NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
August 23 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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.
Each 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.
Weather permitting, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through the McClean and additional smaller telescopes.
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- Gates open at 7:30 PM.
- Free entry for children aged 6 and under.
Please email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025 if you have any queries regarding bookings.
Speaker: Gideon De Beer
Abstract and Bio:
Abstract:
Exploring Astronomical Scales
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.
Bio:
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.