20–23 OCTOBER 2020
20–23 OCTOBER 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE SAAO
The SAAO will, in October 2020, celebrate 200 years of existence as an astronomical observatory.
This occasion grants us the opportunity not merely to recall our scientific achievements but more importantly to celebrate together our country’s and our continent’s rich cultural heritage as well as to look forward “Beyond 200 Years of Astronomy”. We see this future full of opportunity, inclusivity, inspiration, and pride in the excellence of decidedly African Astronomy at the forefront of a cutting-edge global pursuit of exploring our Universe.
The theme of the symposium and the presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including, among others, current and future science, the history of astronomy on the continent, as well as cultural and sociological aspects of astronomy. In addition, the symposium also aims to highlight our developing plans for the transformation of the observatory.
Please register by clicking on the link below. I look forward to celebrating this significant occasion together with you.
Petri Vaisanen
HOW TO ACCESS THE VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM
We’re looking forward to seeing you online! Please refer to your registration confirmation email (subject line: “SAAO 200 Virtual Symposium | What You Need To Know”) for instructions.
Email saao200@africanagenda.com if you have any trouble.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE SAAO
The SAAO will, in October 2020, celebrate 200 years of existence as an astronomical observatory.
This occasion grants us the opportunity not merely to recall our scientific achievements but more importantly to celebrate together our country’s and our continent’s rich cultural heritage as well as to look forward “Beyond 200 Years of Astronomy”. We see this future full of opportunity, inclusivity, inspiration, and pride in the excellence of decidedly African Astronomy at the forefront of a cutting-edge global pursuit of exploring our Universe.
The theme of the symposium and the presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including, among others, current and future science, the history of astronomy on the continent, as well as cultural and sociological aspects of astronomy. In addition, the symposium also aims to highlight our developing plans for the transformation of the observatory.
Please register by clicking on the link below. I look forward to celebrating this significant occasion together with you.
Petri Vaisanen
HOW TO ACCESS THE VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM
We’re looking forward to seeing you online! Please refer to your registration confirmation email (subject line: “SAAO 200 Virtual Symposium | What You Need To Know”) for instructions.
Email saao200@africanagenda.com if you have any trouble.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE SAAO
The SAAO will, in October 2020, celebrate 200 years of existence as an astronomical observatory.
This occasion grants us the opportunity not merely to recall our scientific achievements but more importantly to celebrate together our country’s and our continent’s rich cultural heritage as well as to look forward “Beyond 200 Years of Astronomy”. We see this future full of opportunity, inclusivity, inspiration, and pride in the excellence of decidedly African Astronomy at the forefront of a cutting-edge global pursuit of exploring our Universe.
The theme of the symposium and the presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including, among others, current and future science, the history of astronomy on the continent, as well as cultural and sociological aspects of astronomy. In addition, the symposium also aims to highlight our developing plans for the transformation of the observatory.
Please register by clicking on the link below. I look forward to celebrating this significant occasion together with you.
Petri Vaisanen
ABOUT US
Founded in 1820, the SAAO is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. Its primary role is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility to scientists. The SAAO also promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, by sharing research findings and discoveries, and participating in education and outreach activities to inform and enthuse citizens about physics and astronomy.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a National Research Facility which operates under the mandate of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
ABOUT US
Founded in 1820, the SAAO is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. Its primary role is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility to scientists. The SAAO also promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, by sharing research findings and discoveries, and participating in education and outreach activities to inform and enthuse citizens about physics and astronomy.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a National Research Facility which operates under the mandate of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
ABOUT US
Founded in 1820, the SAAO is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. Its primary role is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility to scientists. The SAAO also promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, by sharing research findings and discoveries, and participating in education and outreach activities to inform and enthuse citizens about physics and astronomy.
The Cape Town Observatory was formally declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage and Resource Agency (SAHRA) in December 2018. This is a very exciting development for the SAAO, recognising the incredible achievements and their significance over the past two centuries, and ensuring this heritage is preserved.
Moreover, the beginning of the 21st century has seen a renewal of Africa’s strong heritage of astronomical excellence. South Africa is now home to the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere (SALT) and the largest and most powerful radio telescope in the southern hemisphere (MeerKAT) and will host a large part of the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project.