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New robotic telescope gives UFS edge over international astronomy groups

13 May 2022 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs

The Astrophysics Research Group in the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS) is part of an international collaboration with the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA) in Spain and the University College of Dublin (UCD) in Ireland, which focuses on measuring the brightness of transient sources. Knowledge gained from studying these cosmic X-ray sources, which seem to appear in the sky for a short time before disappearing, will lead to a more complete and better understanding of the universe, believes Prof Pieter Meintjes, Professor of Physics and Head of the Astrophysics Programme in the Department of Physics.

To facilitate these observations, a robotic telescope network has been established, with the Boyden Observatory selected as one of the sites for BOOTES 6 (a Burst Observer and Optical Transient Exploring System).

The UFS and the IAA started working on this project more than two years ago. The foundation and pier were built through a local tender, and in January 2020, part of the dome of the structure housing the telescope arrived by ship. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there were some delays, resulting in the crew from Spain only arriving in South Africa with the telescope and hardware in November 2021, but having to return to their country without completing the installation. They returned in April, and in early May completed assembling the telescope in collaboration with UFS researchers and technicians.

Robotic telescope opportunity to further own research

The main scientific objective of the robotic telescope is to observe and monitor the optic counterparts of gamma-ray bursts as quickly as possible when detected from space or other ground-based observatories.

Prof Meintjes says they will use the telescope to observe these transient sources that goes into an eruptive phase for a short span of time. “Since BOOTES has an enormously fast slew rate, it can start observations of erupting sources within a few seconds, which allows the Astrophysics Research Group to get data very quickly. This will certainly give us an edge over other international astronomy groups that are also involved in the same type of research,” says Prof Meintjes, the local coordinator of the project who is overseeing the whole operation locally.

He explains the importance of monitoring these packets of enormous energy. “By observing the optical afterglow of the gamma-ray bursts, we can establish its point of origin in space. Furthermore, the shape of the optical afterglow light curve gives insight into the type of mechanism behind the gamma-ray burst, i.e., whether the burst is produced by a collision between two neutron stars or by the explosion of a hypernova event.”

The knowledge gained with research made possible by the robotic telescope will lead to a more complete and better understanding of the universe. – Prof Peter Meintjes

The UFS Astrophysics Research Group, with its research focus on high-energy astronomy and the physics behind gamma-ray bursts, has a particular interest in this project. As the local custodians of the project and in terms of a memorandum of understanding, the group is guaranteed a certain amount of telescope time for its own in-house observation programmes.

Project expands UFS’ international research footprint

Besides the opportunity for knowledge exchange, this project establishes Bloemfontein as a region where research of international quality is being done and will help to attract talented learners to the UFS. “The successful operation of the robotic telescope may also draw more international groups to bring robotic telescopes to Boyden, thus expanding our international research footprint,” he adds.

The fact that the Boyden Observatory is in the Southern Hemisphere and has access to the galactic centre region with its host of very interesting astronomical objects and the Magellanic Clouds, makes it a very attractive site for astronomical research,” says Prof Meintjes.

(Dr Pat van Heerden from the UFS Department of Physics. Photo: Supplied)

“We also have a number of years of experience in robotic telescopes in the sense that we have been hosting the Watcher telescope, operated by the University College Dublin in Ireland, since 2001. Once mounted in middle May 2022, this will then be Boyden’s second robotic telescope.”

News Archive

Dr Khotso Mokhele joins ranks of distinguished Chancellors

2010-11-21

Attending the inauguration ceremony are, from the left: Mr Pule Makgoe, MEC for Education in the Free State and member of the UFS Council; Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council; Dr Khotso Mokhele, newly inaugurated Chancellor of the UFS; and Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Dries Myburgh

Dr Khotso Mokhele joined the ranks of distinguished Chancellors of the University of the Free State (UFS) with his inauguration as the new Chancellor of the institution at a ceremony on Friday, 19 November 2010.

The lustrous ceremony took place on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein and was attended by hundreds of guests from all over South Africa.

Dr Mokhele said in his speech: “I am excited to have been invited by the UFS to join its community at the time when it is attempting to reinvent itself into an institution that will be counted amongst those that will shape the local, regional, national will, and by so doing, contribute to the shaping of an African will.”

Dr Mokhele follows in the footsteps of Dr Franklin Sonn, former Ambassador of South Africa in the United States of America and receiver of many awards, acknowledgements, and honorary doctorates, who retired earlier this year. Dr Sonn was preceded by Ms Winkie Direko, former premier of the Free State.

His acceptance of the role of Chancellor is a great honour for the UFS.

According to Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, it is a proud moment to welcome someone from the Province as the Chancellor of this university. With his strong academic values and deep sense of human compassion, Dr Mokhele is one of but a few uncompromising leaders. He is also an inspiring, determined pioneer and a role model to all our students.

Few have done as much to guide the development of science in South Africa since democracy in 1994 as Dr Mokhele. His vision and actions as a senior science manager have been guided by his deep conviction that for a truly democratic society to emerge in South Africa all people must be empowered to be its architects and must have unhindered access to those careers upon which our economy is built.

Dr Khotso Mokhele was born and raised in Bloemfontein. After matriculating from the Moroka High School he went on to study at Fort Hare, where he graduated with a B.Sc. in Agriculture, winning the Massey-Ferguson award for the best student in that field. As a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright-Hays Scholarship, he entered the University of California in Davis where he took a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. degree, both in Microbiology. He was awarded post-doctoral fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Dr Mokhele returned to South Africa in 1987, set on becoming a top-class academic and researcher. He held lecturing posts at the Universities of Fort Hare (1987-1989) and Cape Town (1990-1992). In 1992 he joined the Foundation for Research Development (FRD) as one of its Vice-Presidents. He succeeded to its presidency in 1996 and then from 1999 to 2006 became the first President of the National Research Foundation (NRF). He successfully merged the FRD and the Centre for Science Development of the Human Sciences Research Council. Under his visionary leadership the NRF has come to play a pivotal role in the development agenda of the country. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the South African Academy of Sciences serving as its founder president (1996-1998).

Dr Khotso Mokhele's contribution to science in South Africa has received wide recognition locally and abroad. He has received nine honorary doctorates. He was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the President of France in recognition of his personal efforts in strengthening scientific ties between France and South Africa, and was appointed a director of the Salzburg Seminar, an institution focused on global change, and subsequently a member of its Council of Senior Fellows.

He also serves on the boards of major companies such as Implats, Adcock Ingram and Afrox.

Complete speech (Pdf)

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za19 November 2010

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