South African Astronomical Observatory
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is a center for optical and infrared-based astronomy in South Africa . It is a facility of the National Research Foundation.
The SAAO headquarters are located on the outskirts of the observatory in Cape Town . The main telescopes, which are used for research purposes, are located at the SAAO observation station around a 4- hour drive from the city.
history
The SAAO was jointly founded in January 1972 by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa and the Science and Engineering Research Council from Great Britain. It combined the facilities of the “ Royal Observatory ” (1820) and the “ Republic Observatory ” (1903) in Johannesburg and thus formed a large location with improved possibilities.
Instruments
- Southern African Large Telescope (SALT)
- Radcliffe Telescope
- Telescope of the KMTNet
- Elizabeth Telescope
- Alan Cousins Telescope
- SuperWASP
- MONET
Web links
- www.saao.ac.za engl.
Coordinates: 32 ° 22 ′ 46 ″ S , 20 ° 48 ′ 38 ″ E