Scouts visit Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

Saturday 25th August was a day of excitement for Harmelia Air Scouts going to the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory as located near Hartebeespoort Dam.

Scouts and parents met at the Scout Hall and departed by car at 15:30 On arrival Scouts were facinated by the size of the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio telescope.


Credit: M Gaylard / HartRAO


The evening started off with an introduction by HartRAO staff on how a Analemmatic Sundial works and also how the Scouts can make their own one. Detail on how to make one is also available using the following website link 
http://www.hartrao.ac.za/other/sundial/sundial.html

Scouts and parents were then introduced to why we have day, night and the seasons; the position of Earth in Space ; how a satellite dish communication works (see left Scouts whisper at one dish and it was received clearly at the opposite dish) and then given a presentation on a range of astronomy and space-related subjects. Interesting to note was the amount of "space junk" left is space (nuts, bolts, pieces of old rockets, etc) that can cause serious damaged to working satellites currently in operation in space. To see for yourself visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7766894/Space-so-full-of-junk-that-a-satellite-collision-could-destroy-communications-on-Earth.html

The 15 metre diameter radio telescope that was built in 2007, the 26 meter diameter radio telescope and their satellite "laser ranger" that shoots a laser beam into the sky towards passing satellites to gather information was then shown to all. Amazing was the laser beam shooting into the sky. If the satellite is able lock onto the beam then a signal is returned.The returned signal (together with satellite data information) is then detected by the radio telescope. The captured data is then stored for processing.

Credit: M Gaylard / HartRAO

The evening closed with some viewing of the moon using optical telescopes (one optical refractive and the other an optical reflective mirror).

New in our "Interesting Articles" page

Mignet Flying Flea (an aircraft from the 1930's)

Focke Achgelis FA330 (an autogyro kite built in 1940's)

Google Doodle Honors Amelia Earhart

Google’s home page is marking what would have been the 115th birthday of a remarkable woman who fascinated the world with her bravery, pluck, intelligence and skill. The new doodle shows Amelia Earhart, the first great female aviator, climbing into her Lockheed Vega monoplane, which now sits in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The homage is timely, not only because of Earhart’s birthday, but also because of two coinciding events

More information is available at http://www.pcworld.com/article/259751/google_doodle_honors_amelia_earhart.html

Harmelia Gardens Group updates Scarf Colours

Just before the close of the Cub meeting on 8th June 2012, all Cubs and Scouters in attendance were issued with our "updated" Scarf Colours.

Over the past years it became problematic in obtaining the "burnt-orange" colour from material suppliers. It was finally agreed to change this colour to one that is more readilly available (according to our material supplier).

Scouts received their scarves at start of their meeting.

Below is a digital picture taken of our Cubs with their new scarves.

Below is a digital picture taken of our Scouts with their new scarves. Included in our Scout picture are Cubs that are soon to be invested as Scouts.

Scouts assist with scoring at National Model Aircraft Aerobatics event

Scouts in our Scout Group were invited to assist at the National Model Aircraft Aerobatics held in Gauteng Province in April 2012. The event took place over the long weekend of 27th /28th and 29th April.

Scouts were able to see model aircraft in action and also be able to learn from seeing these aircraft in action.

Below are some pictures taken at the event.

...... and now the smallest model at the event.

Scouts attend KonTiki 2012 event

Our Scouts attended the KonTiki 2012 that was held at the "Arrowe Park" Scout Camping grounds.

Below as some pictures taken at the event.

Scouts enjoyed Kim Shield Challenge

Our Patrol, Mirage, recently participated in the Gauteng Provincial "Kim Shield Challenge" held in the suburbs of Northern Johannesburg. They succeeded in securing overall "4th place" with 3305 points. Crucial to this challenge was when to play a trump card which provided addtional points. The patrol was succesful in almost doubling their points at 5 of the 68 bases.

Photos to follow.