Uploaded October 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Close-up details of home-made telescopes at ScopeX 2016 as well as footage of the static firing of a rocket motor.
ScopeX is an annual Telescope and Astronomy Expo and public outreach initiative designed to promote interest in astronomy, telescope making, astrophotography and related disciplines within Southern Africa. ScopeX objectives, in summary, are to:
- Educate, spread enthusiasm towards and encourage participation by the public, with respect to general astronomy, amateur telescope making and related activities;
- Gather like-minded people to enjoy their common interest in these areas;
- Publicise the existence of and recruit of new members to clubs, societies and other groups active in this field;
- To enjoy the endeavours and to break-even.
In 1993 ASSA Johannesburg Centre started an Amateur Telescope Making (“ATM”) class which has operated continuously to this day. The Pretoria Centre similarly boasted a number of members with experience in the hobby. Common interest naturally drew these groups together and - as word of the class spread - "outsiders" were attracted too. Membership of the ASSA - whilst encouraged - has never been a prerequisite for joining the ATM class.
A number of small open days, informal public displays and occasional appearances at "star party" observing events helped publicise the class plus the accomplishments of its participants. Naturally, the idea of a larger-scale exposition surfaced.
Eventually two significant factors came together: body of work reached critical mass, and the right mix of people coalesced. The grand vision took shape and ScopeX was conceived by the “class of 2002”.
The successful and exciting first exposition demonstrated not only our capability and commitment, but also the level of public interest. This subsequently enabled access to sponsorship funding - notably from The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) - allowing ScopeX to live on as an annual event.
The ScopeX Constitution was formalised on 3 October 2009.
Close-up details of home-made telescopes at ScopeX 2016 as well as footage of the static firing of a rocket motor.
ScopeX is an annual Telescope and Astronomy Expo and public outreach initiative designed to promote interest in astronomy, telescope making, astrophotography and related disciplines within Southern Africa. ScopeX objectives, in summary, are to:
- Educate, spread enthusiasm towards and encourage participation by the public, with respect to general astronomy, amateur telescope making and related activities;
- Gather like-minded people to enjoy their common interest in these areas;
- Publicise the existence of and recruit of new members to clubs, societies and other groups active in this field;
- To enjoy the endeavours and to break-even.
In 1993 ASSA Johannesburg Centre started an Amateur Telescope Making (“ATM”) class which has operated continuously to this day. The Pretoria Centre similarly boasted a number of members with experience in the hobby. Common interest naturally drew these groups together and - as word of the class spread - "outsiders" were attracted too. Membership of the ASSA - whilst encouraged - has never been a prerequisite for joining the ATM class.
A number of small open days, informal public displays and occasional appearances at "star party" observing events helped publicise the class plus the accomplishments of its participants. Naturally, the idea of a larger-scale exposition surfaced.
Eventually two significant factors came together: body of work reached critical mass, and the right mix of people coalesced. The grand vision took shape and ScopeX was conceived by the “class of 2002”.
The successful and exciting first exposition demonstrated not only our capability and commitment, but also the level of public interest. This subsequently enabled access to sponsorship funding - notably from The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) - allowing ScopeX to live on as an annual event.
The ScopeX Constitution was formalised on 3 October 2009.
