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.

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


--
____________________________
Bloemfontein Sterrekundevereniging
Bloemfontein Astronomy Society*

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

   - As jy nie e-posse van ons wil ontvang nie, kan jy `n e-pos aan
   assabfn@gmail.com stuur en vra om van die adreslys verwyder te word.
   - If you do not want to receive emails from us, please send an email to
   assabfn@gmail.com and ask to be removed from the address list.
  


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!


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.


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
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 Main 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 (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.

Big Sunspot 1520 Releases X1.4 Class Flare



Huge sunspot AR1520, located front and center in the Sun's southern hemisphere, has released an X1.4 class flare.

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Sunrise at Reebok

Early one morning!
Photo Hannes Pieterse

Full Moon at Reebok


The Full moon visible in the Earth Shadow
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Monday 25 June 2012

Neville Young's Books - Astronomy Within Reach - and Sterrekunde Binne Bereik


Available in English and Afrikaans
Neville Young, a long time member of the Pretoria Astronomical Centre for 25 years, who over the years at star gazing evenings and even when viewing two solar eclipses, and a Venus transit, makes use of the occasion to talk to the public.
For this purpose he designed a solar system model which he uses to explain "on the ground" what can be seen.
To hear "Oh now I understand" has been for him very rewarding and to then watch his audience moving to the telescopes to see the real thing, gives him a feeling of accomplishment.
On these occasions he has been asked the same questions over and over and being as well read as he is, has been able to explain things like "What happened to Pluto?" - the path of the Southern Cross - how Jupiter's moons move and can be seen, even with binoculars -  in ways that are both informative and entertaining.
When LAPA Publishers asked him to write a book on astronomy for the layman, his audience suddenly became so much larger. Astronomy Within Reach has been written to answer these questions and many more that will lead to an understanding of the subject. Neville has spent hours drawing many of his own diagrams and researching the answers, before committing them to paper.
See the attached flyer for more information.
This book is new on the market and has been translated into Afrikaans.
Astronomy Within Reach and Sterrekunde Binne Bereik are now available from Neville and at the various outlets.
To purchase the book from Neville please see either
where you will find details of how to make your purchase.
In addition to the book Neville is selling on his website, the portable solar system model he has used for so long.This he has produced for use in education and for demonstration purposes. He has other educational aids which he has developed and which are referred to in the book and explained on his website
www.starwaders.com
Please contact us for any further information 
Jen Els
Sales & Marketing - Starwaders
        "Education for Astronomy"
jen@starwaders.com
012 804 5843
083 701 7681