – die sesde planeet vanaf die son en tweede-grootste in die sonnestelsel. Sy pragtige ringe, soos ’n kosmiese kroon, maak hom een van die mees betowerende “sjoe!”-gesigte in die ruimte. Hierdie reuse-gasplaneet, meer as 900 keer groter as ons planeet, herinner aan ’n hemelse skildery: stil, tydloos en oorweldigend mooi.

Hekke open om 17:00 waarna besoekers die beeldskone vergesigte oor die valleie, berge en die skiereiland kan inadem voordat hulle van sononder tot 22:00 deur die teleskope na die hemelruim kan tuur. Gaste word aangemoedig om die terrein, uitstallings en die simboliekryke monument te verken. ’n Gratis begeleide toer vind om 18:30 plaas om die geskiedenis en betekenis van die monument toe te lig. Vir jong sterrekykers is daar buitelugspeletjies en speelparke beskikbaar.

Gaste is welkom om hul eie spys en drank te bring (geen glas/vure, asseblief). Onthou ook warm klere en ’n flitslig om die aand voluit te geniet. Gratis, veilige parkering is beskikbaar. Die piekniekreeks ondersteun die ATM se geletterdheidsprojek ‘Laat ons Lees!’ wat daarop gemik is om kinders aan die vreugde van lees bloot te stel. Piekniekgangers word hartlik versoek om nuwe of tweedehandse kinderboeke te skenk.

Kaartjies is beskikbaar by quicket.co.za of die hek; dit kos slegs:

• R60 vir volwassenes
• R20 vir SA studente, pensioenarisse en kinders 18 en jonger
• GRATIS vir kinders onder 6 jaar

Vir HEKTOEGANG IS VOORAFBESPREKING NOODSAAKLIK via 076 017 6026 (WA) of [email protected] sodat genoeg teleskope beskikbaar is. Indien die weer nie saamspeel nie, sal die piekniek ongelukkig gekanselleer word – skakel 073 853 3100 of 083 544 6510 op die dag vir weernavrae. Voorafgekoopte kaartjies kan oorgedra of terugbetaal word. Die volgende sterrekykpieknieks is op 13 Desember (47 Tucanae), 8 Januarie 2027 (Sewe Susters), 6 Februarie (Orion) en 6 Maart (Jupiter). Meer oor OOG by facebook.com/OrionObservasieGroep

Volg Taalmonument en Taalmuseum se unieke geleenthede, konserte en kursusse via

WhatsApp Instagram Facebook Nuusbrief Taalmuseum.co.za/wat-gebeur

Die webtuiste bied boonop virtuele toere van die monument en museum, inligting in talle tale oor die simboliek van die monument asook baie interessante artikels oor Afrikaans, veeltaligheid en die instelling se verlede, hede en toekoms. Daar is voorts heelwat bronne vir skool- en navorsingsprojekte.

Jaarpermitte kos slegs R120 vir individue of R220 per gesin - sluit onbeperkte toegang tot die ATM, bistro, staproetes en Volmaanpieknieks in. Bel 021 863 0543.

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All eyes on Saturn!

Admire the ring giant during Taalmonument's stargazing picnic

With spring in full swing, residents and visitors will have the chance to discover the beauty of the night sky – with Saturn in the spotlight – during the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM)'s first stargazing picnic on FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2026. It promises to be a festive evening in a breathtaking environment, with a spectacular sunset, free admission to the iconic sculpture and the knowledge that the evening supports a good cause.

In addition, the experts of the Orion Observation Group (OOG) take guests on a journey through the universe with their telescopes and enthusiasm. The star of the evening is Saturn – the sixth planet from the sun and second-largest in the solar system. Its beautiful rings, like a cosmic crown, make it one of the most enchanting “wow!” sights in space. This giant gas planet, more than 900 times larger than our planet, is reminiscent of a celestial painting: quiet, timeless and overwhelmingly beautiful.

Gates open at 17:00, after which visitors can take in the beautiful vistas of the valleys, mountains and peninsula before gazing at the sky through the telescopes from sunset until 22:00. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, exhibitions and the symbolic monument. A free guided tour takes place at 18:30 to explain the history and significance of the monument. For young stargazers, outdoor games and playgrounds are available.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no glass/fire, please). Also remember warm clothing and a torch to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Free, safe parking is available. The picnic series supports the ATM’s literacy project ‘Let’s Read!’ that aims to introduce children to the joy of reading. Picnickers are warmly encouraged to donate new or second-hand children’s books.

Tickets are available at quicket.co.za or the gate; it only costs:

• R60 per adult
• R20 for SA students, pensioners and children 18 and younger
• FREE for children under 6 years

For GATE ACCESS, ADVANCE BOOKING IS REQUIRED via 076 017 6026 (WA) or [email protected] so that enough telescopes are available. If the weather does not cooperate, the picnic will unfortunately be cancelled – call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 on the day for weather enquiries. Pre-purchased tickets can be transferred or refunded. The next stargazing picnics are on 13 December (47 Tucanae), 8 January 2027 (Seven Sisters), 6 February (Orion) and 6 March (Jupiter). More about OOG at facebook.com/OrionObservasieGroep

Follow Taalmonument and Taalmuseum’s unique events, concerts and courses via

WhatsApp Instagram Facebook Nuusbrief Taalmuseum.co.za/en/whats-on

The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in multiple languages ??regarding the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects.

Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family - includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro, walking trails and full moon picnics. Call 021 872 3441.

UITGEREIK DEUR | ISSUED BY | IKHUTSHWE YI-