January 28th,
1965, Mooihoek Observatory, at 8pm.
The Secretary reported on the telescope loaned by the university, saying that
he was disappointed at the definition and invited members and visitors to examine
the instrument at his home over a weekend. Saturday afternoon of the 6th February
was decided upon. The remainder of the evening was given to general discussion
as the sky was not clear for observations.
March 5th, 1965,
Mooihoek Observatory, at 8pm.
The secretary reported that he had been unable to obtain a clear image and had
brought the telescope to the meeting in order that the members could examine
the instrument and find a possible solution to the optical problem. It was reported
that Mr. Erasmus was making great progress with his new telescope and it was
hoped that members would soon be privileged to examine and make an observation
with this interesting instrument. This was followed by a short discussion on
Astronomical matters in general and observations.
March 28th, 1965,
Mooihoek Observatory, at 8pm.
The Chairman expressed the feeling that the group lacked a programme and felt
that he himself was to tied up to devote sufficient time to such a project,
but hoped that the members would think over the possibility of electing a new
chairman at the forthcoming A.G.M. who would be able to implement a programme.
Mr. Erasmus suggested that a certain area of the sky be prepared for each meeting
and that one member deliver a lecture on that area, at the next meeting. Members
to take it in turn to lecture. This suggestion was accepted by all and it was
proposed that the constellation of Leo, Crater and Corvus be prepared for the
next meeting. (Maps 9&10). Suggestions was made on the studying the moon
and the making of a illuminated sky-chart. Observing.
June 25th, 1965,
Mooihoek Observatory, at 8pm.
Mr. Walker demonstrated his illuminated sky-chart holder. The idea was most
ingenious and members were greatly impressed. The question of the university
telescope was again raised and Mr. Erasmus stated that he felt that a lot of
the trouble lay in the objective which we had had cleaned. It was suggested
that the object be returned to Messrs. General Optics with the request that
the lens components be separated. Mr. Mahaffey undertook to have this done.
Observing.
July 28th, 1965,
Lamount-Hussey Observatory, at 8pm.
7th Annual General Meeting. The Chairman welcome all, especially Dr. Holden
and Professor Van Wyk. The chairman's Report: The chairman recalled that all
meetings over the last twelve months had been held at the Mooihoek Observatory
and the were most grateful to Mr. Lincoln for having offered us the use of his
observatory. He went on to report that all meetings had been very interesting,
but he felt that a more constructive approach to our astronomy must be made
in the forthcoming year. Mr. Lincoln reported the balance to be R20,12½.
It was decided that as Dr. Holden keeps the centre informed on news from the
British Astronomical Society, the subscription to the BAA Circulars could be
stopped.
Election of Office Bearers:
Chairman Mr. Erasmus
Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Keuris
Hon. Treasurer Mr. N. Lincoln
Committee Mr. Maheffey and Mr. Walker
The University telescope was found to be bent at its mount. Mr. Mahaffey will
try to rectify it. Mr. Lincoln advised that the report on the AGM should be
sent to the Hon. Secr. ASSA at Observatory Cape.
Mr. Mahaffey commented that the centre was not doing enough. We should be more
active at home. He proposed we should brake up in various sections, to try and
expand the centre and raising money for material to make our own telescopes
or buy suitable ones (not expensive). Mr. Lincoln offered his opinion upon a
section of the centre concentrating on Nova-research work. The thought was also
raised that Dr. Holden should canvas for members for our centre amongst visitors
to Lamount-Hussey Observatory.
Mr. Walker stated that we must first have a definite aim as what we want to
achieve, i.o.w. to organize ourselves before thinking of expanding. He put forward
to canvas for some films on Astronomy and science. Mr. Mahaffey proposed an
extra meeting for technical work, and Mr. Erasmus was willing to hold a lecture
on telescope making at the residence of Mr. Mahaffey at 14 Gelderland Street
at Aug. 13th. Before departing Dr. Holding was very cordingly thanked for having
lend the Observatory to our Annual General Meeting this year.
August 27th, 1965,
Mooihoek Observatory at 8pm.
Observing
October 22nd,
1965, Mooihoek Observatory at 8pm.
Mr. Rheeder asked about telescope making by members. Chairman Erasmus voted
that the matter should stay over till next year. In Johannesburg telescope making
kits were obtainable at R9,75 for 6 inch mirrors. The rest of the meeting given
to observing and learning positions of constellations.
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