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Greetings all<br>
As you may have heard, an Astronomy Desk has been established within
the Department of Science and Technology
(<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.dst.gov.za/prof-hellberg-heads-dsts-astronomy-desk/">http://www.dst.gov.za/prof-hellberg-heads-dsts-astronomy-desk/</a>)<br>
Below please find some information and an invitation to contribute to
the Desk - we're specifically calling out on astronet to those involved
in astronomy/maths/science education and outreach. Please contribute
your thoughts on the role of education and outreach within the context
of the Astronomy Desk's objectives.<br>
Note that the deadline for submissions is 20th November 2010.<br>
Submissions can be made to <span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:astronomy.desk@dst.gov.za">astronomy.desk@dst.gov.za</a></font></span><br>
Regards<br>
Kevin<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: 12pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;"
lang="EN-GB"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">To all members on the
Astronomy Database</font></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;"><font
size="3"><span style="">
</span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><span
style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;">Dear
colleague,</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><b style=""><font
size="3" face="Arial">ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ASTRONOMY DESK IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">As you my be
aware, the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has
established an Astronomy Desk in the Department of Science and
Technology.<span style=""> </span>The purpose of the Desk is to
advise the Minister on substantive policy and strategic matters
regarding the development of astronomy and related sciences, as well as
pertinent matters relating to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
w:st="on">South Africa</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s bid to host
the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">The Minister
has appointed me to head the Astronomy Desk. A reference team of senior
scientists will support me with technical and expert advice. The team
consists of Professors George Ellis, Renée Kraan-Korteweg, Sunil
Maharaj, George Miley, and Harm Moraal.<span style=""> </span>The
appointment will be for a period of six months.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">The
Astronomy Desk will advise and make recommendations on the following:<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> How South Africa should obtain maximum
scientific advantage and return on the significant investment being
made in astronomy.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> The most appropriate relationship between South
African national research facilities and internationally funded
projects, so as to ensure optimal benefit to South Africa.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> An appropriate structural, organisational and
management relationship between optical and radio astronomy, as well as
the High-Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in
Namibia. This includes assessing the possibility of creating a single
multi-wavelength astronomy facility or institute.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> In light of the above, what the most appropriate
governance model is for astronomy facilities in South Africa.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> What would be a suitable site for the placement
of the MeerKAT operations centre, and any strategic or urgent matters
that have a material impact on South Africa's bid to host the SKA.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style=""><font
size="3">·</font><span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"> Any pertinent matters that require attention to
ensure the continued health and functionality of the national astronomy
facilities or the SKA project.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">In carrying
out this work, I am seeking comment from as wide a cross-section of the
astronomy community as possible </font></span><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">on any of
the above items, but particularly in regard to the optimal structure
and governance system for the astronomy facilities. <span style=""> You
may be aware of the fact that models that have been mentioned include
an Astronomy structure within the NRF, one within the new SA National
Space Agency, and a free-standing Astronomy Agency directly under DST.
Other models might also be considered.</span></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span> </p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">I invite you
to submit your comments and suggestions to me for consideration.<span
style=""> Any suggestions based on international best practice will
be welcomed. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font
size="3"><span style="">You might wish to make comments or suggestions
as an individual or as a part of a group. </span></font></span>Should
the need arise, </span>I may wish to consult you individually or as a
part of a group, at a later stage in the process.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p><font size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3">I would
appreciate it if you could make your submission to me by 20 November
2010. <span style=""> </span>Electronic copies of the submission
should please be sent to the Astronomy Desk at the following email
address: <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><font size="3"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:astronomy.desk@dst.gov.za">astronomy.desk@dst.gov.za</a><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Yours sincerely,<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Manfred Hellberg<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><font size="3"
face="Arial">Emeritus Professor of Physics and Senior Research
Associate</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><font
face="Arial"><font size="3">University of <st1:placename w:st="on">KwaZulu-Natal</st1:placename><span
style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></font></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><o:p><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style=""
lang="EN-GB"><font size="3" face="Arial">Date: 24 October, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>***************</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Professor Manfred Hellberg</div>
<div>School of Physics</div>
<div>University of KwaZulu-Natal</div>
<div>Private Bag X54001</div>
<div>Durban</div>
<div>4000</div>
<div>South Africa</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Tel: +27 31 260 2860</div>
<div>Fax: +27 31 260 7795</div>
<div>Email: <a moz-do-not-send="true" href="mailto:hellberg@ukzn.ac.za">hellberg@ukzn.ac.za</a></div>
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