Cape Astronomical Association: Origins of ASSA
Channel: Auke Slotegraaf
Date: 2012-11-01

Presented by Chris de Coning at the ASSA Symposium, 2012 October 14, at SAAO in Cape Town.
The Cape Astronomical Association was formed 100 years ago, in October 1912. As far as we know, this was the first astronomical association in South Africa. The initiative resulted from public interest in astronomy after the re-appearance of Halley's comet the previous year. From the beginning, the society was a close co-operation between amateur and professional astronomers. In fact, the founding meeting held by amateurs, was postponed in order to invite professional astronomers to join. SS Hough, Astronomer Royal at the Cape of Good Hope became the first Honorary President. Ten years later this association gave rise to the Astronomical Society of South Africa (ASSA). The talk will also discuss the ASSA archives housed in Cape Town.
Visit the official symposium website for further details:
http://symposium2012.assa.saao.ac.za