Due to the COVID-19 virus, all visits, tours and open nights have been cancelled until further notice both in Sutherland and in Cape Town. The visitors centre in Sutherland is closed. Please email suthbookings@saao.ac.za or phone 076 900 0308 if you have any queries regarding bookings and tours for Sutherland.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
SAAO’s headquarters are found in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory on the site of the former Royal Observatory. The historic building is recognised as a National Heritage Site, and houses administration facilities, offices, and the SAAO library.
You are welcome to visit the SAAO in Cape Town on SAAO Open Nights, on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 20:00. All Open Nights include a presentation on topics of astronomy or physics, and an introduction to the historic McClean telescope, the observatory museum, and the library. If the weather is clear, there will be a chance for stargazing using the McClean and other telescopes set up for the night.
Cape Town Open Nights
