Astronomy

SuperWASP at Sutherland

Posted on 2006 February 01 @ 17:27 by Auke Slotegraaf - filed under Astronomy.
Updated 2007 May 14

During a visit to Sutherland late January 2006, we stopped over at SuperWASP-South, recently built on the SAAO’s observing koppie outside Sutherland. Billed as "the UK’s leading extra-solar planet detection program", it involves astronomers and students from (amongst others) Keele University in Staffordshire (UK).

We met Dr Pierre Maxted, a lecturer in astrophysics at Keele, and David Wilson, PhD student, who kindly took us on a tour of the facility and posed patiently for pics, which you can ogle below. Yes, I couldn't resist the ogle pun. I'm sorry.

A good summary of the project can be found on David Wilson's page.

Dr Pierre Maxted (left) and David Wilson (right) at the helm.

Lens array on the fork mount. Against the far wall the webcam can be seen.

CCD cameras and data cables.

Dr Pierre Maxted proudly showing off the array.

David Wilson discussing the first-light image.

(l.t.r.) Dr Pierre Maxted, Magda Streicher (ASSA), Pat Booth (President, ASSA), Willie Koorts (SAAO) & David Wilson.

Update: 2007 May 14

After the hectic ScopeX 2007 event, Chris Stewart, Lerika Cross, Francois Nortje & Richard Berry visited SuperWASP at Sutherland.

Dave Carter (SAAO) and Richard Berry beside the array.

Chris Stewart © 2007

"Three-quarters of us were carrying Canon cameras that would have been quite happy to have a 200mm f/1.8 lens attached. And the carry cases were right there...", writes Chris.

Chris Stewart © 2007

Keywords: Astronomy, Sutherland, SuperWASP, Pierre Maxted, David Wilson

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