Come and View Jupiter at the Cuno Hoffmeister Memorial Observatory

with Simon van der Lingen and Lutz von Dewitz

On the 6th and 7th of December 2024, Jupiter will reach Perigee and Opposition, as it will lie opposite to the Sun. This means it will be at its closest point to the Earth - making for an out-of-this-world viewing experience of this planet.

The Namibia Scientific Society invites you, along with your family and friends, to an evening of stargazing at the Cuno Hoffmeister Memorial Observatory. Jupiter will be visible for much of the night, reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight local time.

The evening will start in the lecture hall with a presentation on the background and insight into Jupiter. Questions and answers can be in English, Afrikaans and German. The participants will then move outside to where the local astronomers will have calibrated their telescopes appropriately and be ready to show them the wonders of the southern night sky. 

This event is open to the public. There will be an entrance fee of N$50 per person, which will be collected at the gate upon entry. Please note there will be no food or beverages available but you are welcome to bring your own. 

Most importantly: take warm clothes and a woolly hat or beanie; we shall spend most of the time outside!

Please note that in the event of more than 30% cloud cover, the event is cancelled.

Note: The opinions expressed during presentations, films or events are not necessarily by the Society.

Directions to the Observatory:

Drive along the national road B-1 in the direction of Rehoboth. Shortly before you cross the first bridge, turn left into road D1504 towards the Harmony Centre (you will see a big sign board). Turn left again after approx. 2 km. Pass through the farm gate in the direction of the Harmony Centre. You will reach the Cuno Hoffmeister Memorial Observatory shortly after the turn off approx. 300 m on the left-hand side.