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About
ASSA Bloemfontein Centre
| Introduction |
Astronomy
is a field not only practiced by professionals, but also by
numerous amateur astronomers. Though not many people make it
their hobby, those that do soon find themselves involved in one
of the most humble and fascinating pass times . Astronomy
not only teaches you respect for the vast intracacies and wonders
of nature, but also about yourself, making you a more knowledgable
and content person.
ASSA Bloemfontein Centre
... is an astronomy club consisting mainly of amateur astronomers
coming together to share their knowledge about this very interesting
field. Members range in age from young to old, come from all
professions and backgrounds and have various levels of expertise
in different fields of amateur astronomy. Whether you are into theory
of the practical side of astronomy, you are welcome to come
and see what we do at the club.
History
The Bloemfontein Centre of ASSA was established in 1959. During
the Centre's history, meetings were held at Boyden
Observatory (Maselspoort) and at the Lamont-Hussey
Observatory on Naval Hill, as well as in and around the
City of Bloemfontein. The club has a rich and proud heritage
on which it still operates today. The complete history can be
read in the archives.
What we do
Members meet during Centre quarterly meetings, practical sessions
and other activities throughout the year. During meetings we
equip ourselves in one or more facet of astronomy. Topics range
from night sky observations, deep sky, solar and lunar studies
to history and space exploration.
Language / taal
Activities take place mostly in Afrikaans. Aktiwiteite vind
oor die algemeen in Afrikaans plaas, maar is nie beperk daartoe
nie.
Other
joining options
If
you feel ASSA Bloemfontein Centre is not for you, but you still
want to be part of the astronomical community of Bloemfontein
and surroundings, please consult the Friends
of Boyden website.
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| Meetings,
activities & venues |
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Members meet on average about once a month. Events take the form
of either:
- official meetings,
- practical outdoor activities,
- training and workshop sessions,
- open evenings for the public,
- tours and away-weekends,
- social events.
Currently, official (quarterly) meetings are held at Boyden
Observatory near Maselspoort. Other activities take place
at the Observatory or in and around Bloemfontein city.
Practical activities consist of:
- educational outreach,
- astrophotography,
- night & deep sky observations,
- comets
and meteors,
- solar observations,
- historical research.
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| How
to join / application form / fees |
Membership fees are R100 per residence addrress / family per year (regardless of how
many people in a family reside at the address).
Upon joining, your address is added to
the club's email distribution list (you are constantly kept up to date of Bloemfontein astronomy and club events)
It is highly recommended that you have an interest in astronomy before joining the club. Initially you don't have to know anything! You must just have the need to know. If you are not going to practice astronomy as a hobby, but still want to be part of Bloemfontein's astronomy community, joining the Friends of Boyden is an alternative recommendation. |
| Committee
members 2017- 2018 |
Chairman: Prof Matie Hoffman
Vice Chairman: Prof Thinus van der Merwe
Treasurer/Secretary: Shaun Staats
Additional Members:
Frans Human
Hannes Pieterse
ASSA Council representative: Chris de Coning (Cape Town)
Go to CONTACT DETAILS
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| Honorary
members |
Prof. F. Holden
Mr. N. Lincoln
Prof. AH Jarret
Prof. Matie Hoffman (currently at the Department of Physics, University of the Free State, and manager of the Boyden Science Centre).
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| Clubhouse |
| ASSA Bloemfontein has a club house located at Boyden Observatory.
It takes the form of a small two-room observatory building which
housed a telescope in Boyden's past research days. The clubhouse
is mainly used as an archive and store room, library, marketing
point as well as a meeting place for small groups. See
pictures. Recently, an 8 inch telescope has been installed in the building. |
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