SS Astrophysics Issue 14

SCIENCESTARS Issue 14 | May/June 2017

ASTROPHYSICS

The Square Kilometre Array The world's largest radio telescope

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a large multi-radio telescope project that will be built in Australia and South Africa. The construction is scheduled to begin in 2018.

SKA will enable astronomers to monitor the sky more than ten thousand times faster than ever before.

How does a radio telescope work?

A radio telescope has several main parts including a dish and antenna, a receiver, a detector, and an analyser.

The dish collects the radio signals from space and focuses them on the antenna. A larger dish will collect more radio waves and lead to a stronger signal at the antenna.

Some jobs related to radio astronomy: • Astronomers and astrophysics • Engineers • Technicians

Facebook.com/MzansiForScience Mzansi4Science

CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

8 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3

WHAT IS ASTROPHYSICS?

2

THE BIG BANG THEORY

5

PROFILE

8

SALT

4 DST

6 CSIR

9 THALES

7

Space decoded

2

GRASSROOTS INNOVATION

7

MOBILE SCIENCE LABS

REGULARS

6 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

3

Editor's note

SPACE Facts

8

Top universities

1

Bursaries

3

Quiz

4

Puzzles

5

Puzzle answers

6

Science news

8 Experiment

ED’S NOTE

team Science Stars

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Editor • Sihle Qekeleshe

Bringing the stars to you

Astrophysicists have done quite an amazing job – they have devised instruments, invented the Science of optics, and used Mathematics to explain the wonders they observe.

But what exactly does Astrophysics entail? This issue provides a clear and simple description of several aspects of Astrophysics while branching out into Cosmology, in a language understandable to anyone.

You can expect to read some of the most amazing Astronomy facts, and if you’ve been asking yourself about the difference between a comet and a meteorite and you never really get your answer, look no further! We also introduce you to The Big Bang Theory (no, not the comedy series) – the key theory in Astrophysics.

You know we always have your back, so if you need to know about available Science bursaries, which top universities offer Astrophysics in South Africa, and where to visit the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere, we have that information for you right here.

Graphic designers • Cinzia-Joey Swartz • Stacey Okkers Contributing writers • Nadine Sims • Zama Mthethwa • Renata Williams • Miyamoto Musashi

Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za Copyright 2017 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.

Science Stars is published by Roswika Media.

Astrophysics is quite vast, but trust me, it is very interesting. So go on, read through this issue for more on the study. But, remember, the learning does not end here. Do some of your own research and become a Science star!

Sihle Qekeleshe Ediitor 10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za

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Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

A journey of hard work and perseverance: How a CSIR researcher is impacting lives through science

C

an you imagine being unable to drink a glass of water because the water is too dirty to be considered safe?

Or having no access to water simply because there is no water infrastructure? Unfortunately, this is a sad reality for millions of South Africans, especially those living in rural communities, but people like Dr Phumelele Kleyi are working hard to find ways to help these very communities have access to clean water by using modified nanomaterials to develop water purification technologies.

Nanotechnology is the science of building all kinds of fantastic materials, everything from brand new medicines to ultra-fast computer chips.

Kleyi is a research chemist and works for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). For most chemists, chemistry is not only about exploring and developing new material products, but it is about improving the quality of life for all people, making a positive contribution to society and transforming life-changing ideas into society-orientated and impact-focused solutions.

Kleyi is part of a CSIR water research group that develops nanomaterials for the removal of contaminants from water. These contaminants include organic substances such as dyes, inorganics such as ions and harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.

“We want people to have a device that helps them to purify their own water, so that they don’t drink water that makes them sick. Such a device could be connected to a tap, or be a portable pot that filters water through modified nanomaterials. We use nanoclays, a very fine type of soil and often a by-product of mining, which are modified to remove contaminants and to add disinfection properties,” says Kleyi.

Some of Kleyi’s research results have been published in a peerreviewed journal, while an application for invention disclosure for another nanomaterial has been submitted.

“We are currently negotiating to partner with a key water treatment industry player, hoping to eventually commercialise this product.”

Kleyi joined the organisation in 2014 and research centres on the development of nanostructured materials for water disinfection. Even though Kleyi has found himself working for such a great organisation, his journey to this point has not always been easy.

After finishing matric in 1994, Kleyi enrolled at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (University of Port Elizabeth at the time) to study a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.

“I passed mathematics and physics, but failed the other pharmacyrelated subjects. I did not have money to return the following year

and spent a year at home. It was painful, to realise your peers are progressing, but you are not.”

In 1997 Kleyi enrolled for a BSc, but after his second year, he once again ran into financial difficulty and suspended his studies for four years.

“The irony is that I qualified for funding from the university, but due to outstanding debt, I was not allowed to register for the following academic year.”

“To get where I am today, was not plain sailing,” says Kleyi, who has a PhD in chemistry. “I want to encourage students studying chemistry who face financial and academic challenges, to not give up finding their niche.”

Kleyi worked several jobs, including a stint on an assembly line at Volkswagen to save money, but then qualified for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“This time, I pushed through and completed my BSc, BSc Hons, MSc and PhD with no further interruptions. When I ran into financial difficulty, the first time, I should have asked for help to find funding opportunities within the institution. Because I was young and the first from my family to go to university, I had no one to give me that advice.

I only heard later, from my peers who had similar difficulties, about the NSFAS. My advice to young people in a similar situation would be not to wait, but to communicate with the university as soon as problems arise. Information is now a lot more readily available than back then – there are always options.”

If you want to become a research chemist like Kleyi, you must have a passion for scientific research and an academic background in chemistry. You should also be able to work independently, be a problem solver and be able to pay special attention to detail. Research chemists work in laboratories to develop new chemical compounds that are typically needed in medicine and other scientific innovations.

