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If you are heading out to a SANParks destination this month, be sure to take advantage of the clean night air and enjoy what the heavens have in store.

Moon phases in October

Wed 03 Oct Last Quarter

Thu 11 Oct New Moon

Fri 19 Oct First Quarter

Fri 26 Oct Full Moon

Planets you will see

Evening sky: Jupiter shines brightly in the West. For those with sharp eyes, Mercury is visible low in the West until after mid-October and Uranus is just bright enough to see on a dark, moonless night. Neptune is visible only with a telescope.

Morning sky: Venus and Saturn are both visible in the East before sunrise. Mars is the bright orange object in the northern sky.

SANParks offers an astronomy activity at Olifants Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. The newly proclaimed Mokala National Park will also offer star gazing activities.

For more information about viewing activities, Rover Scopes & Sky Ranger Courses, visit www.astronomyafrica.com or call +27 (0)82 901 3796, or email [email protected] . Their astronomers operate large portable telescopes on site at any venue of your choice.