Reach for the Stars - Sutherland

Oh no, not another post about something that is not in Gauteng.  Oh yes! Sutherland may be some 1200kms south west of Gauteng but with so many driving to and fro to the Cape via the N1, it is definitely worth seriously considering stopping over for a night or two at this little known but very interesting little town.

Opposite the turn off to the historical Victorian settlement of Matjiesfontein is the R354 which leads to Sutherland situated some 110 kms away almost 1500m above sea level in the Roggeveld Mountains.  Vying with Molteno as the Capital of Cold (about -18c!), it was chosen some years ago to be the Capital of Astronomy thanks to the lack of light pollution and its position relative to the Milky Way.

Sutherland is a busy little town catering to a constant flow of astronomers from around the world and, of course, tourists. Lets take the astronomers first.  Following the R354 east of town for approximately 15 kilometres a plateau is reached and it is here that more than 20 telescopes have been built.  One telescope is unmanned and is operated over the internet from the Korean university that owns it!  

But undoubtedly the star attraction is the South African Large Telescope or SALT, the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with an 11 metre mirror comprised of 91 hexagonal mirror panels.  So sensitive is this giant telescope that a candle on the moon can be detected, not that SALT is used for such mundane events. Because their body temperature and humidity could affect the mirrors, the astronomers sit in a separate control room using computer screens for observation!

Less than two hours drive from Sutherland lies the town of Calvinia, the area that has been chosen to host the hub of what will become the most powerful radio telescope in the world, the Square Kilometre Array or SKA.  One of the factors that influenced the international board to award the buidling of SKA to South Africa, was the expertise and the international reputation that has been developed at Sutherland over the years.  The SKA is that important that it warrants a separate post on its own but it can be read about by following the URL quoted below.

Sutherland is not just about astronomy though.  On the way to the observatory plateau lies Saltpeterskop, the youngest volcano in the southern hemisphere. Located on the edge of the Tankwa Karoo means that the unique flora of this region is easily accessible and to make it even easier, the owners of Kambrokind B & B (our favourite) have compiled a directory giving exact directions and descriptions of some examples. Surprisingly, the cold climate is also ideal for propagating tulip bulbs (by a Dutch company) and the fields, when they are in flower prior to being lifted, provide a stunning sight.

An interesting museum houses exhibits depicting the personalities of the town and the area.  Visits can be arranged by appointment.  On the outskirts of town is the cemetery, the headstones bearing evidence of skirmishes between the Boer and the British forces.  Unusually, two headstones bear the same name.  A soldier died in a flash flood and was buried in a communal grave but was later re-buried upon being awarded the Military Cross.  A novelty is a ride around the town on a donkey cart and even a game of golf can be enjoyed.     

In nearby Fraserburg, the "Honeymoon Garden" is an area of rock with adult and juvenile dinosaur footprints embedded in it.  Well preserved examples of corbelled houses can also be seen in the vicinity.         

A variety of accommodation options are available from farm houses to luxurious B & B's and guest houses.  Somewhat unexpectedly, there are some excellent restaurants that could hold their own in the Metropoles, in town as well.

Both daytime and night tours of the observatory can be arranged but booking in advance is essential.  SALT is used for the night time star gazing but an equally impressive alternative is Sterland on the edge of town.  Jurg and Rita, the owners of Kambrokind have created a telescope 'park' with three 16 inch computer controlled telescopes which provide spectacular viewing accompanied by interesting talks and explanations.

All in all, if driving to or from Cape Town, Sutherland is a fascinating and unusual stop over destination      





www.sutherlandinfo.co.za
http://www.saao.ac.za/about/visting/sutherland/
http://www.discoversutherland.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland,_Northern_Cape
32°22′46″S 20°48′38.5″E
www.skatelescope.org