News: July 2008

Photo of the Observatory Museum in Grahamstown, South Africa. [link..]

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[25 June 2008] The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartROA) is now part of a 11 000 km real-time virtual telescope, providing detailed images of cosmic radio sources [link..]

[24 June 2008] Pictures of Scope-X 2008! [link..]

[23 June 2008] The Cosmic Corner Podcast airs on Radios Cape Talk and 702 and relates to Space and Astronomy. Since it airs early, a convenient podcast for download is available on the Irreverance blogsite. [link..]

[22 June 2008] Deep Sky Delights: "Centaurus: a Constellation like no other". Explore the deep sky in the Centaur with Magda Streicher in her latest MNASSA column. [open 419 kb PDF]

[21 June 2008] It is Winter Solstice! Winter now officially starts... [more info..]

[20 June 2008] The IYA2009 trailer is now available in 41 different versions with
several formats for each. You can download it on the IYA2009 website.

[18 June 2008] Not much time left! Register now for the 2008 ASSA Symposium in Durban. Open to all interested astronomy enthusiasts. Download Information pamphlet, open Application form or visit the website.

[17 June 2008] [Received through AstroList: Astronomy outreach in SA] Please note that the latest version (Version 10) of the AstroGuide is now available for download on www.astronomy2009.org.za. There is also news about the new AstroCD resource tool for education.

[16 June 2008] Solar Bulletin for April 2008 with sunspot counts by South African observers have been placed on the website [go to solar page..]

[13 June 2008] [Received through AstroList] You are invited you to come to Global Hands-On Universe (GHOU) meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, this July. Every year GHOU stakeholders meet to present results, exchange experiences, present new resources and introduce new tools. More information available at: http://ghou2008.globalhou.net

[11 June 2008] Some possible future gadgets and machines for Lunar exploration? [link..] And apparently seals use astronomy as a navigation aid... [link..]

[10 June 2008] New article posted to the Cosmology Corner: Particle Physics, Astronomy and Cosmology. "The synergy between particle physics, astronomy and cosmology created numerous breakthroughs in our understanding of nature,
matter and the birth of the universe." [read..]

[28 May 2008] Comet Boattini have been seen from the Southern Hemisphere, where it is visible without optical aid under ideal conditions. It may brighten towards July. Comet chasers: get ready! More information at S&T: [link..]

[25 May 2008] Follow the mission status of the Mars Phoenix Lander. It is due to land on Mars on Monday morning 01h53 SAST. [link..]

[24 May 2008] EDT, EST, PST, UT, GMT: what does it all mean? Confused with the world's time zomes? When exactly will the Phoenix Lander land on Mars if it touches down 23h53 EDT? Find out from Time and Date.com [link..]

[18 May 2008] Read the latest on the exciting SKA and meerKAT projects planned for South Africa [link..]

[17 May 2008] Yet another new astronomy club in Southern Africa! The West Rand Astronomy Club had its first meeting in April 2008. "30 enthusiasts attended the meeting. The group was very diverse with respect to knowledge on astronomy and the difference in ages, ranging from young children to not so young adults". Visit their website at: http://www.wrac.org.za/. Read about their first meeting [open Word document]

[16 May 2008] Planning a deep sky session for the evening? Check the weather at WindGURU.com and Weatherphotos.co.za...

[15 May 2008] Read the latest Deep Sky Delight (April 2008), with Magda Streicher. Hear about the Crow and the story of the Fig Tree and go on a deep sky journey of exploration in the autumn night sky... [download 362 pdf file]

[11 May 2008] "Eclipsed Moon Awakening" photographic competition latest news link..: www.foton.co.za/assa_imaging.htm

[7 May 2008] An orbital X-ray telescope has found a chunk of matter whose existence had long been theorized, but evidence for which had been lacking, the European Space Agency (ESA) said on Wednesday [link to Discovery.com..]

[6 May 2008] From Kevin Govender through the AstroNet List: "Download the one-page guide to astronomy outreach, which will also be the basis for the astronomy outreach workshops in June, and send comments and suggestions for changes. Although targeted at people doing outreach, just about everyone even vaguely curious about astronomy should find it quite interesting, so spread the word as far as you care to." [link..]

[5 May 2008] New article posted to the Cosmology Corner: Perceptions of Reality and Our View of the Universe. In a conversation with a fellow amateur astronomer I asked the question: “What is reality?” The response was very quick: “Reality is what we see...” Or is it? Access the article and find out...

[4 May 2008] Solar Bulletin for March 2008 with sunspot counts by South African observers have been placed on the website [go to solar page..] Jacques van Delft, director of ASSAs Solar Section writes: "The 3rd new cycle spot developed in the southern hemisphere of the Sun. As we are still in the minimum of the cycle it will soon be increasing with new cycle spots and the “dull” Sun will become spotted again. Keep on observing and sending in the counts."

[3 May 2008] Hermanus Astronomy Club (est. December 2007) now have almost 40 members (and counting!) Congratulations to the newest astronomy club in Southern Africa on their activities and progress. See list of astronomy clubs in Southern Africa.

[1 May 2008] Launch of the first "Essential Astronomy" Outreach Workshop in SA aimed at training and sharing experiences related to astronomy outreach. This will take the form of a packed 2 day experience. There will be two such workshops held in June 2008: one in Cape Town (19-20 June at the SAAO) and one in Johannesburg (26-27 June at the Jhb Observatory). [link to more info..]

[27 April 2008] The Pillars of the Big Bang Theory, by Frikkie de Bruyn. New article added to the Cosmology Corner. "When you drink water, remember the hydrogen in the water was forged in the furnace of the big bang. We are truly part of the universe. " [more..]

[26 April 2008] Possible green laser pointer ban in Australia? [link..]

[25 April 2008] "A Crow named Corvus". Go on a journey of deep sky exploration with Magda Streicher in her latest column of Deep Sky Delights, published in the April 2008 edition of MNASSA. [Download 361 kb PDF file]

[24 April 2008] Astronomy Open Evening at Boyden Observatory outside Bloemfontein (above Maselspoort) on 10 May 2008 for the family. 18h30 for 19h00. No reservations required.

[23 April 2008] SAASTA takes pleasure in inviting you to public talks by Dr. Bob Agyle from the Institute of Astronomy and Mr Brian Fraser of the Astronomical Society of South Africa, Johannesburg Centre on Saturday, 17 May 2008 at the Johannesburg Observatory. [link..]

[15 April 2008] New Crane for HartRAO [link..]

[13 April 2008] Solar Bulletin for February 2008 with sunspot counts by South African observers have been placed on the website [go to solar page..]

[12 April 2008] NASA Launches New Science Web Site. The site provides in-depth coverage of NASA's past, present and future science missions. [link..]

[11 April 2008] Mars Moon Seen in Vivid Detail. Includes a slideshow of the Hi-RISE instrument's greatest hits. [link..]

[10 April 2008] It is now confirmed that the 2008 AGM of the ASSA will be held in Johannesburg on Saturday 26th July at 16.00 pm. All Directors are requested to start compiling their reports. Please start thinking about nominations for Council as well. The next Council meeting will be on Tuesday 3rd June to prepare for the AGM.

[3 April 2008] Ever heard of "Ivan Ivanovich"? Ivan lasted for 216 days and set a lifetime record for ISS space debris. [link..]

[2 April 2008] Visit the website dedication to the 2008 ASSA Symposium [link..]

[1 April 2008] What's up in the April 2008 skies, on the SAAO website [link..] and on the Psychohistorian.org website [link..]