Don’t want to become a research chemist, but still love chemistry?

Try other careers like material scientist, chemical engineer, forensic scientist and process chemist. These degrees are offered at most South African universities.

To find out more information on the remarkable career opportunities at the CSIR, please visit our website www.csir.co.za

COVER STORY

THE LAW OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY Discovering how the universe works

strophysics is a branch of Space

A

3/ Are we alone?

also present on Earth. Spectroscopy also

Science that applies the laws of

It all began with Isaac Newton

revealed that some nebulae are purely gas-

Physics and Chemistry to explain

While astronomy is one of the oldest sci-

eous, while some contain stars. This later

the birth, life and death of stars, planets,

ences, Theoretical Astrophysics began with

helped cement the idea that some nebulae

galaxies, nebulae and other objects in

Isaac Newton. Prior to Newton, astronomers

were not nebulae at all — they were other

the universe. It has two sibling sciences,

described the motions of heavenly bodies

galaxies!

Astronomy and Cosmology, and the lines

using complex mathematical models with-

between them are often blurred.

out a physical basis.

In the early 1920s, Cecilia Payne discovered, using spectroscopy, that stars are predomi-

In simple terms, Astronomy measures posi-

Newton showed that a single theory simul-

nantly made up of hydrogen (at least until

tions, luminosities, motions and other char-

taneously explains the orbits of moons and

their old age).

acteristics. Astrophysics creates physical

planets in space and the route of a can-

theories of small to medium-size structures

nonball on Earth. This added to the body of

Also in the mid-19th century, the physicists

in the universe. Cosmology does this for

evidence for the (then) startling conclusion

Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) and Gustav

the largest structures, and the universe as

that the heavens and Earth are subject to

Von Helmholtz speculated that gravita-

a whole. In practice, the three professions

the same physical laws.

tional collapse could power the sun, but eventually realized that energy produced

form a tight-knit family.

Perhaps what most completely separated

this way would only last 100 000 years.

Goals of astrophysics

Newton’s model from previous ones is that

Astrophysicists seek to understand the

it is predictive as well as descriptive. Based

Fifty years later, Einstein’s famous E=mc2

universe and our place in it. At NASA, the

on abnormalities in the Newtonian orbit of

equation gave astrophysicists the first clue

goals of astrophysics are “to discover how

Uranus, astronomers predicted the position

to what the true source of energy might

the universe works, explore how it began

of a new planet, which was then observed

be (although it turns out that gravitational

and evolved, and search for life on planets

and named Neptune. Being predictive as

collapse does play an important role).

around other stars.”

well as descriptive is the sign of a mature

NASA states that those goals produce three broad questions:

Science, and Astrophysics is in this category. Astrophysics is the physics of stars and other distant bodies in the universe, but it

Milestones in Astrophysics

also hits close to home. According to the

1/ How does the universe work?

Early spectroscopy provided the first

Big Bang Theory, the first stars were almost

2/ How did we get here?

evidence that stars contain substances

entirely hydrogen. The nuclear fusion pro-

COVER STORY

cess that energizes them smashes together

edge of physics to explore various occur-

Astrophysics, while a Master of Science

hydrogen atoms to form the heavier ele-

rences in space such as dark matter, black

(MSc) degree in Astrophysics is required

ment helium.

holes, stellar evolution, super clusters, and

for most research assistant and consulting

neutron stars.

positions.

In 1957, the husband-and-wife astronomer team of Geoffrey and Margaret Burbidge,

How to Become an Astrophysicist

along with physicists William Alfred Fowler

If you want to become an astrophysicist,

A Doctoral (PhD) degree in Astrophysics is

you first need to determine if this career they produce heavier and heavier elements, path is a good fit for you. which they pass on to later generations of

most likely needed if you want to work for

stars in ever-greater quantities.

Astrophysicists are individuals that have a

to work in most government research posi-

keen interest in astronomic objects, space,

tions.

and Fred Hoyle, showed how, as stars age,

a college or university as a lecturer or a researcher. You will also likely need a PhD

It is only in the final stages of the lives of

and the physical universe as a whole; they

more recent stars that the elements mak-

tend to read over and above what is taught

Astrophysicists are hired by organisa-

ing up the Earth, such as iron 32.1%, oxy-

in the classroom.

tions involved in performing theoretical

gen 30.1% and silicon 15.1% are produced.

work, research or teaching in areas of

Another of these elements is carbon, which

Also be mindful of the fact that astrophysi-

Astrophysics. Jobs for astrophysicists in

together with oxygen; make up the bulk of

cists are well educated in Mathematics,

these areas are very competitive, as there

the mass of all living things including us.

Physics and Astrophysics; aspiring astro-

is much interest in them and relatively few

Thus, astrophysics tells us that, while we

physicists should be prepared to undertake

positions available.

are not all stars, we are all stardust.

8-10 years of post-secondary study to build the necessary knowledge base for this

What is an Astrophysicist?

The top employers are:

career. Astrophysicists also need to have

• Colleges and Universities

Astrophysicists are scientists that study the

the patience to pursue a career with low

• Government agencies

physical components of astronomic objects. turnover and few vacancies.

• Public and private research facilities

They study the physics of the universe as

• Science centres and planetariums

well as the interaction between the vari-

Thinking about employment

ous objects which occupy it. Astrophysicists

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in

can either study the theoretical aspects of

Astronomy, Astrophysics or Physics

space or apply their fundamental knowl-

may qualify you for entry-level jobs in Success Tip The knowledge base and skill set of astrophysicists allows them to move into other fields such as bioinformatics, medical imaging, Science communication and many others.

COVER STORY

ASTRONOMY΄S GREATEST These notable astronomers have something in common – they’re all from South Africa!

