For Two Dentists, Looking Way Out Into Space Presents A Welcome Change To Their Day Jobs!

Daniel And Fiona Are Bowled Over By Our Southern Sky Highlights

Conditions were ideal for stargazing through a large telescope. Perfectly still and not a cloud to be seen. Our first object viewed was gas giant Jupiter, now beginning to get low in the sky shortly after sunset. Our guests were delighted to commence the tour with such an outstanding object and the views just kept getting better.

We swung the telescope towards the south to gaze upon some outstanding prime targets. Amongst them 47 Tucanae and Omega Centauri – the two greatest globular clusters visible from anywhere on Earth. Galaxies, open star clusters and a superb view into the heart of the Milky Way, were among the dazzling sights that were ahead. Every journey was to an enthralling object suspended in the vastness of space. Later in the evening, our tour included a spectacular meteor (to become a meteorite only a moment away?) which we believe may have landed nearby. I personally saw the meteor which was extremely bright and exploded apart, lighting up my face to Daniel and Fiona who were standing facing in my direction, but with their backs to the meteor’s downward trajectory. Both Daniel and I heard a small thud corresponding to what could have been an impact a split second after the object was viewed. It may have only been a kilometre away. That was a tour surprise I will not forget!