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X-WR-CALNAME:SAAO
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.saao.ac.za
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SAAO
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TZID:Africa/Johannesburg
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:SAST
DTSTART:20260101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260425T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260425T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T132927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T132927Z
UID:25741-1777147200-1777154400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF/SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: TBA \nBio: TBA \nAbstract: TBA \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-31/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260421T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260421T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T142231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T142231Z
UID:25760-1776801600-1776808800@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-86/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260418T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260418T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T142329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T142329Z
UID:25762-1776542400-1776549600@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-87/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260414T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260414T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133658Z
UID:25753-1776196800-1776204000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-84/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260411T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260411T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T132834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153635Z
UID:25739-1775937600-1775944800@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF/SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Bhushan Joshi \n \nBio:  \nBhushan Joshi is a Scientific Officer at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)\, Pune\, India. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Electronics at Stellenbosch University\, South Africa. \nOver the past 12 years\, he has gained extensive experience in the design and development of electronic systems for astronomical instrumentation\, with a particular focus on astronomical cameras. One of the latest cameras developed by his team for a solar telescope was launched aboard the Aditya-L1 mission and is currently operating at the L1 Lagrange point\, approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth\, continuously observing the Sun. \nAbstract: “Astronomical Cameras” \nFrom the hand-drawn sketches of the Moon and Jupiter’s moons by Galileo to today’s digital images of the night sky\, astronomy has always depended on how we capture light from the Universe.\nEarly astronomers observed the sky with their eyes and recorded what they saw by hand. This was later followed by the use of photographic plates and film cameras\, which enabled permanent recording of astronomical observations. Today\, electronic cameras have taken over this role\, allowing us to observe the cosmos with far greater detail and sensitivity.\n\nThis seminar introduces how astronomy cameras work and how they have evolved over time. It explains the basic principles of modern image sensors and compares everyday cameras with those used in astronomy. Although all these devices operate on the same fundamental principles\, astronomy cameras are designed very differently to detect extremely faint light and reveal objects far beyond what everyday cameras can capture.\n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-30/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260409T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260409T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133545Z
UID:25751-1775764800-1775772000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-83/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260407T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260407T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133508Z
UID:25749-1775592000-1775599200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-82/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260404T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260404T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133410Z
UID:25747-1775332800-1775340000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-81/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260402T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260402T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133317Z
UID:25745-1775160000-1775167200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-80/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260401T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260401T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260329T133229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T133229Z
UID:25743-1775073600-1775080800@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-79/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260328T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260328T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T081836Z
UID:25674-1774728000-1774735200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Thato Thapo \nBio: Thato Thapo is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Cape Town with the High Energy Physics\, Cosmology and Astrophysics Theory group\, South Africa. He completed his MSc in 2025 where he focussed on an idea extending General Relativity known as Carroll Gravity. His main research focuses on Theoretical Cosmology\, including Fast Radio Bursts and theories of Modified Gravity. He is also a qualified Mathematics and Physics teacher and since 2025\, has been an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at UCT. \n \n  \nAbstract: “Alice and Bob in Wonderland: A Journey through Carroll Physics” \nThe history of physics is incredibly convoluted\, but when journeying through it\, we find patterns that very hard to ignore because they tend to lead to really profound theories and branches of physics. The branch we are interested in exploring in this talk\, is one christened Carroll Physics. Join me\, accompanied by characters you may find in your favourite textbook discussing Special Relativity\, Alice and Bob\, as we travel through the History of physics. Taking a path you might not have seen before but will surely recognise\, with the hopes of it leading us to the development of this idea\, and the reasons it was named after famed author\, Lewis Carroll. \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-29/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260326T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260326T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164642Z
UID:25686-1774555200-1774562400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-78/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260324T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260324T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164600Z
UID:25684-1774382400-1774389600@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-77/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260321T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260321T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164456Z
UID:25682-1774123200-1774130400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-76/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260319T183000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260319T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260305T125736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T130456Z
UID:25704-1773945000-1773957600@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:Book Launch-The Woman And Her Stars by Penny Haw
DESCRIPTION:Book Launch – The Woman And Her Stars by Penny Haw \nJoin us for an exciting book launch at the NRF-SAAO in Cape Town as we celebrate The Woman And Her Stars by acclaimed author Penny Haw — \na compelling exploration of the life and legacy of pioneering astronomer Caroline Herschel. \nThis special evening combines literature\, science\, and the opportunity to experience the historic observatory site after hours\, as we reflect on the extraordinary \nachievements of one of astronomy’s first professional female astronomers. \nVenue\nNRF-SAAO Auditorium\, Cape Town \nGates Open\n18:00 (no access before this time) \nProgramme\n18:30 – 19:30 | Book launch and interview \n19:30 – 20:15 | Light refreshments in the auditorium foyer \n20:15 – 21:00 | Tour of site \n21:00 – 22:00 | Stargazing (weather permitting) \nImportant Information\n\nTickets are free of charge\nNo admission without booking\nGates will only open at 18:00\n\nPlease read: SAAO Indemnity Agreement for Visitors
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/book-launch-the-woman-and-her-stars-by-penny-haw/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260317T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260317T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164357Z
UID:25680-1773777600-1773784800@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-75/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260314T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260314T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T163901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T125349Z