Cyril Jackson Born in Yorkshire, England, Jackson’s family moved to South Africa in 1911. He worked at Union Observatory in Johannesburg from 1928 to 1947, and discovered 72 asteroids!

Age: Died at 85 (1903-1988) Birthplace: Ossett, England

Thebe Medupe Medupe is an Astrophysicist and founding director of Astronomy Africa. Along with filmmakers, Medupe travelled throughout Africa working on a project called Cosmic Africa with the aim of busting myths and sharing his scientific knowledge.

Age: 44 (Born on 1 January 1973) Birthplace: Mmabatho, North-West

William Stephen Finsen After discovering several double stars, he developed the Finsen eyepiece interferometer to measure the distances between them. Asteroid 1794 Finsen was named after him, too.

Age: Died at 74 (1905-1979) Birthplace: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Ernest Leonard Johnson Johnson worked at the Union Observatory and discovered 18 asteroids and several comets, including a periodic comet.

Age: Died at 86 (1891-1977) Birthplace: Johannesburg, Gauteng

John Caister Bennett This amateur Astronomer is best known for discovering Comet Bennett (C/1969 Y1) and a supernova (SN 1968L) in the Messier 83 galaxy. He was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1974.

Age: Died at 76 (1914-1990) Birthplace: Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal

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Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

It’s what we build

3112

We all dream of a better future. For ourselves, our families and our country.

SANRAL, as part of the National Development Plan, is improving and expanding vital road infrastructure.

In the process we are creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans.

We are proud to be a part of the National Development Plan, because we know that roads are more than just roads, they pave the way to a better future.

More than just roads

DST

THE BIG BANG THEORY And what it means

“Our whole universe was in a hot, dense state. Then

However, most of space is empty, with huge dis-

nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started,

tances between the galaxies. Most of the galaxies

wait…The earth began to cool, the autotrophs began

move away from each other too fast for gravity to

to drool. Neanderthals developed tools; we built a

pull them together. It’s only in a few lucky places

wall (we built the pyramids). Mathematics, Science,

that gravity manages to achieve this. The little

History, unravelling the mysteries that all started with

pieces of matter have a big enough head start that

the big bang! Hey!”

they keep on moving away. By today, most of these little clumps of matter are very far apart.

Some of you may recognise this theme song from the popular comedy series The Big Bang Theory –

If we had come along earlier, we could have seen

a show centred on physicists.

the race in action: the race between gravity trying to pull pieces of the universe back together

The Big Bang theory is an effort to explain what

and the initial, speedy matter, doing its best to run

happened during and after that moment. When the

away.

year 1900 began, we thought the entire universe consisted of the Milky Way, the stars, planets and

The earlier and earlier we imag-

nebulae inside of it, all governed by Newton’s law

ine this, the closer we get

of gravity.

to the start of the race, and that’s what the

All the little pieces of matter that started out run-

Big Bang is.

ning away from each other got pulled back together by gravity. Over billions of years, one tiny part of our galaxy wound up forming us.

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Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST

space facts T

he universe is endless– and there’s a lot we still don’t know about Astronomy, the sun, the moon and

many planets in our universe. Here are a few fun facts to add to your discovery dictionary!

Did you know?

• The sun is over 300 000 times larger than earth.

• The solar system formed around 4.6 billion years ago.

• Many scientists believe that an asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs around 65 million years ago.

• The first man-made object sent into space was in 1957 when the Russian satellite named Sputnik was launched.

• Halley’s Comet was last seen in the inner solar system in 1986, it will be visible again from Earth sometime in 2061.

• Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system with a surface temperature of over 450°C. • The moon appears to have more craters and scars than Earth because it has a lot less natural activity going on. The Earth is constantly reforming its surface through earthquakes, erosion, rain, wind and plants growing on the surface, while the moon has very little weather to alter its appearance.

• In 2006, astronomers changed the definition of a planet. This means that Pluto is now referred to as a dwarf planet.

• The only planet that rotates on its side like a barrel is Uranus. The only planet that spins backwards relative to the others is Venus.

Remember to keep doing research as the discoveries are never-ending!

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

13

3527

“

At my math and science. And it paid off.

SANRAL’s scholarship programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to pave the way for my success.

”

Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams of doing well and going on to study at university.

It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better nation for us all.

www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)

PROFILE

Bruce Bassett

Man of many talents By : Miyamoto Musashi

B

ruce Bassett went to high school in Cape Town in an era when the winters were cold and wet! Following a BSc and MSc in Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) he went to the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy, for his PhD. He then did postdoctoral research at Oxford and a year later, in 1999, became a senior lecturer at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at Portsmouth University in England.

Later, Bassett returned to Cape Town to take up a joint position between the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Department at UCT where he is now a full professor. In addition to this role, he is also involved at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Research Centre as a senior researcher helping to establish cosmology.

Originally interested in art, Bassett was inspired to study Science after reading The Philosophy of Science

by English physicist, astronomer and mathematician James Jeans in high school.

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

15

PROFILE

Science and art are closely related, he says. The tools

he got to learn from Sciama was the importance of

may be different but both require soul searching, pas-

networks and networking, a skill that is more important

sion, insight and creativity.

today than ever before.

And Bassett was lucky enough to grow up in a home

To any aspiring students, he recommends talking to all

where he was able to explore and express both his

the astronomers or scientists they can. Finding a men-

love for art and his

tor is a great way to navigate the tricky path to success

passion for the sciences.

in any career.

For someone who is as goal-driven and determined

Finally, he urges students to remember that with

as Bassett, and whose hard work speaks for itself, you

enough passion and desire, almost anything is possible!

would think he is less likely to have a role model, but

“It will be hard at first. But everything is hard at first,”

he does.

he quotes.

