SAAO

SALT sees double in The Hourglass

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) at the SAAO has discovered a binary star system in The Hourglass Nebula, one of the most famous nebulae captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Welcome to the SAAO!

Founded in 1820 and located in the leafy Southern suburbs of Cape Town, The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa.

Its prime function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics. It does so by providing a world-class facility to scientists.

The SAAO promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, by sharing research findings and discoveries. So, to learn more about the wonders of space, start exploring our website now.

Sutherland Live!

Current weather conditions and live-feeds from Sutherland.

SAAO-weatherimage

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Events

Open Night

Title: Star formation and the gas cycle in galaxies

Date: 23 June 2018

Speaker: Dr. Moses Mogotsi

Open Night

Title: Gamma-Ray Bursts and its afterglows

Date: 14 July 2018

Speaker: Dr. Jessymol Thomas

Open Nights include a talk, a tour of the site and (weather permitting) star gazing. Entrance is free.

Find out more

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SAAO

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Welcome to the SAAO!

Sutherland Live!

Events

Schools @ SAAO

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