ASSA Bloemfontein

Thursday, 24 September 2020

International Observe the Moon Night 26 September 2020

Moon Map for Southern Hemisphere Download

Join us on Saturday, 26 September 2020 in the worldwide celebration of International Observe the Moon Night 2020. We have everything you will need to host an event or observe the Moon as an individual on September 26th. Explore our printable Moon Maps, viewing guide, highlighted activities, and scientific visualizations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to learn more about the Moon. Visit our website for many additional resources — happy observing!

Heritage Full Moons

The Full Moon – the brightest object in the night sky – is a striking sight, and features in the art, myths and cultural traditions of all peoples of Earth.

With every Full Moon, we’re inviting you to celebrate something special about South Africa, to revel in our shared heritage and to remember that we’re together under one sky.

A Full Moon (when the Moon rises as the Sun sets) happens about once a month. Sometimes, there are two Full Moons in a month (the second one is sometimes called a blue moon), although February can never have a second Full Moon.

The table below gives special names for each Full Moon. Each name reflects a unique facet of South African heritage.

Visit the the web site

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

2020 FS Star Party Postponed till later date

A Star Party in the warm heart of Central South Africa

We will keep you posted!

Where

Gansvlei Information (Pdf to download))

On the farm Gansvlei close to Brandfort (13km)
GPS Coordinates: 28°47'48.63"S   26°28'25.66"E

Booking via Shaun Staats -   assabfn@gmail.com

GPS Coordinates 28°47'48.63"S   26°28'25.66"E
Google Earth - Gansvlei - FS Star Party
Prepairing for the FS Star Party

To dew or not to dew

Observation site - In short
Storage room close to observing site during night/day.
Separate astro photography site available not to disturb serious observers.
Electricity available for telescope and electronic equipment (No kettles or heaters).
Observers must bring their own leads to get power from a central point in the veld.
Bring covers if you want to leave your equipment in the veld during the day.

- Have respect for your fellow observers. Use your headlight sparingly. You are blinding someone next to you. No bright white/red lights when observing starts.

Deep-sky Marathon
ASSA Bloemfontein did the first Deep-sky Marathon on Gansvlei in 2014 . (ASSA Top-100 Observing List). It is based on the very popular Messier Marathon. It was customized for deep sky objects visible in Southern-Africa.

Visit the ASSA Marathon web page Sections > Deep-sky Section > Nebulae > Clusters>
Deep-Sky Marathons

Download Observing lists for the Free State and Karoo Starparties
- Scroll down to Observing Lists for the Southern Hemisphere
( ASSA Deepsky 100, Lacaille and Messier)

The FS Star Party is not about marathons alone. It is also an event where astro friends will do some serious observing, astro photography and relax with hot coffee and serious braaiing.

Weather
2017 -7°C (00:00) and with a light wind from the East pestering us. It was 2.8 °C at 01:00 (Friday night)
2016 2°C (23:00 Friday); 10°C (00:00 Saturday; with wind and clouds moved over late in the evening. Clear early morning, with wind)
2015 dew caused havoc. Bring your dew heaters. Come prepared!
2014 Extreme – We measured -7°C during the first night. Prepare with warm clothing and bedding.

Meals
Bring your own food according to your dietary preferences.
Hot beverages will be available during the night at a Coffee point close to the observing point.
Central braai area available. We braai early to be ready for the nights observing.
Brandfort - 13 km
- Branfort Slaghuis/Butchery is the place to buy your meat (14 Voortrekker St, Brandfort)

Bloemfontein 52 km

Provisional Programme

Friday – 19 June 2020
Afternoon: Arriving and setting up at observing point
Evening - Early Morning: Observing

Saturday – 20 June 2020
Morning: Visit Brandfort or sleep late; (No official programme).
Afternoon - 11:00 till Before observing time: Advice and discussing Astronomy
Evening - Early Morning: Observing

Sunday – 21 June 2020
Breakfast and we all leave!

Other accommodation - Brandfort and surrounding
Various
Ou Pastorie
Lekkeslaap – Near Brandfort

June is Deepsky Marathon Month at the Free State Star Party - Helpful links