Founded in 1820 and located in the leafy Southern suburbs of Cape Town, The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa.
Its prime function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics. It does so by providing a world-class facility to scientists.
The SAAO promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, by sharing research findings and discoveries. So, to learn more about the wonders of space, start exploring our website now.
Cape astronomers were responsible for, among other things, the first measurement of the distance to a star; the first photographic sky survey and the accurate measurement of the distance to the sun.
Saturn is one of a few planets in our solar system surrounded by rings.
Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock/Elements of this image furnished by NASA
Este 27 de julio de 2018, la mayor parte del mundo disfrutará de una noche de extraordinaria actividad en el cielo. Primero, habrá un eclipse lunar total, y es especial porque va a durar mucho más de lo…
A super blue blood moon is seen from Svalbard, Norway earlier this year.
EPA-EFE/Heiko Junge