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METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:SAAO
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.saao.ac.za
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SAAO
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Africa/Johannesburg
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:SAST
DTSTART:20260101T000000
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END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260627T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260627T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T105444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T105444Z
UID:25864-1782590400-1782597600@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
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-35/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260625T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260625T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110851Z
UID:25876-1782417600-1782424800@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-97/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260623T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260623T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110807Z
UID:25874-1782244800-1782252000@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-96/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260618T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260618T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110712Z
UID:25872-1781812800-1781820000@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-95/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260617T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260617T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110622Z
UID:25870-1781726400-1781733600@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-94/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260613T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260613T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T105355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T105355Z
UID:25862-1781380800-1781388000@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
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-34/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260611T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260611T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110514Z
UID:25868-1781208000-1781215200@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-93/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260609T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260609T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T110422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T110422Z
UID:25866-1781035200-1781042400@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-92/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260606T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260606T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260526T105045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T105045Z
UID:25860-1780776000-1780783200@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-85/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260530T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260530T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260422T112747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T112747Z
UID:25817-1780171200-1780178400@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-91/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260523T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260523T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260422T111430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T093234Z
UID:25807-1779566400-1779573600@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: Munira Hoosain  \n \nBio: Munira Hoosain has recently completed her PhD thesis at the University of Cape Town and SAAO where she measured the neutral hydrogen gas content in galaxies across 5 billion years of the Universe’s history. She is a recipient of the South African Women in Science Awards DSI–Ndoni Mcunu Doctoral Fellowship (2023). Alongside with her research\, Munira is a science communicator and has presented at Soapbox Science CT 2025. \nAbstract: The Life Cycle of A Galaxy \nGalaxies come in many different shapes and sizes. From blue\, fluffy dwarf irregular galaxies to giant ellipticals at the centre of clusters. Many factors\, such as how much gas the galaxy has access to and where it lives\, can shape the evolution of galaxies to create this diversity. In this talk\, Munira will share the life cycle of  galaxies – how they form stars\, stay alive by acquiring more gas\, interact with each other and eventually shut down. She will share her research on the hydrogen gas content of galaxies using data from one of the deepest surveys on MeerKAT and why this gas is so important for galaxies! \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-33/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260519T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260519T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260422T112702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T112702Z
UID:25815-1779220800-1779228000@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-90/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260516T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260516T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181350
CREATED:20260422T112422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T112422Z
UID:25813-1778961600-1778968800@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-89/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260514T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260514T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181351
CREATED:20260422T112302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T112302Z
UID:25811-1778788800-1778796000@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-88/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260509T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260509T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181351
CREATED:20260422T111256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T111256Z
UID:25804-1778356800-1778364000@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: Koustav Konar \n \n  \nBio:  \nKoustav Konar is a PhD student at Stellenbosch University and the University of Groningen\, working in observational cosmology. He currently works with an enigmatic astrophysical transient called Fast Radio Bursts to test the standard model of cosmology using data from the upcoming SKA telescopes. \nAbstract: \nA Long-Expected Journey: Using Cosmic Beacons to find the Universe’s Missing Matter \nFor over a century\, we have meticulously mapped the Universe\, guided by human curiosity and generations of careful observations. The culmination of this centuries-old lore is the standard model of cosmology\, which has been remarkably successful at predicting everything from the birth of stars to the evolution of galaxies. Yet\, as our vision grows clearer\, subtle cracks have emerged from the shadows. \nOne such persistent puzzle is the Missing Baryon Problem\, where a vast portion of the matter predicted by our theories remains unseen. It is as if we have opened a new puzzle box\, only to find that half the contents are missing\, leaving the final picture incomplete. \nJoin us as we journey through the milestones and mysteries of our cosmic discoveries. We will explore why our current maps are failing us and how we use Fast Radio Bursts as cosmic beacons to hunt down these scattered fragments of our Universe. \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-32/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260425T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260425T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T181351
CREATED:20260329T132927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T080727Z
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: Thobekile Ngwane \n \nBio:  \nThobekile is a PhD candidate in Astronomy at Stellenbosch University and SAAO\, specialising in Near-Earth Asteroids. Her work focuses on developing tools and techniques for the rapid follow-up and classification of newly discovered asteroids\, contributing to global efforts in planetary defense. She previously completed her MSc at the University of Cape Town as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar\, where she used the Lesedi telescope to study asteroid composition. Beyond research\, Thobekile is actively involved in public engagement in her community\, including outreach through the SAAO and her role as President of the Zimbabwean Astronomical Society \nAbstract: \n Keeping Up With the Asteroid Families: Collisions\, Drama and Everything in-between! \nAsteroids\, found mostly in the Main Belt between Mars and Jupiter\, are believed to be the leftover remnants from when our Solar System formed some 4.5 billion years ago. Far from being just rocks in space\, they carry within them the raw ingredients of planets\, oceans\, and perhaps life itself\, making them one of our best tools for understanding how our Solar System was born\, how it evolved\, and what that means for Earth today. \nThis talk traces the journey of those fragments\, how we identify them\, how we read their histories\, and how subtle forces acting over large timescales gradually nudge family members onto new trajectories. Some drift far enough to cross Earth’s orbit entirely\, graduating from main belt residents to Near-Earth Asteroids: a population that is simultaneously our best window into the early solar system and\, on a bad day\, a threat. \nWe will look at what Near Earth Asteroids are made of\, where they come from\, and why their composition matters far beyond the question of impact hazard. We will look at how astronomers build an orbital solution from sparse observations scattered across time and different locations. We will look at some interesting asteroids\, including Apophis. Apophis (named for the Egyptian god of chaos) will make its historic close approach in April 2029 at ~32\,000 km. It will pass closer than many satellites. No need to panic\, but you will want to look up! \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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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:20260601T181351
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
END:VCALENDAR