Guided Excursion: Open Night at the SA Astronomical Observatory

 
Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025

Time: 19:45 for 20:00 (ends 22:00) so that we can gather as a group

Venue: SAAO — ask for directions to the Visitors’ Centre. 
            Proceed straight ahead. Please drive slowly so as not to injure any of the wildlife on the property
Cost: R50 per person (there will be no ArchSoc fee)

Number of Places Available: 15 - 20

Excursion Leader: Jean Gray (084 610 0088)

RSVP Deadline: 11 April 2025

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night Tour and Stargazing

Our night tours begin at the Visitors’ Centre, where guests are introduced to the rich history of Astronomy in our country. The tour includes a visit to our main building, one of Cape Town’s oldest formal structures, as well as our museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian Telescopes.

The SAAO’s headquarters are in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory on the site of the former Royal Observatory. The historic building is recognised as a National Heritage Site, and houses Administration facilities, offices, and the SAAO library. Tour fees go towards the SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programmes.

This is an opportunity for our members to visit the Observatory, and, weather permitting, a chance to observe the McClean telescope. It will be a moonless night with, hopefully, clear skies. The Observatory open night runs as follows:

• the first hour is a talk/lecture on astronomy and other related science fields, which lasts for about 45 minutes with a 15 minutes questions and answers (Q&A) session.
  
• this is followed by a site historical tour (including the museum and library) and, if weather permits, stargazing through their telescopes, which include over 120 years old McClean Telescope. 

Please Read: SAAO indemnity agreement for visitors

RSVP Details:

Please send an e-mail to jeangray@yebo.co.za indicating the following:
1. Your name and surname
2. Your cell-phone number
3. The names of any other people you are reserving place(s) for
4. Proof of payment with your name as a reference

Payment Details: 

Please EFT your payment into the WC Branch account:
Archaeological Society Western Cape Branch Account
Nedbank
Account Description: savings
Account Number: 2048081673
Reference: Your name