[AstroNet] Astronomy evenings in Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

[Ina Roos]

ASTRONOMY TALK & DINE

The Eagle's Fare restaurant in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens will be hosting two astronomy events with Professor Derck Smits, head of the astronomy section of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNISA.



Friday 11 October @ 18:30 for 19:00: "A Quick Tour of the Universe"

This presentation takes you on a whirlwind tour from the Earth into the depths of space exploring all the exotic objects in our solar system in our home galaxy, the Milky Way.



Friday 1 November @ 18:30 for19:00: "The Antikythera Mechanism"

In 1900, sponge divers discovered a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera in the Aegean Sea which yielded a strange instrument that appeared to have some astronomical significance.  After years of investigation, the most recent studies of which used the latest 3D x-ray imagining techniques, the secrets of this amazing instrument are being unravelled.  No other examples of this instrument have been found, nor are there any written records of it in the literature, but it displays the workmanship of a craftsman who was way ahead of his time.  The mechanical device incorporated all the theory of the motion of the Sun and Moon known at the time (c. 80 BCE) and could predict phases of the Moon and when eclipses would occur.



Cost: R135 p.p; R75 per child 6-12 yrs. This includes the talk by Professor Smits, a 2-course dinner, garden entry fee. Excludes beverages (fully licenced with comprehensive beverage & wine list available).

You are most welcome to bring along your telescopes & binoculars to explore the constellations and planets.



Who? Professor Smits has been with UNISA for 15 years. His research interests and studies include modelling of astronomical atomic processes occurring in gaseous nebulae, masers in star-forming regions and binary stars that are in contact with each other.

Where? The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are at the end of Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort. Bookings: Tel: 082 671 8382/7 or 083 414 9843 or E-mail:  eat at eaglesfare.co.za<mailto:eat at eaglesfare.co.za>
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