CANOPUS 03/03 - Southern African Meteorite Recovery Program

Southern African Meteorite Recovery Program
P.O. Box 2552 Cramerview 2060	Amateurs in the Service of Science	Phone +27 11 886 5602 Mobile +27 83 212 8945 South Africa

You are invited to join the post-Easter 2003 Expedition to the Kalahari semi-desert, North of Upington, to search for historic meteorite falls.

Volunteers who are prepared to assist with the search for meteorites are requested to contact the writer for further information. Those who would simply enjoy joining the expedition in order to observe from exceptionally dark skies are also welcome.

Note: while it may be possible to stay at or near a Bed ‘n Breakfast establishment, it may prove necessary to camp in remote area with no access to ablution facilities.

Volunteers need to be fit to walk the expected distances. No medical facilities will be available.

The timing is intended to fall between the cold of winter and the heat of summer, however, the week away could well see heat, cold, wind and rain.

Nights are usually cold, but clear, and telescopes for star viewing will be brought along. Note that electrical power is unlikely to be available on campsites.

Roads are usually suitable for ordinary sedan vehicles: bakkies or 4X4’s, while useful, should not be necessary.

For those able to come, there will be a workshop covering both procedure / logistics of the Expedition and Field Recognition of Meteorites to be held at the Observatory 18a Gill Street, Observatory, Johannesburg at 20:00 Friday 11 April 2003. We hope that some real meteorites will be available at the workshop.

This workshop will also provide a sample list of things to bring, including food, water, camping equipment, medicals etc. Meteorite hunting equipment will be available.

Saturday 26 April	Travel to Witsand Nature Reserve. Camp. For those who wish to stay in accommodation, please contact Witsand directly. Witsand is the home of the Roaring Sands of the Kalahari. Watch the sun set from the top of one of the dunes.
Sunday 27 April	Public Holiday. Nature walk. Mid-morning travel to Koppieskraal Pan, just South of the Kalahari Gemsbok Park. Camp. Observe the brilliant night skies of the Kalahari weather permitting.
Monday 28 April	Public Holiday. Meteorite hunting. Observe from the ultimate dark sky site.
Tuesday 29 April	Meteorite hunting. Observe from the ultimate dark sky site.
Wednesday 30 April	Meteorite hunting. Observe from the ultimate dark sky site.
Thursday 1 May	Public Holiday. New Moon. Meteorite hunting. Observe from the ultimate dark sky site.
Friday 2 May	Travel to Augrabies Falls. Camp or obtain accommodation. Some hiking in the beautiful reserve.
Saturday 3 May	Hiking at Augrabies Falls. Travel to Kimberley and camp at the magnificent Municipal Camp Ground in sight of the Kimberley Mine headgear.
Sunday 4 May	Return home