Get your eyes set on the stars with new astronomy club

Are you fascinated by the stars? Are you hankering to improve your knowledge of astronomy? Are you looking for people to stare at the night sky with you?

Then East Rand Astronomy Club is just for you.

Club chairperson Neil Viljoen and secretary Jess van Elferen, who have a shared interest in astronomy, founded the club when they discovered people shared a common love for astronomy but did not have an organisation to facilitate the interest.

Neil and Jess are astro-hobbyists who are trained in how to operate telescopes and will train members how to use telescopes correctly.

Neil is an astrophotographer while Jess has a collection of telescopes on display at their telescope shop in Brakpan.

“The closest astronomy clubs are either in Sandton or the West Rand,” explained Jess.

“We, therefore, felt there was a need to open a club for people on the East Rand who are interested in the stars.

“The club focuses on practical astronomy and each meeting includes a professional guest speaker, who will teach members about astronomy indoors, followed by an outdoor stargazing session through telescopes.”

Jess believes astronomy is part of our understanding of the universe and it is important for young people to be taught in astronomy as it will set them for their futures on earth.

The club is in its six month experimental phase to allow for more people to join, with a current following of 25 members.

East Rand Astronomy Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Marechelle Country Estate at 185 High Road, Bredell, at 7pm.

At present there is no membership fee but donations are appreciated. People of all ages are welcome and are urged to bring snacks and wear warm clothes.

The next meeting will take place on August 7 and new members are welcome.

For more information, contact Jess on 010 001 2698/9 or 083 320 6465.

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