The IPY exhibit at the Exhibition on Earth observations during the Ministerial Summit of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) 27-30 Nov 2007 in Cape Town, South Africa was well attended by ministers and visitors. Dr Pierre Cilliers from the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory and Mr Michael Nxumalo, professional officer of the Souith African IPY office at the National Research Foundation set up and attended to the stand on behalf of the International IPY office. The stand also featured several posters on topics related to the South African IPY programme.

The themes of the posters were among others "The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, Contributions to Global Observations of the Earth's Geomagnetic Field", "The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, Space Weather Observation for disaster mitigation" and "South African Antarctic Research during IPY".


photo: Mr Michael Nxumalo at the IPY Exhibition

The IPY exhibit was located next ot the ICSU stand near the entrance of the exhibition hall of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The IPY exhibit was part of some 60 exhibits on all aspects of Earth observing systems, information products and decision-support tools. The summit was hosted by the South African Department of Science and Technology and the IPY stand was visited by the South African Minister of Science and Technology Mr Mosibudi Mangena, who also presented the opening speech at the summit.

Most of the books and brochures on IPY that was sent to the exhibit by the International IPY office, were taken by interested parties. The stand even attracted some international visitors who attended another conference in the same Conference Centre. Thanks to all who participated in making the most of this opportunity.


photo: Dr Pierre Cilliers and South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena