The Suttons in Namibia

Sunday, 22 April 2012

John and Ann Sutton are in Namibia where John is guest astronomer for two months at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which is a small luxury resort within a large private nature reserve.  Although John has been an economist for the past 35 years he was previously a (radio) astronomer.  The isolated location adjoining desert and mountains is excellent for observing the night sky.  Temperatures are a little warmer than Canberra at present and there will be little cloud for the next two months.  It is very dry.  Annual rainfall is about 30 mm.  Springbok, oryx and ostrich are plentiful and we have seen zebra and many others.  The jackals howl every night.  Nearby are extensive giant sand dunes, with some up to 300 metres above the surrounding land.  We can tag along on day trips when there are vacancies.  We have to be careful about how much of all the wonderful food we eat, and are taking long walks.  The ground is very stony and is difficult to run on except on roads.  John is planning courses for the badge event at Ballinafad Creek on 5 August.  After a short safari in Botswana we will be back in Canberra around 25 June.

from John and Ann Sutton