Pretoria Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa

Profile

The Pretoria branch of the Astronomical Society of South Africa serves the local community and would like to introduce new members to the fascinating world of astronomy. Monthly meetings are held at Christian Brothers College in Silverton. The Information Brief is a short summary of the Pretoria Centre. [ Download and read... ]

Activities of the Pretoria Centre

Meetings

The members of the Pretoria Centre meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the CBC School, Pretoria Road, Silverton at 19h15. The program for these meetings varies from lectures to audio-visual presentations. Meetings cater for members at all levels, from basic elementary topics for beginners to more involved discussions for advanced amateurs. These meetings are open to both members and non-members.

Practical Observing

Informal practical observing sessions are held on the Friday evening preceding the monthly meeting. The observing sessions are held at the Centre's observatory situated on the grounds of the CBC. The observatory houses a 30cm Newtonian reflecting telescope. Telescopes belonging to individual members are also often available for viewing. These observing sessions are open to both members and non-members of the Centre, and commence at about 18h30, weather permitting. In addition to the monthly practical sessions, occasional observing sessions are arranged to observe specific events, such as comets, eclipses, meteor showers, etc. as these occur.

Telescope Building

Telescope making classes are presented together with the Johannesburg centre. There is no greater joy than using a fine telescope for observing the wonders of the heavens; especially if that instrument has been crafted by one's own hands. In addition, the existing members of the Centre possess a wealth of information and advice to help the aspiring amateur telescope maker.

Affiliation with ASSA

The Pretoria Centre is affiliated to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa. Members of the Pretoria Centre may or may not also be members of ASSA.

Learning More

If you would like to learn more about astronomy, come along to one of our meetings. We will be pleased to welcome you!