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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.saao.ac.za
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SAAO
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TZID:Africa/Johannesburg
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250524T200000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250524T220000
DTSTAMP:20260421T220112
CREATED:20250422T144313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T145805Z
UID:24689-1748116800-1748124000@www.saao.ac.za
SUMMARY:NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
DESCRIPTION:The NRF|SAAO Open Nights in Cape Town take place on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. \n\n\nAll Open Nights will start with a presentation on topics of astronomy or related science fields. Visitors will then be given an introduction to the history of the Observatory\, library\, museum\, and the 120 year-old McClean telescope. If the weather permits\, stargazing will take place with McClean and smaller telescopes.\nPlease note that guests are only allowed entry into our premises from 7:30pm. \nFree entry for kids aged 6 & under. \n\n\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\n\nSpeaker: Dr Joyful Mdhluli \n \nAstronomy for a Better World: Exploring the Work of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development \nAbstract: \n Astronomy inspires wonder and curiosity\, but its power goes far beyond stargazing. In this talk\, we explore how astronomy can be harnessed as a tool for positive change in society. The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)\, hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)\, works globally to use astronomy in addressing challenges related to economic development\, health\, environment\, gender equity\, and more. \nJoin us as we share stories from around the world where astronomy is making a difference—from empowering youth through capacity building workshops to supporting mental well-being with starlit skies. Learn how this universal science is helping to build bridges between cultures\, spark new opportunities\, and inspire hope where it’s needed most. \nSee how the science of the stars is being used to create brighter futures here on Earth. \nBio:   \nDr. Joyful Mdhluli is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the IAU’s Office of Astronomy for Development\, where she coordinates flagship projects that use astronomy to tackle global development challenges. She holds a PhD in Particle Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand\, with research based on the ALICE experiment at CERN.\n\nDr. Mdhluli is listed as one of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize laureates in Fundamental Physics as part of the ALICE Collaboration that has advanced understanding of the early universe. She is also active in science communication and policy\, serving as Executive Secretary of Women in Physics in South Africa and on the Executive Committee of the African Astronomical Society. Additionally\, she contributes to editorial boards of the African Physics Newsletter and Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal. \n\n  \n 
URL:https://www.saao.ac.za/event/nrfsaao-cape-town-open-night-5/
LOCATION:Cape Town\, Observatory Rd\, Observatory\, Cape Town\, 7925\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Cape Town Tours
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