Activities
Observatory Activities
 The observatory is staffed most weekends
the exception being full moon weekends (When the moon is full, one cannot
see anything else because the moon is too bright) The staff at the observatory
perform various activities as outlined below.
Photography
Astrophotography is one of the many activities performed
by the astronomers on duty.. Photos are taken of many astronomical objects
using either conventional photography or CCD photography (digital). The
objects photographed include planets, star patterns, clusters, nebulae
and deep sky objects like galaxies and planetary nebulae.
Measuring
Measurements of variable stars are done as well as
timings of occultations. This information is then forwarded to various
institutions like the AAVSO (America Association of Variable Star Observers)
and ILOC (International Lunar Occultation Center).
Assisting Other Astronomers
 Occasionally
the staff is required to assist visiting astronomers in a particular
task. These visiting astronomers may be professional or other amateur
astronomers. Douglas Arnold with the help of Bill Hollenbach came to
photograph many southern constellations for his star atlas (Photographic
Atlas of the Stars – HJP Arnold, P Doherty, P Moore, 1997). Axel
Mellinger photographed many of his southern skies from the Cederberg
Observatory for his photographic atlas.
In 2004 Titan occulted 2 stars. Thomas Wiedermann was the SA organiser of the operation run by Prof Bruno Sicardy of l'Observatiotre de Paris.The expedition ranged from South America to Namibia and South Africa. Cederberg was one of 2 stations which got the best observations (the other being Sutherland). Results were published in Ciel et Espace.
Pre-Arranged Lectures
At times the staff will arrange special viewing evenings
for interested parties such as school groups or scout groups. If you
are interested in bringing up a large group of people to the observatory
please feel free to contact any of the partners for more details.
Daytime Recreational
Activities:
During the day the only observable star is our own
star the SUN. Sun spots and occasionally solar flares and eclipses can
be viewed. Most people in the area will be enjoying the outdoor life
and doing some of the many activities on offer in the Cederberg from
hiking and swimming to just resting with a good book.
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