Guests from all over the world visit Londolozi for various reasons. Some visit for the luxurious suites and delicious food, all enjoyed whilst admiring magnificent views. Some visit in the hope of seeing the big 5, others might be keen birders or botanists, but most of the time people are excited to get away from the big cities, reset with some fresh air and reconnect with nature.
One of the benefits of being away from big cities is escaping the light pollution and hence having a much clearer view of the night sky. I have always been interested in astronomy and love marvelling at the various beliefs pertaining to the celestial objects we see that cultures from all over the world hold.
The night sky in the African bush is one of the main attractions for guests coming from all over the world. To a large extent, the views of stars and planets are unaltered by light pollution evident in big cities.
May is a unique month in the celestial calendar as it is the only month in which the constellations of Orion and Scorpius can be seen in the same night sky. Orion is the most prominent summer constellation in the Southern Hemisphere and despite it not being a sign of the Zodiac, there are various beliefs that come with it. One of the more commonly known stories that include Orion originates from Greek mythology and it explains why we only see Orion and Scorpius overlapping in the same night sky for a brief period of the year.
According to Greek mythology, Orion was the greatest hunter and a man of gigantic proportions. He boasted that no beast on Earth was a match for him (it must be noted that there are subtle variations in the story). Orion wasn’t exactly humble about this and for that reason, Gaia, the goddess of the Earth, sent a giant scorpion to teach him a lesson in humility.
Greek Mythology has it that a great battle ensued between Orion and Scorpius (this is one of many depictions of the mythological event that took place).
One of the greatest battles witnessed by man ensued, where Orion came off second best. In order to save him, Ophiuchus who was the founder of medicine gave him an antidote to save him from the deadly sting. All of this caught the attention of the ruler of all Olympian gods and god of the sky, Zeus. He had the final say and decided that in order to keep the peace, he would separate the two in the night sky, placing them at opposite ends of the celestial sphere. This is why we see Scorpio forever chasing Orion, but never quite catching him.
Here is a view of the entire night sky that we would see during the month of May with the constellation of Scorpio in the East to the left and Orion in the West to the right highlighted. As Orion Sets Scorpio rises and follows through the night sky.
Many other beliefs exist, and from different cultures too. Many believe that because the Egyptians saw Orion as Osirism (the god of the afterlife) they dedicated the building of the pyramids to him. Looking at Orion, you are able to clearly see three bright stars that form his belt and the great pyramids of Giza represent these three stars. The two larger pyramids replicate Alnilam and Alnitak (the two brighter stars), and the third and slightly offset pyramid represents the third star, Mintaka. Shafts in the royal chambers within the pyramids line up perfectly with Orion and Sirius, a prominent star in Canis Major (the larger of Orion’s two hunting dogs). Many astronomers believe that this can’t merely be a coincidence and that because Osiris is the god of the afterlife, and Sirius his sister, these chambers allow for the spirits to be granted access into the world of the afterlife, the pyramids were built in this manner for a reason.
As beautiful as the stars are to admire, I like to also think about the meaning of these celestial objects to people around the world. I have merely touched on three beliefs about one constellation, but there are beautiful stories from cultures all over the world about these constellations many light-years away. We live our lives here on earth and then move on for younger generations to follow, but the stars have remained for millennia and our ancestors had been observing them and using them for thousands of years. So next time you come on Safari to Londolozi, ask your ranger about the story of Orion and Scorpio, or perhaps why the stars forming the constellation of Pleiades are referred to as isiLimela (the digging stars in the Xhosa culture) or maybe just tilt your head back and admire the exquisite canvas lined across the night sky.
Night sky in the Southern hemisphere is absolutely incredible. We’ve had some great viewing experiences including rollong down the airstrip in a silent vehicle–unforgettable!
One of my favourite things to do on the way back to camp!
Oh but the sight of the night sky is absolutely beautiful in a surrounding where there is no interference. Good story Robbie and you all are so blessed to be able to see this display of stars every night.
Thank you, Valmai!
Also nifty to have the International Space Station pointed out as we awaited some lion action
A great way to pass the time!
I always love the skies I see in the pics you provide in the blogs. You are fortunate to have so much darkness. I live in a City, so there are lots of lights that prevent us from seeing many of the stars. Thanks for sharing.
Yes indeed, we are very lucky! You’re welcome, Leonie.
The other day I stood on the deck of my room at night admiring the amazing, brilliant, eternal starry sky.
You cannot see this in Europe. It is always just amazing how great the firmament above our heads is and how clearly one can see and admire this timeless wonder in the bush
Truly amazing indeed!
There is nothing like the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere, and once you’ve sat and observed the constellations not viewable in the North, you’re spoiled forever. I’ll never forget my Safari where my ranger took the time to point out Orion’s Belt, a first sighting for me and after that I looked for it every night. Terrific story Robert!
You’re welcome, Denise!
There is nothing quite like the southern sky for me and I would love to learn more about local beliefs sitting in Londolozi 🙏🏻 I must say I loved visiting the Pyramids certainly a wonderful mystical place.Thanks Robbie!
You’re welcome, Cally!
I find driving back to camp at the end of the afternoon game drive and gazing at the sky as more and more stars appear just utterly blissful.
One of the best ways to end of a day on safari!
It was great meeting you, Robbie. We had such a great time at Founders Camp. Until next time…your long lost cousin, Tricia Ball.
It was great to meet you too, Tricia! And so glad you came to visit! I look forward to seeing you at founders camp again soon!
Stunning blog!!
I love the pictures of the sky at Londolozi – being in the Northern Hemisphere, we don’t see the same things, so always exciting and interesting!