South African Astronomical Observatory

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Vela: The True Scale of a Hidden Giant Structure Revealed Astronomers have uncovered a massive hidden structure in the Universe that had remained concealed behind the dust and stars of our own Milky Way galaxy. Using a new hybrid technique that combines different kinds of......

UK–South Africa partnership uses AI to make telescopes smarter Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform how South Africa’s leading astronomical observatories operate. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre is working with the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO), a leading centre for......

  South African Telescopes to Follow-Up Rubin Observatory Alerts This Week Cape Town, South Africa — 25 February 2026 — The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is about to begin observing selected astronomical alerts issued by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, marking an important step......

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NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

June 13 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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. Each evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science, followed by a guided tour…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Youth Day Celebration Day Tours

June 16 @ 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Youth Day 2026 Celebration Day Tours Celebrate Youth Day 2026 with the NRF|SAAO by joining us for a special series of free guided day tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the science, history, and innovation behind Africa’s leading optical and infrared observatory. Two exclusive tour sessions will be available at 10:00 and 13:00. The tour will include visits to the Main Building, Visitor Centre, and McClean Telescope. Weather permitting, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy solar viewing through our solar telescopes. Guests are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and to dress warmly, as the tour involves some walking between sites. Tickets are limited, so early booking is recommended to secure your place. No ticket sales will be conducted at the gate so booking is essential. Gates will open 30 minutes before the event begins, free and safe parking is available on site. Please email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

June 17 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our 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…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

June 18 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our 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…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

June 23 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our 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…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

June 25 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our 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…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

June 27 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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. Each evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science, followed by a guided tour…

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