Struck by Star Beauty

On Friday, 14th January 2005, between 7.30p.m. and 8.30p.m.the Year Sixes were treated to a clear sky that enabled them to observe various constellations visible during this time of the year. Orion was most prominent and its stars Betelgeuse and Rigel were easily identifiable from their red and blue colors respectively. Sirius-the brightest star in the night sky - shone in all its glory!

The students were fascinated that they could identify their zodiac signs. Cancer, Pisces, Taurus, Leo and Gemini were among the ones they spotted. The school “baraza “was the venue which lent naturally to an uninterrupted skyline. We were truly star struck and look forward to spending another night beholding the stars - this time to view Saturn and her rings along with Jupiter and its moons through a more powerful telescope from Dr. Notiar’s terrace. (Mrs. Brenda Menezes, Year 6 M Teacher)

“I am so glad to have gone to the night sky viewing. I never believed that Orion is always up in the sky until that night. Using the binoculars, I saw four stars in the sky that looked like a sword, six stars that looked like a shield and the rest of the stars were shaped like a person. I then knew that it must be Orion looking like a knight – ready for war! I did not only see Orion but also saw a cross, which was upside down. It was made up of five stars. Secondly, I viewed through the binoculars, a constellation-shaped like a lion. I came to know that it was Leo. I also saw the moon which was a waxing crescent moon. I was lucky enough to see the planets Mercury and Venus both shining. I enjoyed the night sky viewing and I will always look at the sky from now on.” (Jonathan Chebukati Year 6M)

“I THOUGHT THIS TRIP WAS WORTH IT! We learnt that constellations do not stay in one place-they move! We also got to see the craters on the moon. People came up with nice ideas for food. There were Saturn pastries, rocket hot dogs and pizzas that looked like the craters of the moon.” (Imran Khalfan Year 6M)