The Cape Town Observatory has reopened “Open Nights” this month, and all of the free events until May have been fully booked by enthusiastic citizens.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 March 2022) – The Cape Town Observatory reopened its “Open Nights” events now that the pandemic regulations are settling, and they have sold out within hours of opening each show. The event is free, but tickets are required to manage numbers and adhere to current Covid-19 regulations.
According to the website, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) was founded in 1820 and 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 outreach activities to enthuse citizens about physics and astronomy.
The Cape Town Observatory is the one people can access easily as it is found just outside the city centre. The observatory plays host to many events, and people are encouraged to visit to learn more about the research being done in South Africa.
To get people excited, the SAAO hosts open nights where people can visit for free and attend engaging and exciting talks by the scientists and astronomers conducting research at the facility.
“All Open Nights include a presentation on topics of astronomy or physics and an introduction to the historic McClean telescope, the observatory museum, and the library. If the weather is clear, there will be a chance for stargazing using the McClean and other telescopes set up for the night.”
The organisation opened bookings for March, and the event was fully booked within a few hours. The team then opened the bookings for April, and again, the seats were fully booked.
It is evident that the thirst for knowledge is great, and people are excited to go and learn more about our stars and the scientists that study them.
If these events are of interest to you, take a look at their social media pages for more details. The May events have not opened for booking yet, but they will announce those dates soonest.
Have you ever been to see the stars? We have, and it was the most incredible experience.
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