Bassett was greatly inspired by his PhD advisor, the

Current positions

late Dennis Sciama, who had significantly contributed

• Professor of Mathematics at UCT

to the study of modern Cosmology. Sciama was famed

• Head of Cosmology at AIMS South Africa

as the supervisor of Stephen Hawking and Lord Martin

• Research Cosmologist at SAAO

Rees among many other cosmologists and astrophysi-

• Vice President of the International

cists.

Astrostatistics Association • Co-author of over 100 publications with

16

Bassett claims his supervision style might be described

more than 10 000 citations including the

as “magic without magic” and one of the many things

popular science book Introducing Relativity

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

IDENTITY IS IN THE

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER “Dare to be different, but at the same time, stay true to yourself.” GUGULETHU MABUZA-HOCQUET These are very appropriate words indeed from the woman who has committed her research to identity protection.

The way Gugu sees it, your identity is all you really have – and the answer to protecting it, lies in iris biometrics.

She is exploring the unique iris properties of the South African population that may just hold the key to a uniquely South African security encryption system.

“Your iris does not only hold information such as your age, gender and race, it also says you are part of a demographic mix that is not found elsewhere in the world. Now imagine a future where those unique features in your eyes will protect the most valuble thing you have – your identity.”

Gugu describes the way she ended up in science as a “beautiful accident”. It’s certainly one to be thankful for.

BRIGHT YOUNG SCIENTISTS BEHIND IDEAS THAT WORK. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za

SALT

SALT gets better A closer look at our window to the universe

O

n a hilltop in a nature reserve in

of the object across the sky to maximise

In addition to its remoteness, the Northern

the Northern Cape, near the small

exposure time.

Cape has a low topography that is well

town of Sutherland, stands a mas-

suited to radio astronomy, with mountains

terpiece of modern astronomical engineer-

SALT is funded by a consortium of inter-

providing extra shielding against radio

ing. The Southern African Large Telescope

national partners including the United

waves from distant metropolitan areas.

(SALT) is the largest optical telescope in

States, Germany, Poland, India, the United

the southern hemisphere, and equal to the

Kingdom and New Zealand. The construc-

The southern hemisphere is the perfect

largest in the world.

tion phase was completed at the end of

place for astronomy because it sees more

2005 and from 2006 to 2009 it entered a

of the sky than the northern hemisphere.

How does SALT work?

period of commissioning and performance

And South Africa’s sophisticated infrastruc-

It has a hexagonal primary mirror array

verification. Since September 2011, observ-

ture and first-class science and technology

11m across, comprising 91 individual

ing is now in full swing and the telescope

sector give it the capacity for some of the

1m-hexagonal mirrors. Although very simi-

is finally realising its huge potential as

best astronomical opportunities in the

lar to the US Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET)

Africa’s Giant Eye on the universe.

world to exist.

tem resulting in a larger field of view and

Why Sutherland?

Big discoveries

effective collecting area.

Situated far away from busy city life, the

Research using SALT has led to the South

in Texas, SALT has a redesigned optical sys-

Northern Cape province has become a

African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)

SALT collects light from astronomical

major hub for astronomical observations –

making many important discoveries. Most

objects and accurately focuses it to one

thanks to the minimal amount of artificial

recently this includes the finding of

of four focus points. From there the light

light, pollution or radio waves, the interfer-

evidence for a very strange new planetary

proceeds into an optical instrument while

ence with optical and radio astronomy is

system in which two giant planets are

the telescope tracks the relative movement also lowered.

orbiting a close pair of “suns”.

SALT

Did you know?

• SALT can detect the light from faint or

• The observatory can be visited either dur-

distant objects in the universe, a billion

ing the day or at night. A day tour will take

times too faint to be seen with the unaided

you through the visitor’s centre and to des-

eye – as faint as a candle flame would

ignated research telescopes, including SALT.

appear at the distance of the moon. The

Ninety-minute night tours include the view-

telescope and instruments are designed

ing of interesting objects in the sky

to operate from the near ultraviolet to the

through two dedicated visitor telescopes,

near infrared (320 to 1 700nm) and offer

16” Meade and 14” Celestron. Visitors can-

some unique or rare capabilities on a tele-

not visit any of the research telescopes at

scope of this size.

night, including SALT.

ADVERTORIAL

Girl power reaching for the skies

Mathapelo Maile believes that girls have the power to change the face of science, because the world needs science and science needs women.

This ignited her interest further and resulted in her achieving seven distinctions in matric last year, with 94% for Physical Sciences and 90% for Mathematics.

Adopt-a-School Foundation; an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, spotted this tenacious youngster during

Maile, a 17-year-old from Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, is

her studies at Lodirile Secondary School. The Adopt-a-

definitely a woman to watch out for as she sets her sight to

School programme strives to address the inadequacies

the sky. Her dream is to change the world by inventing aircraft

in rural, disadvantaged schools through its Whole School

that are innovatively less harmful to the environment.

Development model and works in schools and communities across the country.

Currently a first year BSc Aeronautical Engineering student at the University of Witwatersrand, Maile’s love for science began

Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, the

in high school when she joined a mathematics and science

rising science star is determined to change the course of the

tutoring programme.

aviation world.

ADVERTORIAL

“Life hasn’t always been easy, but I won’t settle for mediocrity.

covers subjects such as aerodynamics, flight dynamics,

I aim to use my education as a means to eradicate poverty in

propulsion and air transport. The course also incorporates

my family,” she states confidently.

practical work.

After achieving such exceptional results in matric, Maile was

Furthermore, Maile has recognised that environmental

offered a bursary by the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust

pressures and socioeconomic trends have created a growing

to fund her studies and to support her on the journey to

demand for engineers to apply their knowledge of the natural

becoming an exceptional female aeronautical scientist.

sciences to develop new solutions in critical areas, including air pollution and green energy.

