| When visiting a new country or holiday destination | | | | Table Mountain |
| you are usually kept busy looking around you in | | | | Not content to be Cape Town's most formidable |
| every direction so as not to miss an important | | | | landmark, Table Mountain is the only geographical |
| attraction or sight. But when your chosen destination | | | | feature to be represented as a constellation in the |
| is South Africa's beautiful city of Cape Town, there is | | | | skies as well. Also called Mensa, the Table Mountain |
| another direction you need to be aware of - up. The | | | | constellation in the Southern Hemisphere was named |
| city is home to the high-tech and entertaining | | | | by the French astronomer who discovered it in his |
| Planetarium which is, in effect, a theatre of the | | | | studies of the skies from South Africa. The show at |
| celestial skies. Inside the domed auditorium of the | | | | the Planetarium covers the unique geology of the |
| Planetarium multiple projectors are used to recreate | | | | earthly Table Mountain as well as the remarkable |
| the night skies in various magical themed shows | | | | properties of its celestial counterpart. |
| encompassing light and sound. The shows change | | | | The Edge of the Known Universe |
| from month to month but here is a sample of some, | | | | A show on a grand scale and definitely one not be |
| past and present, which may tempt you or the | | | | missed, 'The Edge of the Known Universe' offers |
| children in your life to a visit to Cape Town's | | | | visitors to the Cape Town Planetarium an opportunity |
| Planetarium. | | | | to experience first-hand the latest in high-tech |
| Davy Dragon's Guide to the Night Sky | | | | methods to take you beyond the realms of your |
| All Davy wants is to be the world's best flying | | | | imagination. The show includes segments like Black |
| dragon; and the Cape Town Planetarium aims to help | | | | Holes, Awesome Light, the Infinity Express and the |
| him! This show is specifically designed with the under | | | | delightful story of Tycho the dog who wants to be |
| tens in mind and is a perfect introduction to the | | | | the first dog on the moon. Both educational and |
| theories and methodologies of astronomy. Young | | | | entertaining this all-rounder show appeals to the |
| children will learn along with Davy as he finds out all | | | | adults and children alike and has been one of the |
| about the constellations in a fun and entertaining way. | | | | Planetarium's most popular themed shows. |
| The Sky Tonight | | | | Solar Eclipse |
| The perfect all-rounder show for both adults and | | | | Where is the best place on Earth to view a partial |
| children is held every Saturday and Sunday night at | | | | solar eclipse? Cape Town's Planetarium would have to |
| the Cape Town Planetarium. As you file into the | | | | be up there for sure. Viewing the eclipse from just |
| auditorium you are handed a star map and, as the | | | | outside the auditorium you will be joined by the |
| lights are dimmed and the domed ceiling illuminates as | | | | Planetarium's experienced and knowledgeable staff |
| if by magic, you are led through the world's most | | | | ready to answer all the questions you've always |
| enjoyable and comprehensive astronomy lesson. | | | | wanted to ask about an eclipse. |