Sunday, hundreds came to the Kritz garden in Hadera, to watch the Perseid shower as part of the “Stargazing” event.
The participants enjoyed a guided observation of the night sky, with professional telescopes allowing a close view of the face of the moon, Saturn and its rings, and the spectacular views of space. To improve the viewing experience, lanterns were fitted with red cellophane, and explanatory pages, coloring pages and wish pages were distributed to express hope while watching the meteors.
The event was enriched by local volunteers and members of the Horizon community. Among the volunteers were Anat and Eliezer Alter, residents of the city and astronomy enthusiasts, who brought their personal telescopes and held tutorials. Maria Mazos, a resident of the neighborhood and an astronomy instructor, contributed her extensive knowledge. Additional members of the Horizon community came from all over the country to share their enthusiasm for the universe with the participants.
The event also included an important community aspect. Teenagers from the “Shaked” club operated food and drink stands, and the crowd enjoyed pizza and popcorn from the social-community cafe “Hakofipnai”. The atmosphere was not only educational but also social, with a message of hope and unity. Many of the participants expressed wishes for the return of the abductees, which gave the event a deeper meaning.
The “Stargazing” event, which took place as part of the “Space Agency’s Network of Partners,” proved that cooperation between different parties in the community can create an enriching and meaningful experience. The evening managed to combine scientific study, community activity and moments of inspiration, leaving the participants with unforgettable memories and a sense of awe at the wonders of the universe.
Irit Haris, coordinator of municipal excellence in the education department, said: “We hope that such events will become a tradition. The cooperation between the community and professional bodies created a magical and special evening that we will remember for a long time.”
