Sterrewagteater Traditional Geocache
Knagur Green: The cache appears to be in need of owner intervention. I'm temporarily disabling it, to give the owner an opportunity to check on the cache, and take whatever action is necessary. Please respond to this situation in a timely manner (i.e., within 30 days) to prevent the cache from being archived for non-responsiveness
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Background Information:
The following is an excerpt from the History section of the
Astronomical Society of South Africa in Bloemfontein
"The Lamont-Hussey Observatory was officially opened in 1928 by the
mayor of Bloemfontein City. It was situated on Naval Hill, in the
Franklin Game Reserve near the city centre.
The name of the Observatory refers to W.J. Hussey and a good friend
of his, R.P. Lamont. Hussey and Lamont were University students in
engineering in Michigan, in the late 1880's. They were ambitious,
Hussey wanted to be a great and well-known astronomer, Lamont
wanted to be a rich and respected businessman. There existed a
strong friendship between them and it was maintained even after
they left university.
The first research team consisted of Dr. Rossiter, Mr. H.F. Donner
and Mr. M.K. Jessup, all from the University of Michigan. The first
double star project had a planned time span of 8 years and over 5
000 double stars were discovered by 1937. By 1947, a total of 7 200
double stars have been found and 25 000 measurements of double
stars had been made.
All observations ended in 1971. In 1974 the observatory closed and
in 1975, the telescope's optics were removed and sent back to
Michigan, where it is in safe keeping to this day.
The University of Michigan gave the building to PACOFS (1976) (who
used it as a theatre) and the telescope fell into the hands of the
Municipality. The current caretaker takes good care of the building
and is still maintaining it as a unique theatre in SA.
The telescope met a more unfortunate fate, though it is still
salvageable. It will never be used for astronomical purposes again,
but is currently secured in the Fire Station Museum in Erlichpark
(the tube, counterweight and mounting)."
Additional Information
When you are looking for the cache, also look out for all the
animals in the game reserve. The Franklin game reserve is home to
many birds and indigenous wildlife, including herds of springbok,
blesbok, eland and zebra, this is the only reserve of its kind in
the world completely surrounded by a city.
Take a bit of time and drive round the reserve to view all the
animals and views of Bloemfontein.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jrfgrea fdhner cbyr, znva tngr. Aba Zntargvp.