Tuesday, 20 October 2020, saw the Unveiling of the SAAO as a National Heritage Site on the official bicentenary of its founding on 20 October 1820.

The full stream, as well as highlights from the event, are available below.

To watch a specific segment please click on the relevant link.

01:00 Snippet – Prof Petri Vaisanen: SAAO Overview
01:56 Snippet – Mr Sivuyile Manxoyi: SAAO Outreach
03:16  Starlore Animation: Moon’s Message
05:38 Video: SAAO Indigenous Astronomy 2019
09:52  Singing of South African National Anthem  
12:44 Welcome NRF CEO Dr Molapo Qhobela
19:53 Snippet – Assoc. Prof Shazrene Mohamed: SAAO Research
23:34 Introduction Purpose of gathering: SAHRA CEO: Adv Lungisa Malgas
28:31 Message from the International Astronomical Union: IAU President: Prof Ewine van Dishoeck
29:27 Snippet – Dr Ian Glass: SAAO History
31:13 Address by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture: the Honourable Nkosinathi Mthethwa.
38:55 Snippet – Ms Buzani Khumalo: SAAO Education and Indigenous Astronomy
43:14 Snippet – Mr Anthony Mietas: The Socio-Economic Impact of SAAO and SALT
44:50 Keynote address: Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation, the Honourable Dr B.E. Nzimande MP
59:10 Cultural Item: KaribaRimba
01:03:22 Snippet – Dr Itumeleng Monageng: SAAO Students
01:06:04 Virtual Unveiling of the National Heritage Site Plaque: SAHRA Council Member: Dr Luyanda Mpalhwa
01:09:34 Virtual Unveiling of the 200 Year Commemoration Plaque: Director-General DSI: Dr Phil Mjwara
01:11:31 Snippet – Mr Kevin Govender: The Office of Astronomy for Development
01:12:50 Snippet – Mr Craig Sass: SAAO Workshop
01:13:55 Snippet – Dr Rosalind Skelton: SALT
01:15:56 Vote of thanks: Director SAAO: Prof Petri Vaisanen

Images from the Unveiling

Download Programme