According to a Wits engineering prospectus, “an aeronautical engineer is involved in the design, development and

“My plans are greater than walking on the moon or

modification of the components and systems of all types of

discovering new planets. For me, the sky is the limit – and I

flight vehicles - including fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, sail

am going to change the world as we know it. Great things

planes, airships and missiles.”

are achieved through hard work, pure determination, taking initiative, making sacrifices and having some sleepless nights”.

A recent KPMG “estimated global demand report” indicated there will be a demand for 27 000 new passenger planes

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust has a holistic,

and 40 000 commercial helicopters by 2031, and with rapid

personalised approach to nurturing and mentoring

advancements in aerospace technology, the sector will

talented young South Africans to become leaders. This

continue to grow and generate high salary jobs for graduates

includes financial support, but also involves potential

with strong technical knowledge of aerospace systems and

work experiences, self-development, team building and

problem-solving innovative minds.

networking. Not only do selected bursary recipients rise above their circumstances, many also provide inspiration to

Although traditionally regarded as a male-dominated field of

others to improve their lives

expertise, more women are beginning to consider careers in aeronautical engineering.

Together with its partners, like Adopt-a-School Foundation, it will continue to make a difference in the lives and

And, Maile is one of the selected few to be accepted to study

circumstances of students such as Maile, who really is reaching

towards the four-year aeronautical degree at Wits.

for the science stars.

To provide students with a firm foundation in engineering science, the syllabuses of the first two years are identical to that of the mechanical engineering degree.

In the third year, emphasis is placed on aeronautical design and the study of aircraft behaviour, while the fourth year

DST

USING SCIENCE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS Innovative students making a change

F

rom monitoring the country’s coastline for illegal fishing to assessing the needs of the public education

system, these and other problems facing the country could be addressed by using Data Science solutions.

Several students from universities across the country recently showcased their Data Science projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The Data Science for Impact and Decision Enhancement (DSIDE) programme funded

by DST and implemented by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is aimed at building capacity in the field of Data Science and to bring solutions to real-life problems. It puts emphasis on problem solving, creativity, and encourages a curious mind.

at Pretoria University, Omolemo Matlou

information system on water-related mat-

from the University of Johannesburg, and

ters in the country.

The DSIDE programme is jointly hosted

Langa Khahla, a graduate in Statistical

at the CSIR by two business units, namely

Mathematics – has developed a mobile app

Project Sea Far is tasked with monitoring

the Meraka Institute and the Modelling

called Fundza Platform. The app was used

the South African coastline and the fish-

and Digital Science (MDS). The aim of the

to analyse the 2014 final matric results

ing activities in its oceans. This includes

programme is to schedule recruits to par-

and to draw a link between the results and

both the local and international vessels

ticipate in mentor-guided problem solving

how the lack of infrastructure at schools

that traffic through South Africa’s Exclusive

presented by different stakeholders.

impacted the pass rate countrywide.

Economic Zone (EEZ).

Dhiren Seetharam, the DSIDE programme

Analysing the data obtained from the 2014

on vessels that frequent the oceans regu-

manager, says the focus of this initiative

matric results, the group found no distinct

larly, highlighting their activities and also

is to ensure that students learn by solving

relationship between infrastructure and the

their legitimacy.

The main objective of the project is centred

real problems the country is grappling with pass rate, but schools with adequate infralike analysing data on crime, looking at the structure usually performed better.

This project enables the relevant authori-

ongoing drought, illegal fishing, threats to

ties to understand fishing events and

security, and building maintenance.

Another significant app built through the

activities within maritime environment and

programme is Project Mati, which uses data

can be enhanced by the automatic identi-

A group of students – Macdonald

on the drought to assist the Department of

fication and classification of illegal fishing

Maringa, an Actuarial Science student

Water and Sanitation (DWS) to develop an

vessels activities.

24

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

SCIENCE STARS BUILDING LEGENDS

Science Stars is supported by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Department of Science and Technology CSIR University of Stellenbosch UCT SANRAL Shanduka Foundation Old mutual NSFAS UJ Engen Scifest Africa Shanduka black umbrellas SAASTA TCTA

Science Stars is distributed to all 9 South African provinces by ELTINSEF.

021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.co.za www.sciencestars.co.za /sciencestars.faceb.co.za @ScienceStars2

CSIR

EXPLORING THE WORLD

OF DATA SCIENCE in just 5 minutes!

D

ata Science is the process of

with skills in machine learning, statistics

data coming from social media platforms

extracting insights or knowl-

and applied mathematics

such as Twitter or Facebook. An information

edge from data in multiple forms

• Visualisation and decision support:

board for the 2016 Municipal Elections for

(structured or unstructured). The multi-

Data scientists, information visualisation

the South African Broadcasting Corporation

disciplinary field has different stages which

specialists and graphic designers

(SABC) was also provided by the CSIR.

are often interlinked and require the appli-

• Deployment: Data engineers/developers

What to study:

cation of various skill sets. The skill sets range from collecting, storing and cleaning

A data scientist is a person who appreciates

large datasets to being able to build and

the whole pipeline of stages and tends to

deploy predictive models.

be a specialist in the analytical STEM field with a focus on machine learning, Statistics,

• Computer science • Statistics • Mathematics and applied mathematics • Engineering

With the rapid rise in internet use, as well

Applied Mathematics, Physics and so forth.

as the decrease in the cost of acquisition

Data scientists will also be computational,

and storage of data (personal, business or

spending a lot of time programming, creat-

science), the need to be able to analyse at

ing models and testing the predictions or

Dr Vukosi Marivate leads the Data Science

scale and in a timely manner has risen.

hypotheses they develop. An example proj-

team at CSIR Modelling and Digital

• Physics

ect includes identifying, in a large data set,

Science. The team consists of researchers,

Data Science is a multi-stage process with

a subset of data that might look different

data engineers, Masters and PhD students.

different expertise across the stages:

from the rest of the data.

