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FIELD NOTES | Stars of SA
Paying attention to the moon every month might seem like something only the tides and werewolves do, but taking an interest in the moon’s phases and the opportunity for outdoor adventures infuses our nocturnal lives with magic. While only 15 percent of the world’s population has access to skies dark enough for full-blown staigazing, South African nights hold plenty of potential for spotting stars — especially during load-shedding.
As we begin, it might seem obvious, but the best time to see the stars is not during a full moon but a new moon (or ‘no moon’, if that’s easier to remember). In April, the new moon falls on the 8th, making this the best time to see the stars this month without an obscured view.
THE BIG FIVE SAFARI IN SPACE
The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) published a guide to the celestial