ASSA Bloemfontein

Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Challenges of Getting to Mars: Curiosity's Seven Minutes of Terror

Sunday, 29 July 2012

Astronomy Books at a Bargain Price!

Bargain Books opened in Bloemfontein, Preller Square and these bargain price books are on the shelve.
Alson in Welkom: Goldfields Mall

Astronomica (R199)

- A Coffee Table book with a foreword by Sir Patrick Moore, 524 Pages packed with information.

Publication Date: 2007 Reprinted 2010

Written in an engaging and accessible format, Astronomica is an invaluable reference book. There are comprehensive profils of each of the planets in our Solar System, the dwarf planets, the major stars, and other astronomical bodies. The galaxies - including the Milky Way - are examined. The history of cosmology focuses on the advances that have been made through the centuries, up to the latest in cutting-edge technology. The chapter on space exploration discusses early program development, historical milestones, current ventures, the role of space stations, and the long-distance spacecraft sent out to the far reaches of the Solar System and beyond. Successful sky-watching is covered, with detailed charts of each of the 88 recognized constellations, helpful monthly sky charts, and information on equipment. Discover all you need to know about the cosmos and its fascinating features. Stunning photographs (including dual page fold-outs), detailed charts and illustrations, fact files, and timelines enhance the descriptive and informative text, as Astronomica brings the cosmic world within easy reach. (Source: Amazon)

The Practical Astronomer

Publication Date: May 17, 2010

For anyone who's ever looked at the night sky and wanted to know more about the galaxy around them, The Practical Astronomer shows readers how to discover and understand the mysteries of the solar system and beyond. Illustrated throughout with detailed photographs and illustrations, and using clear, easy-to-follow text, The Practical Astronomer takes you on a step-by-step journey from the basics of what can be seen with the naked eye, to how you can view more distant objects such as the planets of the solar system, and even galaxies far, far away-all in your own backyard. Source: Amazon

The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook. by David H. Levy, John O'Byrne

Publication Date: January 1, 2012

This practical, hands-on guide is the sailor's essential atlas of the sky. Assuming no prior knowledge, this comprehensive, practical handbook helps the user at sea or on land read and understand the changing sky. Readers are given hands-on advice on how to read the night sky and star charts, as well as information on whether particular stars can be seen with the naked eye or require binoculars or a telescope. At the core of the book are 150 sky charts, showing what features can be seen in each position and when. Every constellation in the northern and southern hemisphere is mapped out. Simple methods are given for finding the biggest, brightest stars and then identifying other lesser stars by their relative position. For sailors out of the sight of land, celestial navigation really comes into its own - providing a sure means of checking the boat's position even when GPS and other electronics malfunction. This book will provide a complete reference as to what stars and constellations they should be able to use when and where in the world. The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook is ideal for anyone, on land or sea, wanting a complete guide to the night sky. Source: Amazon

Sunday, 22 July 2012

UFS101 Astronomy Fair in Bloemfontein

Click to enlarge

Maklik `n duisend Vrystaters het die Sterrekundefees by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat in Bloemfontein bygewoon. Hier kyk van die toeskouers hoe vuurpyle gelanseer word.

Foto's op die Universiteit se facebook blad

Thursday, 19 July 2012

UFS101 ASTRONOMY FAIR - 21 July 2012 | UFS101 STERREKUNDEFEES - 21 Julie 2012

UFS101 ASTRONOMY FAIR

UFS101 and the Bloemfontein Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) are joining forces to bring you the First-ever Astronomy Fair on University of the Free State Campus. This will be held in the Callie Human on the 21 July 2012 from 10:00-13:00 at the UFS.

You are invited to:

· Observe the sun through a specially equipped telescope;

· Witness the launching of Demo Rockets;

· See exhibits explaining how astronomy and other sciences interact

· Hear the latest news about SKA-South Africa and astronomy developments in Bloemfontein

· Explore the latest astronomy applications for your iPhone/ iPad

The entrance is free and you are welcome to bring the whole family. There will be tuckshop facilities available.

PROGRAMME FOR 21 JULY

Time	Activity	Venue
09:30 -10:15	Presentation: Higgs Bozon and other invisible things in the universe by Prof. Hoffman	Badminton Hall
10:00 - 13:00	(08:30 Building of Rockets) 10:00 Expo 12:00 Launching of Rockets	Callie Human

UFS101 STERREKUNDEFEES

UFS101 en die Bloemfontein Sentrum van die Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) span saam om die eerste Astronomy Fair op die Universiteit van die Vrystaat kampus aantebied. Dit sal op 21 Julie 2012 om 10:00- 13:00 in die Callie Human Sentrumvan die UV gehou word.

