South African Astronomical Observatory

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The latest in South African astronomy

Prospective MSc and PhD students can join astronomers at the South African Astronomical Observatory to explore the universe. Details of how to apply for bursaries and of projects on offer are described on the projects page If you are an interested student, don’t hesitate to......

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) recently demonstrated significant advancements in their observational capabilities, highlighted by the swift and successful study of an X-ray transient event. A new paper, led by Stephen B. Potter, underscores the collaborative efforts and......

The Rising Star Project is an outreach initiative in which postgraduate students (and any other volunteers) tutor Grade 12 physics/chemistry learners at Thandokhulu High School in Mowbray. The tutoring sessions run once a week, at the school. The project was initiated at the start of......

In a groundbreaking discovery, observations made during a stellar occultation by the 1.9-meter telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) have revealed evolving material orbiting around the enigmatic Centaur (2060) Chiron. This revelation challenges previous interpretations of Chiron’s structure, indicating dynamic changes rather than......

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NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

4th January 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our night tours begin at the Visitor's Center, where guests are introduced to the rich history of Astronomy in our country. The tour includes a visit to our main building, one of Cape Town's…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

11th January 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO Open Nights in Cape Town take place on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. All Open Nights will start with a presentation on topics of astronomy or related science fields. Visitors will then be given an introduction to the history of…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

25th January 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO Open Nights in Cape Town take place on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. All Open Nights will start with a presentation on topics of astronomy or related science fields. Visitors will then be given an introduction to the history of…

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