Astronomy SA

I can gladly say, that I have had some very positive responses from this article. It brought out the reaction that I was hoping for, and made all aware of what is going on in the Private and Governmental Game park sector.

This, I have also brought to the attention of the Parks Boards, FGHASA and THETA as well as Governmental departments.

Perhaps now, a basis can now be laid by the Department of Education to find out how competent lecturers are and how far their knowledge of astronomy goes by setting a standard of competency , and to qualify as accredited educators in astronomy at the various levels of the field guide practical.

Perhaps, this matter could be raised at the next council meeting and the ASSA could suggest a standard to comply to.

I thank all the persons that contacted me, in a positive or negative way, as it just confirmed what we, the serious amateur astronomers, were concerned about, is an actuality and ongoing.

As for retracting this article from my site, all I can say to the complainants are:

"Sorry to hear about your problems !!!!"

Any good lecturer or public speaker will know that his customers/pupils will be back, and would not expect them to be tied down with contracts.

Sorry, no sympathy from me, at all, and no apologies.

Astronomy Lecturers, Courses and Costs

There are some unscrupulous persons going around and posing as if they are specialists in Astronomy. They come with "honey and jam" and trap lodges and game reserves into signing contracts with them.

Please, be warned, as these people want to tie you down to contracts NOT EVEN THEY CAN HONOUR.

It is suggeted that you ask who the lecturer is and follow up his/her credentials.

They put on a facade and are actually damaging the image of Astronomy in the National Parks, Private Lodges and Game Reserves. Presently some are going around astronomical clubs, trying to lure inexperienced amateurs and sell them off as "professional lecturers" in Astronomy ". Some of these matters have been resolved, but the damage done, is irrevocable.

NEVER SIGN CONTRACTS with Astronomical Companies. !!!!!!!!!

This is recomended for your OWN protection.

The people that have been caught, are finding themselves tied up with these useless and binding contracts, by these persons.

AGAIN, THE ASTRONOMICAL FRATERNITY, WARN THE NATIONAL GAME RESERVES AND THE PRIVATE GAME RESERVES AS WELL AS ALL LODGES, TO BE CAREFULL AND RATHER CONTACT RECOGNISABLE INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA OR THE PLANETARIA IN CAPE TOWN AND JOHANNESBURG, THE UNIVERSITIES THAT TEACH ASTRONOMY, FOR GUIDELINES.

ASTRONOMY LECTURERS

The following lecturers have proved themselves as specialists in their field and operate on their own. They are all affiliated to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa, or members of the local branch of the ASSA and have served the Astronomical fraternity, with integrity, for a number of years. Most of them have served on Council or the local committee. It is advised that you rather contact these well known and acclaimed lecturers and negotiate with them, directly or take advice from them as who to contact..

Each one will vouch for the other's credibility, and would report the matter to Council, should there be any foul play suspected, and could result in being asked to resign from the ASSA.

It is suggested that you verify costs and conditions with Astronomers or public speakers, before committing yourself financially, to some ludicrous quotation.

Normally the Astronomers/Speakers, pay a 10% finders fee to persons who get bookings for them, as speakers, lecturers.

Gerhard Koekemoer ( Telescope Making)

He has been a member of the ASSA and Johannesburg Center for many years and is an expert on Telescopes and Telescope Making. He specialises in sales of telescopes and construction. He is actively involved with the telescope making classes at Park Town Boys High School. Gerhard has access to safe facilities, where you can relax and enjoy highly entertaining evenings.

Vincent Nettmann. (Speaker and presenter))

He has been presenting shows at the planetarium in Johannesburg for a long time, and is a highly respected speaker in the Astronomical Fraternity. He has done ground breaking work regarding the education of previously disadvantaged children into the science of astronomy.

He is presently training a prodigy into lecturing at previously disadvantaged schools and public talks in his mother tongue. He has been a Senior Tutor at the ASSA's ATM classes at Park Town Boys High School for many years.

Vincent, apart from myself, is the only other full time public astronomy speakers , that I am aware of.

