Description
Living Amongst the Stars at the Johannesburg Observatory – Dirk J. Vermeulen
FOREWORD:
South Africa’s rich astronomical history dates from the early 19th Century. When management of the Johannesburg Observatory was transferred to the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) in 2003, I began to uncover, for the first time, the rich history of this unique site which is perched on a koppie, overlooking the City of Gold. I was intrigued by the fascinating personalities and stories linked to science activities at the Observatory over the past century. We at SAASTA became excited at the possibilities it offered for enhancing our mandate and vision. The results of our investigations are plans for a vibrant science and education hub on this historical site. It is therefore an opportune moment for us to support the effort to record the enchanting story of this unique Observatory and make it available through a number of public libraries.
This book provides a historic perspective of the site, from its establishment over a hundred years ago on a bare koppie far from the centre of the city — where one could still encounter a leopard! — to the present day, when SAASTA has provided the site with a new vision as a thriving hub of science activity. This vision still con-forms to the wishes of the original owners of the farm to use the site for astronomy and related science activities.
The story of the Observatory, like the tracking of the stars, proves to be a fascinating one. The book offers insight into the dedication of the astronomers of the previous century and their important and unique discoveries which added to the pool of scientific knowledge. One such example is Robert Innes’s discovery in 1915 of the star he called Proxima Centauri, our Sun’s nearest neighbour in the sky. Another I thoroughly enjoyed was the leading position taken by the Observatory staff in determining the orbits of the first Russian and American artificial satellites. The book does the history of the Observatory justice by capturing stories like these for all to enjoy.
As an important part of the National System of Innovation, the National Research Foundation is fortunate to lead and manage, through its business units SAASTA and SAAO, both the redevelopment of an astronomy site over 100 years old (Observatory Site and the latest, world-class Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), which marks the start of a new era in the region’s astronomy. South Africa’s astronomy vision is to remain world class and the countries facilities and observatories in addition to their primary research function, are wonderful catalysts for outreach programmes that aim to build a cohort of African astronomers and other science skills for the future. I hope that this book on the history of the Observatory will inform and delight readers and also provide some insight into future plans to turn the site into an integrated, vibrant centre that will provide a unique, interactive science and education experience for its visitors for generations to come.
– Beverley Damonse
