Star Walk at Kirstenbosch

Kechil Kirkham of the ASSA Cape Centre reports:

The Galilean Nights Star Walk with the SAAO went off superbly on 23rd October. The seeing was, well not perfect from Kirstenbosch Gardens but one of the best nights, considering all that light pollution. By special arrangement the ISS performed a fly-by (thank you Richard Sessions) followed shortly thereafter by a spectacular Iridium Flare. Who needs Jupiter?

Karen Koch, Tony Jones, John Richards, Richard Sessions and I were aided and abetted by Pierre van den Heerden of the SAAO, Dougie Metcalfe, and Zara Raandriamanakoto, who gave a talk on Galileo. Several other members of the Cape Centre were present, and young Dillon cheered us on from the sidelines as usual.

The event was well-attended and we can look forward to more of the same, hoping the clouds stay away. The many attendees left happier and we hope wiser, knowing something about the man who changed our view of the universe forever, only 400 years ago.