Vincent can be contacted directly at: Cell 083 332 9333 or on his home telephone number at any time 011 475 3707 or http://myweb.webmail.co.za/astronet

Email astronet@webmail.co.za

Vermaak Van Wyk (Software Specialist)

Vermaak is an Astronomical software and electronic imaging expert. He specialises in using ordinary off-the-shelf digital cameras and applying it to astronomical purposes.

His results have been quite astounding and he has even surprised experienced astro-photographers. He is presently directly involved with AstronomySA at the Rhino and Lion Observatory

Cell: 083 227 3144 or 082 745 5675.

Bill Hollenbach (Advanced Amateur Astronomer)

See home page.

Astronomer @ Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Past Council Member of the ASSA, Cape Center Committee Member, Founder of the Cederberg Observatory.

Tim Cooper ( Public Speaker and Comet Specialist )

Past president of the ASSA and Director of the Comet and Meteor Section of the ASSA. Tim is one of the best speakers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

His personal contribution to astronomy in South Africa has been quite remarkable and is exemplary to all.

Brian Fraser (Via the Johannesburg Center)

Past President of the ASSA and Council Member of the ASSA . Respected telescope maker and public speaker on astronomy. Busy with a 20" home made telescope.

Cliff Turk ( 021 531 5250 ) ( Cape Town )

Past President of the ASSA, Variable Star Observer. He is also an Honorary Life time member of the Society. His influence and his credentials extend to far beyond the borders of our country. To my knowledge, he has the longest association with the ASSA presently.

Cliff is a member of the Cederberg Observatory and is a well known speaker and lecturer in astronomy. He has served the astronomical fraternity of South Africa for many years and is highly regarded by amateur and professional astronomers. If Cliff is not available, he will recommend a very competent speaker.

Louis Barends. ( louis@bigskiesastro.co.za)

Louis has been doing astronomy talks for many years and is well known for his excellent talks and presentation at AARDKLOP. He is a well known figure on Radio Sonder Grense and has presented the program with Hennie Maas for many years.

Constant Volschenk

Constant is one of the presenters at the Planetarium in Johannesburg and has vast experience in this field. He was directly involved with the repairs of the observatory at Toppies Hoek.

He can be contacted via: http://www.planetarium.co.za

This list will be updated continuously as more persons are added from the various centres around South Africa !!!!

Estimated Normal costs:

Lectures are R65.00 pp during the week within a range of 100 km return trip. Minimum of 20 persons required.

Beyond 100 km, traveling costs of the AA of South Africa becomes standard, as well as meals and over night accommodation.

Weekends the cost may go up as much as R100 per person, depending how far the traveling is and how many persons are attendance.

Normal costs for a trip up to 200 kM there and 200kM back, should be in the region of R3,800.00 excluding overnight accommodation meals that should be provided.

All equipment is supplied by the Astronomers.

Normally two will accompany each other.

The cost for a night as far as Pafuri Area would exceed R150pp plus meals and accommodation costs, time and AA rates unless another agreement is reached with the Astronomer concerned.

We have had complaints of staggering amounts of R18,000.00 per night for a group of 20 people in the Kruger Park. This is totally outrageous charges and ridiculous exploitation of the tourism sector.

The normal finding fees for a Astronomy Speaker to do talks, is a maximum of 10 ~15 % of the fee. The lodge should contact the Astronomer direct and make arrangements and not through an "agent" as you will probably be ripped off.

The cradle of human kind is currently experiencing the birthing of an observatory at the mouth of the mystical wonder caves on the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Bill Hollenbach, along with Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve , have jointly mixed up a recipe that makes it the ultimate spice of Astronomy and Technology and Education for Previously Disadvantaged Children and Schools. (Nature Sciences)

This observatory will function as an Astronomy base for people to gather and learn more about our Universe, planets, comets and observe interesting, Astronomical phenomena.

Intermingle with Astronomers on an informal level and explanations in simple, lay-man terms that is understood. From the beginning to the end. Alpha ~ Omega.

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