South African Astronomical Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Sutherland, South Africa.
The South African Astronomical Observatory operates at an elevation of 1,798 meters in the Northern Cape province, featuring multiple telescopes for celestial research.
Founded in 1820 as the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope, the facility merged with the Republic Observatory in 1972 to form the current institution.
The Rising Star Project connects postgraduate students with Grade 12 learners for physics and chemistry tutoring, advancing science education in South Africa.
The location in Karoo Hoogland Municipality provides minimal light pollution and clear skies throughout the year for optimal astronomical observations.
The Southern African Large Telescope at the observatory stands as the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere with an 11-meter mirror array.
Location: City of Cape Town
Inception: 1820
Elevation above the sea: 15 m
Part of: SuperWASP
Website: https://saao.ac.za
GPS coordinates: -33.93436,18.47739
Latest update: May 31, 2025 06:07
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