This will hopefully be the first in a series

• Data collection/storage: Data engineers/ database specialists

The Council for Scientific and Industrial

of articles on Data Science and some of its

• Data transformation: Data scientists

Research (CSIR) is working on research to

uses, as the study and the practical results

• Analysis and modelling: Data scientists

identify interesting events from streams of

become more established.

Quirk: A system developed by the CSIR to find and explain why data-points in a data set may be abnormal.

26

Data collected from Twitter regarding popular terms used during the 2017 State of the Nation Address (#SONA2017) and their frequency in fiveminute intervals.

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

VOCABULARY

SPACE DECODED Learning about space and all that it’s made up of can be very difficult, especially if you confuse the terms often used. We’ve rounded up the must-know terms to help you understand the universe a little better, and hopefully end the confusion for good!

Comet

Asteroid

These fairly

Asteroids are

small solar system bod-

small solar system bodies

ies orbit around the sun. When

that also orbit the sun. Made

they come close enough to the

mostly of rock and metal, they can

sun they display a fuzzy outline or

also contain organic compounds.

Meteoroid

atmosphere due to solar radia-

Asteroids are similar to comets

A small rock or

tion and sometimes a tail,

but they do not have a

particle of debris in our

visible coma.

solar system, ranging in size

called a coma.

from dust to around 10m in diameter (larger objects are usually referred to as asteroids).

Meteor A meteor is a meteoroid that burns up as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. If you’ve ever looked up at the sky at night and

Meteorite

seen a “shooting star” what you

A meteoroid that survives falling

actually saw was a meteor.

through the Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with its surface is called a meteorite.

Definitions Coma – The nebulous envelope around the nucleus of a comet.

Solar radiation –The energy we get from the sun.

Organic compounds – Compounds composed of atoms (some of which are carbon) held together by shared electoral bonds.

Debris - Loose natural material consisting mostly of broken rock pieces.

UNIVERSITIES

YOUR ROCKET INTO SPACE Where to study Astrophysics

U

niversities in South Africa boast a

should register for a BSc degree in the

variety of courses, but only a few

Mathematical Sciences stream. The relevant University of Johannesburg (UJ) The Faculty of Science at UJ prides itself in subjects within the M-stream are Physics,

offer Astrophysics. We compiled a

summary of these institutions so you can

Astronomy, and Applied Mathematics,

its vibrant, dynamic and diverse scientific

enter this field of study.

with electives in cognate subjects such as

community of scholars and lecturers. With

Computer Science, Statistics and Chemistry.

its 13 different departments, the faculty

University of Witwatersrand (Wits)

trains students in a range of scientific

This fixed curriculum programme includes

University of South Africa (UNISA)

fields.

subjects such as Physics, Computational

Astronomy can be divided into two branch-

Apply for your BSc degree, or email phys-

and Applied Mathematics, Algebra and

es of study: the modern (Astrophysical) and

ics@uj.ac.za to declare your interest in

Modern Astrophysics and Cosmology. The

the classical (Mathematical). Both fields

postgraduate studies.

2018 class is limited to 30 students.

are offered at Unisa at undergraduate and

University of Cape Town (UCT)

graduate level, and a major in Astronomy

University of Free State (UFS)

requires a curriculum including modules

The Department of Physics offers Honours,

The undergraduate major in Astrophysics at from both branches.

as well as MSc and PhD degrees in Physics.

UCT has been offered since 2006. In 2013,

Applicants for the BSc degree in each of these universities must meet the following

in Astronomical Techniques which com-

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

bines a large practical component (radio

The general BSc degree equips students

• Mathematics at 70% or above

and optical astronomy) with a theoretical

with a basic understanding of Science.

• Physical Sciences at 60% or above

background in astronomical techniques,

Students may then choose to major in

• Where an applicant has not completed

instrumentation and data analysis.

several subjects within the broad cat-

Physical Sciences, Information Technology

egories of Physical Sciences, Biological

or Life Sciences may be doubled.

they introduced a second 2nd-year course

University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN)

Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. The

Students interested in studying

degree can be completed in a minimum of

Astrophysics and Cosmology at UKZN

three years.

28

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

subject requirements:

For more information on how and when to apply visit the institution’s website.

THALES

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS START HERE Bursaries rewarded to Cape Town learners

L

earners and students from across Cape Town were honoured

Chest of the Western Cape. Six bursaries to the value of R100

at a bursary awards evening on 11 May 2017, which forms

000 each were awarded at the awards evening. The winners were

part of a massive 5-year skills development programme

from Malibu High School, Khanyolwethu High School, Joe Slovo

called “Fast Tracking Pathways to Success”, The initiative was

High School, Kleinvlei High School, Simizisele High School and

started by the Community Chest of the Western Cape and Thales

Forest Heights High School.

South Africa in 2014.

As part of the project, worthy recipients from six participating schools are identified each year for the awarding of study bursaries in the fields of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

The project also includes the donation of Mathematics and Science kits to the value of R60 000 per school in underprivileged communities in and around Cape Town, to facilitate learning in these subjects.

“We are trying to achieve better education outcomes at these schools through running an extensive and long-term project over the course of five years,” says Lorenzo Davids, CEO at Community

Kleinvlei High School: Tootla, Faybian Arendse (2016), Keenan Loubser (2017), Davids

Forest Heights High School: Justice Tootla (Thales CEO), Cameron Corne Adams (2015), Hazelle Booysen (2016), Joshua Faro (2017), Lorenzo Davids (Community Chest of the Western Cape CEO)

Joe Slovo High School: Tootla, Liso Nyanda (2017), Wonke Mahlombe (2016), Davids

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

29

APPLICATIONS

funding YOUR future

How to apply for bursaries and learnerships Canyon Coal

To qualify you need to be studying at a recognised tertiary institution in one of the fields mentioned below. Preference will be given to female students, those with disabilities and those from the Delmas and Middelburg regions.

