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astronomers - organizations

Astronomers

All the astronomers appearing in this database have already departed this Solar system, in other words only astronomers who have already died will be discussed.

For each astronomer, the following is listed:

Biographical Details:

• Full name - surname, first names and [title]
• Southern African Professional or Amateur astronomer; or a famous astronomer who only Visited the region.
• Date of birth; date of death

A Brief Summary:

• Famous for: a list of the most notable achievements and / or other aspects (whatever they may be) that the person is remembered for.
• Summary: A short summary of the person, concentrating mostly on his / her career.  The reason for such a short overview is so that the reader can at a glimpse get an idea about the astronomer, without having to read through all the information.

Historical Background:

• History: Whereas the headings Famous for / Overview is intended to give a very concise overview, History is an elaborate discussion about the astronomer. The headings Career / Personal is a shortened list of these aspects based on the more elaborate History.
• Career: Details of the person's career.
• Personal: An overview of non-career features of the person. Aspects such as birth / marriage / death / hobbies etc. Any other interesting aspects about the person.
• Instruments: With which instruments did the person do important work.

Sources:

• Remaining artefacts: What tangible object is still in existence (e.g. Maclears beacon that he set up); also of interest are abstract/non-physical remains (e.g. Maclear had the honour of having a town named after him).
• Bibliography: List of sources where the information contained here about the Astronomer can be verified.
• By astronomer: List of publications by the astronomer.
• Archival: List of Archival Sources relating to the astronomer.

The Bibliography refers to sources about the astronomer. Sometimes I will state next to a reference that it is a General Source.  That means that in the script I don't give the reference of every item of information, for it can be found in the General Source.  Specific Information, or those from other sources are referred to in the text, are given in an abbreviated form, e.g. [Evans, p. ?]. In the Bibliography the references are a bit more detailed. Consult the pages about Sources to find the full reference to the source.
 

Organizations

Societies and organizations involved in astronomy

• Current details: (chairman, members of the committee, contact details, when meetings are held, membership fees)
• History of the organization
• Successful events organised (e.g. symposia)
• List of previous committees
• Awards (what is the idea behind the award, the criteria, list of recipients, etc.)
• Instruments (currently and previously owned by the organization)
• Library and Archive (status; list if possible)
• Sources (where are the minutes kept; any other sources of information)

The ASSA

A history of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) and all its affiliate societies.

Director Historical Section: Chris de Coning - siriusa@absamail.co.za

(c) ASSA 2003-2006 - webmaster hettlage@saao.ac.za