So if you could give out a CD, with as many electronic astronomy resources on it as possible, to the many schools and individuals out there, what would you want to put on it?

The AstroCD is a resource in acknowledgement of the presence of computers but not necessarily easy internet access across large parts of Africa. Like the AstroGuide this is meant to be an evolving resource and everyone is invited to provide input.

This CD is meant to complement such great astronomy resource kits such as the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa's "Starter Kit" for amateur astronomers.

Such a resource, due to its open source nature, should also evolve into something that can be implemented on Shuttleworth's Freedom Toaster project ("bring and burn" facilities for dispensing free electronic resources).

Current contents include:

• a compilation of selected education and public outreach resources  (posters, presentations, workshops, etc) from various organisations and individuals (SKA, SAAO, HartRAO, Boyden, IYA, GHOU, UNAWE, SAASTA, NASA, etc). All of these may be downloaded free but are put on the CD (with reference links) for those without reliable internet access. See AstroNet's resource consolidation for direct links to many of these resources.
• a compilation of selected free astronomy software
• a 3D tour of SALT and other telescopes at the SAAO
• the latest version of the AstroGuide

Clear needs for this CD at present are:

• a user friendly front end to access the resources on the CD
• more pictures with references that can be used for school projects or presentations

 

Please send your ideas or electronic resources (and especially your willingness to volunteer skills or time) to info(at)astronomy2009.org.za