Latest news with #SkySafari
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why residents in upmarket suburb are at war over Taronga Zoo's new $77million 'Sky Safari' cable cars
A proposed $77million upgrade at Australia's Taronga Zoo has sparked controversy among residents of Sydney 's ritzy lower north shore. The world-famous zoo has unveiled plans for a new cable car following the closure of its original Sky Safari in February 2023. First launched in 1987 and last upgraded 25 years ago in 2000, the iconic Sky Safari transported more than 20million passengers during its lifetime, including locals, tourists, celebrities, and even royalty. The zoo is now planning to remodel what it describes as an 'ageing asset' that has 'reached the end of its workable life' with modern features. The accessible gondolas will transport guests on an extended route and offer improved access to the zoo for visitors of all ages and abilities. The larger cars would fit 10 people each, compared with the previous system's six, and have flip-back seats to allow larger wheelchairs and prams. However, the plans have drawn criticism from some community groups and residents. The Headland Preservation Group (HPG) argues the visual impact of the Sky Safari will be 'enormous,' citing concerns over its proposed height of 36.5metres and the potential for excessive lighting from the gondolas. The group is also against the removal of 13 trees to make way for the new cable cars. While Taronga Zoo has committed to planting new trees, the HPG argues that the mature trees slated for removal are irreplaceable. The community group said they plan to meet with representatives from Taronga Zoo to voice their concerns over the proposal. The HPG is also encouraging residents to write to their state MP and the Mosman Council to urge them to oppose the project. However, not all locals share the group's concerns. Some residents have spoken in support of the $77million redevelopment, accusing the community group of overreacting. 'View from the top would be great. Looking forward to it. Stop NIMBYing everything. We have a world-class zoo only getting better,' one person wrote online. 'The care they've taken in their landscape architecture and preserving biodiversity gives them a track history of excellence. Push forward please.' Others said that the negative attention had actually encouraged them to support the project more actively. 'Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have made a submission in full support of the proposal – what a wonderful addition to our city,' wrote another. 'I take particular issue with your point around traffic – given the entire point of the skyway is to move people out of cars and onto ferries. 'Talk about grasping at straws.' Mosman Council has also weighed in, submitting its response to the NSW Government's planning portal in support of the project. In the submission, the council noted that the previous Sky Safari and the waiting area had not been compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The council also highlighted capacity issues, stating that the previous system failed to meet demand during peak visiting hours, causing long queues. The proposal remains under review by planning authorities, with the timeline for public submissions to close on June 10. Taronga Zoo says the new cable car is expected to open in between 2027 and 2028.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
There's a Full 'Pink Micromoon' Happening This Weekend—What to Know
If you're pining for more planet sightings, April is your lucky month. After sunset on April 2, the crescent moon and Jupiter appeared in the western sky looking as if they're within a palm's width of each other, according to stargazing app SkySafari. Then, on April 5, the moon appeared close to Mars in the southwest sky. Add to that a meteor shower with potential for fireballs, and one of the year's smallest full moons, and you'll have all sorts of reasons to stay up late or rise early this month. Keep your stargazing binoculars handy and scout your favorite dark-sky park. Here's what to expect this weekend, plus the top night sky sights to watch for this month. Set your alarm early the weekend of April 11-13. Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will make a dazzling appearance above the eastern horizon roughly 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise each morning. Venus will rise first; given its brightness, it's the easiest to spot. Saturn and Mercury will both be visible soon after. And while it's nearly impossible to see, Neptune will also rise with this planet gathering, too. To catch the show, look for a spot with an open horizon to the eastern sky, such as a lake. Astronomy Guide | Here's a Comprehensive List of Every Expected Meteor Shower in 2025 | Learn More At 8:22 p.m. ET on April 12, stargazers can enjoy one of the smallest full moons of the year. It's a phenomenon known as a 'micromoon,' and it's the opposite of the buzzed-about supermoon. It occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. It will appear a touch dimmer and smaller than usual. Despite the 'pink moon' nickname, this month's micromoon won't actually appear pink. That reference is associated with the arrival of the vibrant creeping phlox ground cover that