UID:25672-1773518400-1773525600@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.\n\n\n\nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Dr Itumeleng Monageng \n \nDr. Itumeleng Monageng is a Senior Lecturer at both the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). He earned his PhD at UCT in 2018\, where his research focused on multiwavelength studies of gamma-ray binary stars. His research interests include exploring the physical properties of various classes of astrophysical transients and utilizing data from telescopes such as the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and MeerKAT. Outside of academia\, Dr. Monageng enjoys running and watching sports like soccer\, cricket\, and tennis. \nTitle: Stellar evolution and energetic processes in the universe \nAbstract:  \nStars are essential for understanding the structures of the universe\, from distant galaxies to the planets within our solar system and even the emergence of life on Earth. Heavy elements like carbon\, oxygen\, and nitrogen are created in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion. These elements are then released into space through stellar winds and powerful explosions. In this talk\, I will discuss the evolutionary stages of stars\, from their formation to their eventual demise. Additionally\, I will explore close binary star systems\, where significant interactions between the stars lead to mass transfer\, affecting their evolutionary paths. \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-28/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260312T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260312T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164310Z
UID:25678-1773345600-1773352800@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-74/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260310T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260310T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260227T164226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T164226Z
UID:25676-1773172800-1773180000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-73/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260228T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260228T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T162916Z
UID:25626-1772308800-1772316000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Dr Encarni Romero Colmenero (NRF-SAAO Deputy Director: SALT Director) \n \nTitle: Celebrating 20 Years of the Southern African Large Telescope: Why SALT Matters \nAbstract: \nFor two decades\, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) has stood at the heart of astronomy in Africa — a flagship scientific instrument that has transformed how we explore the universe from the southern skies. In this talk\, we will look at what makes SALT unique\, why it was built in Sutherland\, and how its design allows us to study everything from exploding stars to distant galaxies. We will reflect on the science milestones achieved over the past 20 years\, the role of SALT in growing South African and African astronomy\, and the international partnerships that have formed around this remarkable telescope. \nSALT’s story is not only about discoveries in the night sky\, but also about building scientific capacity\, taking advantage of some of the darkest skies on Earth\, and protecting those skies from threats such as increasing light pollution. We will explore how SALT works\, the instruments behind its breakthroughs\, and the ecosystem of other telescopes on the Sutherland plateau that support and enhance its science. \nFrom its early vision to its latest results\, SALT continues to play a vital role in promoting science in South Africa\, training new generations of astronomers\, and securing the country’s place in global astrophysics. Join us for a journey through its history\, its impact\, and the exciting future ahead. \n\n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-27/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260226T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260226T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T134555Z
UID:25636-1772136000-1772143200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-72/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260224T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260224T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T134518Z
UID:25634-1771963200-1771970400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-71/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260221T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260221T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T134428Z
UID:25632-1771704000-1771711200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-70/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260219T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260219T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T134340Z
UID:25630-1771531200-1771538400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-69/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260217T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260217T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T134230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T134230Z
UID:25628-1771358400-1771365600@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-68/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260214T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260214T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20260128T133920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T133920Z
UID:25624-1771099200-1771106400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: TBA \nTitle: TBA \nAbstract: TBA \nBio: TBA \n\n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-26/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260124T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260124T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20251224T153052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T171341Z
UID:25572-1769284800-1769292000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. (NOTE: Open Nights for January 2026 are scheduled for the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month) \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Prof. Rosalind Skelton (MD NRF|SAAO) \n \nTitle: An overview of the South African Astronomical Observatory \nAbstract: Prof Skelton will introduce the South African Astronomical Observatory and its work\, covering the key aims of the observatory and its telescopes\, some of which are locally owned and others hosted in partnership with or on behalf of international partners. She will describe the science supported by SAAO\, technological development\, student programmes and science engagement and share some exciting recent results coming from SALT and our other telescopes. \nBio: Prof. Rosalind Skelton has recently been appointed as the Managing Director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO). She did her PhD on galaxy evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (University of Heidelberg\, Germany) in 2010\, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University in the USA. She returned to South Africa for a postdoc at the SAAO in 2013 and became a member of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) astronomy team at the SAAO in 2016. She has close ties with the University of Cape Town\, where she supervises a number of students researching how galaxies are affected by their environments. She was appointed as SAAO’s Head of Research in 2023 and then as Director from December 2024 \n\n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-25/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260122T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260122T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20251224T153651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T153651Z
UID:25582-1769112000-1769119200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-67/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260117T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260117T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20251224T152936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T150610Z
UID:25570-1768680000-1768687200@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town\, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. (NOTE: Open Nights for January 2026 are scheduled for the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month) \nEach evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science\, followed by a guided tour of the Observatory’s rich history—including our library\, museum\, and the historic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. \nWeather permitting\, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes. \n\n\n\nGates open at 7:30 PM.\nFree entry for children aged 6 and under.\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings. \n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Gideon De Beer \n \nTitle: Exploring Astronomical Scales\n \nAbstract: We live in a truly vast universe\, much older and larger than we usually care to think about\, so let’s go on a journey exploring the scales of the universe while trying to relate these distances to our everyday experiences. I will guide us through distances as well-known as the humble meter\, to the edge of the observable universe as we know it\, making regular stops along the way to explain cosmic objects at each new tier. \n\nBio: I am a PhD student in Astronomy studying at the SAAO and UCT. My research is centred on studying the optical and near-infrared behaviours of a certain class of high-mass X-ray binary star systems called Be/X-ray Binaries. When I am not working\, I tend to enjoy a good book\, walks in nature\, social gatherings\, or consuming entertainment through games.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-24/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260115T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260115T220000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063206
CREATED:20251224T153547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T153547Z
UID:25580-1768507200-1768514400@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing \n\n\nOur night tours begin at the Visitor 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 oldest formal structures\, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope\, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting\, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes. \n\nPlease note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30. \n\n\n\n\nPlease email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-private-night-tour-star-gazing-66/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR