Summary:
Antennas for Radio Telescopes – 2019
Part of the European School of Antennas
Sponsored by TICRA, Stellenbosch University, Chalmers University of Technology, University of Otago
November 18 − 22, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Please note registration details and fees below
The second edition of the ESoA course on Antennas for Radio Telescopes will be organized in Stellenbosch, South Africa in November 2019.
The course will aim to provide a broad and detailed look at the specific challenges facing antenna designers and others working in radio astronomy applications. In addition to topics covering specific antenna technologies used in modern instruments, background on basic radio astronomical methods and performance metrics will be provided, as well as an introduction to some basic calibration and imaging techniques. This should provide the participants with a more detailed and fundamental understanding of what is required from the antenna systems to yield the best possible instruments for different applications.
Stellenbosch is a vibrant student town within 50 km drive of Cape Town with it’s world class beaches and the iconic table mountain. The main feature of the town is the historic university, surrounded by winelands and mountains. A strong Dutch colonial influence is still visible in the architecture of many of the older buildings, with the oak lined streets giving rise to the nickname “Eikestad”. The town center is easily navigable by foot, while there are plenty of tours or self drive options available to explore the surrounding region.
Registration for the course is now open!
The fees for participants from non-profit institutions is R6500 (Eur440) for participants from South Africa (Europe/Rest of the world), and R15000 (Eur1100) for participants from for-profit companies from South Africa (Europe/Rest of the world). Further details are given on the registration form, which must be filled in and mailed to Dirk de Villiers (with proof of payment) for registration to be confirmed.
The registration fees include all study material, coffee breaks, snacks, and lunch for every day of the course, and a social dinner.
Accommodation
The venue is within walking distance from the Stellenbosch town center. The town center offers many hotel and guest house accommodation options. See e.g. www.booking.com and www.tripadvisor.co.za. We recommend staying somewhere east of the R44 road, south of the Helshoogte road, north of the Eerste river, and west of Marais/Cluver road for easy walking access to the course venue.
Limited parking is available at the venue. Please contact the course coordinator well in advance if parking is required.
Travel Information
Stellenbosch is about 40 minutes drive from Cape Town international airport. The best way to get into town is by Uber or pre-arranged shuttle service eg.:
Shuttle-Up; Bettina Shuttle
Renting a car is also an option and not very expensive. Driving is on the left in South Africa, and rental cars typically have manual gearboxes (stick-shifts).
Coordinator
Prof. Dirk de Villiers, Stellenbosch University
