Astronomy meets Journalism

The South African Agency for Science & Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009 with a series of initiatives to make the complex, yet fascinating world of astronomy more accessible to all.

In partnership with journalism training consultancy frayintermedia, SAASTA hosted a workshop on this enthralling subject aimed at community media and astronomers. Titled the “Stargazers & Scribblers Astronomy and Journalism Workshop”, this exciting get-to-know-each-other session was a must for those scribblers and stargazers who care about their stories and research.

While journalists were be able to get to grips with up-to-date developments in astronomy, scientists were offered training in how to get their message across without compromising on the scientific essence.

In the Cape the workshop commenced at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town on Monday July 13 – and continued in Sutherland (SAAO) with a stargazing evening and the remainder of the programme on Tuesday July 14 (click here for the Cape programme).

The workshop in Gauteng took place at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) on July 16 (click here for the Gauteng programme).

“There is a need to build networks between community journalists and astronomers,” said Michael Schmidt, Training Director at frayintermedia. “It not only provided journalists with information on exciting discoveries and ideas on ways to cover the subject, but also trained astronomers in how to communicate their work effectively. Holding it at these venues also gave them an opportunity to fully experience astronomy and be made aware of this news resource they have in their backyard.”

Facilitators at the workshop included some of the country’s leading stargazers and scribes on the subject such as Elsabe Brits, specialist journalist for Science at Die Burger, and Dr Adrian Tiplady of the South African Square Kilometre Array Project.