Limpopo Astronomy Outreach (2009 Dec 05)
posted: 1291 days ago, on Sunday, 2009 Dec 06 at 24:04
tags: astronomy, outreach, IYA, Limpopo, Kos Coronaios.
by Kos Coronaios
Limpopo Astronomy Outreach: Savannah Mall, Polokwane
Limpopo Astronomy Outreach and Sandile Rikhotso from the University of Limpopo's Science Centre visited Savannah Mall in Polokwane on Saturday the 5th of December 2009. With Sarah and James to help set up the display and telescopes, Sandile and I were ready shortly after 09:00 to welcome the inquisitive public who were already stopping to enquire on proceedings.
The display consisted of astronomy related posters with two telescopes on view, a 10-inch Newtonian reflector and solar filter and a 6-inch Dobsonian.
Handout material consisted of information on the Sun, Moon, Solar System and "Sibo in Space" books. As usual the Edward Foster photographic display, showing an illustrated time-line of cosmic and fossil history going back 2.1 billion years, was a major talking point.
With school holidays well under way, we were kept busy answering questions, showing everyone the solar disk and handing out IYA 2009 posters, courtesy of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
Interest in astronomy and the Soutpansberg Astronomy Club from the residents in Limpopo and Polokwane have grown considerably during IYA 2009 due to the IYA activities during the course of the year.
We concluded in the evening when an incoming thunderstorm prevented further nightsky viewing.
Both radio and printed media, and Savannah Mall's management, played a major role in advertising the day's activities.
Sandile and I would like to thank the centre's management, Savannah Spur and Ocean Basket, who surprised us with refreshments and food throughout the day, and Sarah, James and everyone else involved in this outreach initiative.
nothing more to see. please move along.