Fields of study (Bsc): • Analytical Chemistry • Geology • Electrical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Mine Survey How to apply: Download forms from www.canyoncoal.co.za or request the latest application form by emailing Nomfundo Mkhwebani at n.mkhwebani@canyoncoal.com (with the words “Bursary Application” in the email subject line).

Closing date: 30 October annually

NUMSA

To qualify you need to be a dependant of a NUMSA member or staff member. Please note: no emailed or faxed applications will be considered.

Fields of study: • B Education (majoring in Science and Mathematics) • B Com (majoring in Accounting, Financial Management and Auditing) • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) • BSc or BEng (Engineering diploma or degree: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Metallurgical, Mechanical) • Computer Science/ Information Technology • Biomedical Technology How to apply: Go to the website www.numsa.org.za and look under careers for the bursary application form. Completed form and all supporting documentation must be posted to: Mbuyi Ngwenda Bursary Fund, PO Box 787352, Sandton, 2146.

Closing date: 30 September annually

Aurecon

Fields of study: • Civil Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Electrical Engineering How to apply: Apply online at www.aurecongroup.com. For enquiries, email tshwane@aurecongroup.com or call 012 427 2000.

Closing date: 30 June annually

Mpumalanga Provincial Government

To qualify you need to reside in the Mpumalanga province.

Female students and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those from rural communities. Do not fax or email applications.

Fields of study: • Architectural Science/ Technology • Building Science • BSc Construction Science • Quantity Surveyor • Land Surveying • Aviation Technician/ Inspector • Transport Economist • Transport Planning/ Engineering • Civil Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Water and Sanitation Engineering • Environmental Engineering How to apply: Download forms from www.mpumalanga.gov.za/education or collect a copy from a provincial government department (such as public libraries, Thusong Service Centres, Circuit and Districts offices). Completed application forms and supporting documents must be posted to: The Bursary Unit, Mpumalanga Department of Education, Private Bag X 11341, Nelspruit, 1200, or delivered to: The Department of Education (Provincial Office), Riverside Government, Complex Building, 5 Upper Ground Floor, Nelspruit, 1200 Closing date: 30 September annually

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

31

DST

GRASSROOTS INNOVATION

Empowering local communities By : Zama Mthethwa

Nkosana explains that he started making the bikes about five years ago as a mode of transport for himself when people started showing an interest. Eventually, so many people were asking about his bike that he recognised it as a business opportunity.

The Grassroots Innovation Programme gave Nkosana the opportunity to attend the Festival of Innovation in India, which is an initiative of the Office of the President of India, in March this year.

Reflecting on his participation in the festival, Nkosana said networking was an important step for innovators. He built many new relationships with other innovators and is certain that his invention is going to the next level in terms of development and retailing.

T

urning ideas into new products

who operate outside formal institutions.

and services often requires system-

The programme nurtures the individuals,

Another innovator supported by the

atic support from government or

helping them to develop their innovations

Grassroots Innovation Programme is

businesses – in the form of programmes

from ideas to businesses, and linking them

Melusi Ntuli, from Pietermaritzburg, who

for promoting links between innovators

with industry experts and facilities where

developed a chargeless electric engine.

and research and development institu-

their inventions can be developed towards

His innovation started with a sketch and

tions, innovation hubs and incubators,

a commercial model.

went on to include research carried out with support from professors at the Durban

and investors. One such support system is the Grassroots Innovation Programme

In 2016/17, DST channelled R2 million

University of Technology and the University

funded by the Department of Science and

towards supporting innovators and tech-

of KwaZulu-Natal. He was advised to make

Technology (DST).

nology entrepreneurs in the informal sector

a demonstration model of his Power Self

and marginalised communities. One of the

Direct Current motor, which is the main

Implemented by the Council for Scientific

innovators supported by the programme

component of his chargeless engine.

and Industrial Research (CSIR), the pro-

is Nkosana Madi, from KwaThema, Springs,

gramme seeks to identify, document and

who developed an inexpensive hybrid

It is anticipated that the Grassroots

offer appropriate assistance to grassroots

motorised bicycle which speeds up the

Innovation Programme will build and

innovators and inventors, especially those

long commute to work faced by many

strengthen innovation skills and expertise

with no academic background and those

poorer communities.

in many fields.

32

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

QUIZ

QUIZ TIME How many answers do you know?

1

Which company recently unveiled a plan to launch thousands of internet-providing satellites by 2019?

A. Tesla

6

How many new intelligence genes were discovered?

A. 40 B. 50

B. Space X

C. 52

C. NASA

D. 37

D. Amazon

2

What is the distance from earth to the new planet discovered outside our solar system?

A. 320 light years

A. Sulphur B. Nitrogen

B. 300 light years

C. Carbon dioxide

C. 80 light years

D. Hydrogen

D. 2 light years

3

7

The comet which led to the discovery of dinosaurs injected which substance into the atmosphere?

What is the name of the dwarf planet in our solar system around which a new moon was discovered?

8

A historic feature on Mount Everest collapsed. What is its name?

A. The last frontier

A. 2007 OR10

B. The final step

B. Sakacia

C. Tenzin step

C. 2002 MS4

D. Hilary step

D. Quaoa

4

What is the name of the storage facility designed to preserve the world’s crop from future disaster?

A. Noah’s Vault B. Apocalypse Vault C. Global Seed Vault D. Food Vault

5

What is the name of the largest aircraft which successfully completed its test flight?

A. Airbender 10 B. Aircraft 10 C. Airmaster 10 D. Airlander 10

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

33

PUZZLES

SUDUKO Developing your problem-solving skills has never been more fun!