U word uitgenooi om:

· Na die son deur 'n spesiaal toegeruste teleskoop te kyk;

· Die lansering van demonstrasie vuurpyle te aanskou;

· Uitstallings te sien wat die interaksie tussen astronomie en die ander wetenskappe verduidelik;

· Die jongste nuus oor die SKA-SuidAfrika en astronomie verwikkelinge in Bloemfontein te hoor.

· Die jongste astronomie toepassings (apps) vir jou iPhone/iPad te verken.

Toegang is gratis en u is welkom om die hele gesin saam te bring. Daar sal ook 'n snoepwinkel beskikbaar wees.

PROGRAM VIR 21 JULY

Tyd	Aktiwiteit	Plek
09:30 -10:15	Aanbieding: Higgs Bozon en ander onsigbare dinge in die heelal deur Prof. Hoffman	Pluimbalsaal
10:00 - 13:00	(08:30 Bou van vuurpyle) 10:00 Uitstalling 12:00 Lansering van vuurpyle	Callie Human

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____________________________
Bloemfontein Sterrekundevereniging
Bloemfontein Astronomy Society*

*Blog*: assabfn.blogspot.com
*Web*: www.assabfn.co.za
**

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Monday, 16 July 2012

Winners of the IceInSpace Calendar Competition

Winner: Solar Eclipse. Annular Eclipse over Texas by Bob Adams, with 69.52% of the vote.

After running the IceInSpace Calendar Competition during May and June, over 250 images were submitted and after a record breaking 950+ votes by the extended IceInSpace Community, the winning images have now been chosen by you!

View the winning images: http://goo.gl/RX5Z4

Your IceInSpace Astronomy Calendar 2013 will be on sale in the IceInSpace Shop from early August. Then you can buy plenty of calendars for yourself, your family and friends, work colleagues etc :)

Congrats to all winners and thanks to the IceInSpace Community for your part in making this competition a success.

Visit the IceInSpace Forum and join them!

Astronomy Fair | Sterrekundefees

Sterrekundefees - 21 Julie 2012

UFS101 en die Bloemfontein Sentrum van die Astronomie Vereniging van Suider-Afrika
(AVSA / ASSA) span saam om die eerste Sterrekundefees op die Hoofkampus van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat aan te bied.

Dit sal op 21 Julie 2012 van 9:30 vm. tot 1 nm. in die Callie Human Sentrum van die UV gehou word.

U word uitgenooi om:

· Na die son deur ‘n spesiaal toegeruste teleskoop te kyk;

· Na die lansering van demo-vuurpyle te kyk;

· Uitstallings te sien wat die interaksie tussen astronomie en die ander wetenskappe uitbeeld;

· Die jongste nuus oor die SKA Suid-Afrika en astronomie verwikkelinge in Bloemfontein te hoor;

· Die jongste astronomie toepassings (apps) vir jou iPhone/iPad te verken.

Toegang is gratis en u is welkom om die hele gesin saam te bring. Daar sal ook ‘n snoepwinkel beskikbaar wees.

Om 9:30 - 10:15 sal Prof. Matie Hoffman ‘n lesing aanbied oor Die Higgs Boson en ander onsigbare dinge in die Heelal.

…………………………………………………

Astronomy Fair - 21 July

This will be held in the Callie Human on the 21 July 2012 from 10:00-13:00 at the UFS.

You are invited to:

· Observe the sun through a specially equipped telescope;

· Witness the launching of Demo Rockets;

· See exhibits explaining how astronomy and other sciences interact;

· Hear the latest news about SKA South Africa and astronomy developments in Bloemfontein;

· Explore the latest astronomy applications (apps) for your iPhone/ iPad.

The entrance is free and you are welcome to bring the whole family. There will be tuck shop facilities available.

At 9:30 - 10:15 Prof. Matie Hoffman will do a presentation on The Higgs Boson and other invisible things in the universe.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon are gathering in our early morning skies

Image: Stellarium 15 July 2012
(Click to Enlarge)

Venus is now our very bright "morning star" over in the east, before sunrise.
Jupiter is the not-quite-as-bright one a little higher, to the left of Venus. The fainter reddish one now above Venus is Aldebaran, eye of Taurus the Bull, and over to the right of all this is Orion.

This weekend, the waning crescent Moon moves down through Taurus. Look on:
- Saturday morning - Moon, Jupiter, Venus in (almost) a straight line
- Sunday morning - Moon just below Jupiter
- Monday morning - Jupiter, Venus and the Moon in a triangle
- Tuesday morning - last look at the old crescent, in a big triangle with Venus and Betelgeuse (shoulder of Orion).

A map of all this is at www.planetarium.co.za

The Moon will re-appear in the early evening skies as a thin crescent over in the west on July 20th, marking the start of the Islamic month of Ramadhan. Look out for earthshine on the crescent.