Pretoria Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
Welcome! - The Pretoria branch of the Astronomical Society of South Africa
offers amateur and professional astronomers the chance to learn
more about the field of astronomy and enjoy the unique southern
skies.
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The ASSA Pretoria Centre's AGM was held on 23 July 2025. The 2025 Annual Report and the Minutes of the meeting are available at the following link:
We wish all our friends and members a joyful and blessed holiday season and a prosperous 2026
Our observing evenings are held at Christian Brothers College (CBC) in Silverton, are free, and are open to all. They start just after sunset and telescopes are always provided by members. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own telescope. Bring your own refreshments and chairs and remember to dress warmly for those cold but clear winter nights.
Monthly meetings are currently held online on Jitsi. This allows callers-in from all over the world to particpate. Meetings have the following format:
- What's Up: What can be seen in our skies during the coming month.
- Main talk: Presenter and title will be be supplied.
- Currently the Wednesday meeting are presented via the internet. Please contact Johan Smit (072 806 2939, e-mail: JohanS@firsttech.co.za) to receive an invite to the meeting.
Next Observing evening:
- Date: Friday evening 23 January 2026
- Time: From sunset
Next monthly meeting:
- Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
- Chairperson: Danie Barnardo
- Time: 19:00
- What's up in February 2026 - presenter Danie Barnardo
- Main Talk: Spectroscopy - presenter Percy Jacobs
Click here for the November 2025 Newsletter!
Click on the image below to read an article on media misinformation
Percy Jacobs captured this image of Comet C A3 Tsuchinshan
Johan Moolman captured these incredible images at Kambro during the 2024 star party:
 
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Prof. Francis Thakeray grew up on the extensive property at the Radcliffe Observatory, from my birth in 1952 until 1972. As a teenager I often served as a night assistant for my father, Andrew David Thackeray (known as "ADT"). I also used the wonderful 12-inch reflector
which was established (adjacent the 74-inch reflector) with the enthusiasm of amateur astronomers from Pretoria and Johannesburg branches of ASSA. My father interacted closely with amateurs, including Jack Bennett whose discoveries of a spectacular comet and a
supernova were officially verified through ADT.
Useful ASSA websites
The website for all information about the ASSA and the ASSA Centres:
ASSA Specialist Sections:ASSA has various areas of interest. Join and participate!
ASSA Publications to download and enjoy:
To receive as part of ASSA membership benefits: Sky Guide, the astronomical handbook for southern Africa
Mail Groups to join:
Social Media to join and share:
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