[AstroNet] From Stars to Surface: Surveying South Africa

[Thembela Mantungwa]

SA Astronomical Observatory will host a free public lecture presented by Dr. Christian Hettlage on Saturday, February 25 at 20h00. The title of his talk is "From Stars to Surface: Surveying South Africa". After the talk, there will be tours of the site and stargazing. 

Summary of the talk 
Throughout centuries, navigation at sea was based more on experience than proper maps or measurements. It was only through technological advances such as the sextant and reliable clocks that this situation was drastically improved, these developments turned astronomers into official time-keepers. On land, nineteenth century astronomers were tasked with conducting accurate survey work. Twentieth century discoveries in physics, astronomy and space sciences enabled us not only to be guided in our cars by a friendly mechanical voice, or plough fields in straight lines by means of satellites, but also to survey our planets in unprecedented detail and even to estimate the size of planets around other stars. 

The talk will outline this history of finding your way on land, sea and beyond, focusing on South Africa in particular. 


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Regards 

Thembela Mantungwa 
S.A. Astronomical Observatory 
Tel: 021 460 9319 
Fax: 086 612 7502 
Email: tm at saao.ac.za 
Website: www.saao.ac.za / www.salt.ac.za 


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