The Official Account of the NRF | South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa. Our observing station is in Sutherland, NC South Africa.
Joined June 2009
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810 Photos and videos
๐ Whatโs Up โ June 2026 ๐ฟ๐ฆ
๐ New Moon: 15 Jun
๐ First Quarter: 21 Jun
๐ Full Moon: 30 Jun
โญ Enjoy brilliant winter skies featuring Sirius, Antares, Arcturus and the Pointers.๐ญ
Read the full June edition:
saao.ac.za/2026/06/02/whats-โฆ
#WhatsUp #Astronomy #NRFSAAO
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Could life exist on another planet?
Join us for a public talk by Chase Alvarado-Anderson, PhD student in Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University, as he unpacks how planets form, what makes them habitable, and how astronomers search for signs of life beyond Earth
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๐
Saturday, 13 June 2026
๐ 20:00 โ 22:00
๐ NRF | SAAO, Observatory, Cape Town
For more information and bookings visit: saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
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Celebrate Youth Day 2026 with NRF|SAAO Cape Town! ๐๐ญ
Tour times: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Tickets are limited, so book early.
For more information and bookings, visit:
saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
Episode 84 is out now! Listen on all podcast platforms or watch on YouTube! ๐ฅ
Join our hosts as they chat to three special guests from the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA)
#astronomy #africa #podcast
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
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1/2 Strengthening astronomy partnerships between South Africa and Brazil The final day featured presentations from the BRICS Astronomy team, AfAS, OAD, and SCBP, highlighting initiatives that advance astronomy, education, skills development, and international collaboration
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
May 30
Join us in celebrating and reflecting on lessons from 15 years of @astro4dev as we map out the future of this bold initiative by the @IAU_org, @NRF_News, @SAAO, and @dstigovza;
15-17 February 2027, fully hybrid. Save the date and watch this space... astro4dev.org/OAD15
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
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Brazil delegates visit Sutherland
As part of the program, the team visited Sutherland, a facility of the NRF|SAAO, home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), where they gained a deeper understanding of telescope operations through a tour of the SALT control room.
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The June 2026 NRF|SAAO Night Tour schedule is now available!
Private Tours: 6, 9, 11, 17, 18 & 23 June
Open Nights: 13 & 27 June
Tours include the McLean Telescope, Museum, Visitors Centre, and Remote Operations Centre.
For more info & bookings: saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
We invite stories from young researchers who have a current or past affiliation with the NRF; its national research facilities; NRF-SAASTA; Centres of Excellence; and Research Chairs. #YouthMonth2026
Details: nrf.ac.za/invitation-youth-mโฆ
@NRF_SAIAB
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
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Day 1
NRF|SAAO hosts Brazil Team
Through the BRICS collaboration, NRF|SAAO welcomed Brazilian delegation to its Cape Town facility for engagements focused on strengthening partnerships in astronomy, engineering, and research.
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
We met with Brazilian astronomy group to talk about societal benefits. The gathering was organised by @BRICSAstronomy for @SAAO @AfricaAstronomy & the @Astro4Dev to find collaborative opportunities.
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Even on cloudy or rainy evenings, there is still so much to experience during our Open Nights and Night Tours at the NRF|SAAO.
Book and join the observatory experience! where astronomy, heritage, and discovery come together, whatever the weather: saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
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๐ Open Night at NRF/SAAO, Cape Town! ๐ญ
๐ค Munira Hoosain
๐ช The Life Cycle of A Galaxy
Astronomy talk, Observatory tours & stargazing (weather permitting).
๐ข Gates open 7:30 PM
๐ง Free for kids 6 & under
Book here:
saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
Other tour dates: 19th & 30th
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NRF|SAAO retweeted
Cape Times covers visit of High Commissioner Mr. Prabhat Kumar to South African Astronomical Observatory amd meeting with Director SAAO, Dr. Rosalind Skelton. @MEAIndia @hci_pretoria @IUCAApune @SAAO
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The engagement also reflected the broader science, technology and innovation partnership between South Africa and India through the BRICS framework.
Read more:
saao.ac.za/2026/05/11/nrf-saโฆ
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The NRF-SAAO was honoured to welcome Ren Faqiang, Consul General of the Peopleโs Republic of China in Cape Town, and Ms Ma to the Cape Town Observatory for an evening visit focused on strengthening science and technology ties between South Africa and China.๐จ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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The programme included engagements with NRF-SAAO leadership, tours of key facilities, and an evening of stargazing highlighting the Observatoryโs role in research, innovation and public engagement.
Read more:
saao.ac.za/2026/05/11/chinesโฆ
#NRFSAAO #Astronomy #ScienceDiplomacy
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