6 1 8

3 9

3

7 2 5

5

3

4

9 2 7

7

5

6 7

6

1 9

1

WORD SEARCH How many of the listed words can you find?

34

O

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• Astrophysic

Z

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• Astronomy

X

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• Stars

G

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• Physics

A

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• Chemistry

L

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• Mechanics

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• Galaxy

X

O M

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• Planets

A

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• Evolution

L

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• Matter

A

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• Blackhole

G

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• Time travel

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Q

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

ANSWERS

ANSWERS Tour de Science Issue

SUDUKO

Special Edition | April 2017

TOUR DE SCIENCE

6 3 7

1 4 8

2 5 9

7 8 4

9 1 6

3 2 5

8 9 1

5 6 3

4 7 2

9 8 4

3 5 2

1 6 7

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4 1 8

2 4 5

8 7 9

6 3 1

5 1 2

6 7 9

4 3 8

1 2 3

8 5 4

7 9 6

3 6 7

2 4 1

9 8 5

WORDSEARCH

QUIZ 1. A - Microbiologist 2. D - Customer data manage-

S

L

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ment 3. C - Respiratory therapist

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4. D - All of the above

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5. B - Be captain of a space

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shuttle

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6. B - Power plant operator

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7. B - Design an artificial heart

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Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

35

SCIENCE NEWS

THE LATEST IN SCIENCE The revamped Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome in Cape Town reopened its doors to the public on 27 May. New features include perspective-3D edutainment and an experience unlike anything you have ever encountered.

As the first image is released from MeerKAT in the Karoo, the SKA project engages with communities living near to the telescope to help understand this scientific marvel.

NASA’s Juno spacecraft swooped within 5 000km of Jupiter’s cloud tops in August last year, giving scientists their first intimate look at the gas giant. The data reveals surprising details about Jupiter’s gravity, powerful magnetic field and ammonia-rich weather system. The findings suggest researchers may not only need to revamp their view of Jupiter but also their ideas about how planetary systems form and evolve.

36

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) has concluded the naming competition for its new 1m telescope; a recent addition to the many national and international telescopes on our observing plateau near Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Its name is Lesedi.

Lehlogonolo Msuma is representing South Africa at the Broadcom Masters (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) International programme in the US for her research in marula seedlings.

Life at Sigidisabathembu Primary School at Ilenge-Majuqule village near Harrysmith in KwaZulu-Natal will never be the same, following the handover of a high-tech computer laboratory that is set to improve teaching and learning at the school.

FameLab SA 2017 winner, Tshiamo Legoale flanked by her mother and sister will represent SA at the FameLab Global competition.

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST

LOCAL LABS INSPIRE YOUNG LEARNERS Sutherland to pursue careers in Science

H

Tommy Makhode from DST at Roggeveld Primary School

undreds of learners in Sutherland,

last year. The Minister promised to assist

With the province being home to the

Northern Cape, will now have

the community with learning equipment to

world’s largest optical telescope, the

access to practical science lessons

improve the learning standards, thus inspire Southern African Largest Telescope and

following the handover of mobile of labo-

young people to pursue careers in science,

the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope,

ratories to two schools in the area.

engineering and technology.

Makhode said there is a growing need to

Two mobile science labs donated by the

Speaking on behalf of Minister Pandor

learners in the area to actively partici-

Department of Science and Technology

at the handover ceremony, DST’s Deputy

pate in science which should contribute

(DST) to Roggeveld Intermediate School

Director-General for Institutional Planning

positively to the country’s quest to develop

and Sutherland High School, will provide

and Support, Tommy Makhode, said learners future astronomers.

hands-on activities and experiences to

should learn science by touching and doing.

learners who never had access to such

“This will drive out the perception that sci-

Neville van Wyk, the principal of Roggeveld

facilities before. The labs are equipped

ence is foreign and inaccessible,” he said.

Intermediate School, welcomed the dona-

enhance the academic environment for

with science apparatus and chemicals to

tion saying it would encourage learners

enable teachers and learners to conduct

Makhode added that the donation of these

prescribed school experiments.

portable labs should be seen as an effort to have been striving to improve the quality

to take their studies very seriously. “We

cement the journey of local children from a

of education in the area, especially maths

The schools received the equipment fol-

strong knowledge of STEM at a young age

and science. As such the laboratory will

lowing a visit to the area by the Minister

and eventually to start work as scientists at

enable the province to move forward and

of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor

the province’s astronomy facilities.

be advanced”, said van Wyk.

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

37

EXPERIMENT

experiment

MAKE A BALLOON ROCKET You will need •

• • •

A balloon (a round one will work, but the longer “airship” balloons work best) A piece of 3m-long kite string Plastic straw Tape

What to do • • • •

Tie one end of the string to a chair, door knob, or other support.

Put the other end of the string through the straw.

Pull the string tight and tie it to another sturdy object in the room.

Blow up the balloon (but don’t tie it). Pinch the end of the balloon and tape the balloon to the straw as shown in the illustration.

ready to launch • •

Let go and watch the rocket fly!

Make your own observations about how the rockets works before reading the explanation below.

What we know It’s all about the air… and thrust. As the air rushes out of the balloon, it creates a forward motion called thrust. In this experiment, our thrust comes from the energy of the balloon forcing the air out. In a real rocket, thrust is created by the force of burning rocket fuel as it blasts from the rocket’s engine – as the engine blasts down, the rocket goes up!

Visit www.sciencebob.com for more cool experiments to try.

38

Science Stars Magazine Astrophysics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference

DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E

Mzansi For Science

Scientists, Technologists and Innovators are just like you.

They’re curious.

They ask questions.

They try new things.

The desire to try new things has been inside you from the very beginning.

Facebook.com/MzansiForScience Mzansi4Science