appears in North America around this time, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Mercury will reach its farthest distance from the sun, also known as its greatest western elongation, at 3 p.m. ET on April 21. This is the best time to view the swift planet, as the sun's bright glare often obscures it. Watch for Mercury above the eastern horizon around 45 minutes before sunrise on April 21, as well as the mornings leading up to and after that. Like earlier in the month, Venus and Saturn will be visible around the same time, too. The Lyrid meteor shower runs from mid to late April, with the peak of activity in the pre-dawn hours of April 22. It's not the most dramatic show—it produces around 18 meteors per hour under dark skies, according to NASA—but the Lyrids are known for their fast and vivid shooting stars and potentially a few fireballs. For the best view, head to a dark-sky destination or stargazing hotel far from city lights. Keep your eyes on the constellation Lyra, particularly the bright star Vega. Staying up all night? Watch the eastern horizon before sunrise to catch Venus, Saturn, and Mercury, too. Venus, Saturn, and Mercury are full of surprises this month, and they have one more awe-striking display in store. Before sunrise on April 25, the waning crescent moon, Saturn, and Venus will create a near-perfect pyramid above the eastern horizon, with Mercury also glowing nearby. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See a Moon-planet Pyramid, a Pink 'Micromoon,' and a Meteor Shower With Fireballs in April's Night Sky
If you're pining for more planet sightings, April is your lucky month. Our interstellar neighbors will bedazzle the night skies throughout the next few weeks, from moon-planet meetups in early April to a dreamy planet-moon pyramid just before May. Add to that a meteor shower with potential for fireballs, and one of the year's smallest full moons, and you'll have all sorts of reasons to stay up late or rise early. Keep your stargazing binoculars handy and scout your favorite dark-sky park. Here are the top night sky sights to watch for this month. After sunset on April 2, look for the crescent moon and Jupiter in the western sky. The duo will appear within a palm's width of each other, according to stargazing app SkySafari. You can watch them travel in tandem through a pair of binoculars until around midnight local time, when they dip below the western horizon. The moon is making its rounds this month. On the evening of April 5, it will appear close to bright orange Mars in the southwest sky. You can catch the pair right after sunset; they'll move through the sky together until dipping below the northwest horizon around 4 a.m. local time. Set your alarm early the weekend of April 11-13. Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will make a dazzling appearance above the eastern horizon roughly 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise each morning. Venus will rise first; given its brightness, it's the easiest to spot. Saturn and Mercury will both be visible soon after. And while it's nearly impossible to see, Neptune will also rise with this planet gathering, too. To catch the show, look for a spot with an open horizon to the eastern sky, such as a lake. Astronomy Guide | Here's a Comprehensive List of Every Expected Meteor Shower in 2025 | Learn More At 8:22 p.m. ET on April 12, stargazers can enjoy one of the smallest full moons of the year. It's a phenomenon known as a 'micromoon,' and it's the opposite of the buzzed-about supermoon. It occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. It will appear a touch dimmer and smaller than usual. Despite the 'pink moon' nickname, this month's micromoon won't actually appear pink. That reference is associated with the arrival of the vibrant creeping phlox ground cover that appears in North America around this time, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Mercury will reach its farthest distance from the sun, also known as its greatest western elongation, at 3 p.m. ET on April 21. This is the best time to view the swift planet, as the sun's bright glare often obscures it. Watch for Mercury above the eastern horizon around 45 minutes before sunrise on April 21, as well as the mornings leading up to and after that. Like earlier in the month, Venus and Saturn will be visible around the same time, too. The Lyrid meteor shower runs from mid to late April, with the peak of activity in the pre-dawn hours of April 22. It's not the most dramatic show—it produces around 18 meteors per hour under dark skies, according to NASA—but the Lyrids are known for their fast and vivid shooting stars and potentially a few fireballs. For the best view, head to a dark-sky destination or stargazing hotel far from city lights. Keep your eyes on the constellation Lyra, particularly the bright star Vega. Staying up all night? Watch the eastern horizon before sunrise to catch Venus, Saturn, and Mercury, too. Venus, Saturn, and Mercury are full of surprises this month, and they have one more awe-striking display in store. Before sunrise on April 25, the waning crescent moon, Saturn, and Venus will create a near-perfect pyramid above the eastern horizon, with Mercury also glowing nearby. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
