On 18 August, I will be speaking on “Astronomy and Light Pollution” for the Modderfontein Conservation Society and you, dear readers, are invited to come hear what I have to say.  The talk begins at 7:30 pm, at the Modderfontein Town Hall and entrance costs R20.  

I will talk about amateur astronomy, and the wonders that can be seen with small telescopes, binoculars and even the naked eye.  Unfortunately the problem of light pollution is steadily getting worse, and robs us of these sights.  The climate of fear which pervades modern South African life have made people paranoid about security, so that the problem has grown to a point where it affects not just astronomers, but the environment and our personal health.  Fortunately there is a lot that can be done to reduce the problem: much artificial lighting is inefficiently used, wasting energy while failing to achieve the intended goals of safety or security.  By taking steps to direct light where its needed and using properly designed fixtures, it is possible to have our cake and eat it too.

Robbie Vermont, of the Modderfontein Conservation Society has provided these directions:

1 Casino Road
Founders Hill
Modderfontein
Latitude -26.0972234
Longitude 28.1653238

 To get there from the Johannesburg side: On entering Modderfontein on Johannesburg Road from the Edenvale side, take the Thornhill turn off to the right on Valley Road. At the traffic circle, carry straight on along Valley Road. This has a sharp bend to the left over a low bridge and becomes Antwerp Avenue. Come to a three-way stop street. Ignore road to right to the Golf Club and continue on until the next traffic circle. Carry straight on then turn right at the second road to the right. This is Casino Road which goes up the hill to a traffic circle at the Old Casino (Heartland House). Turn left out of the circle towards the Sports Club, keeping Heartland House on your left. The entrance to the Town Hall is on the left with parking on the right.