There are some South Africans who still gaze at the moon and stars with romantic inclinations. Others believe that stars are holes in the fabric of night and still others see the stars as indicators of fate and fortune. Few understand the significance of a solar eclipse, a meteor or even solar flares. What is the reason for studying the formation of galaxies millions of kilometres away? What is the practical impact of understanding the dynamics of black holes, white holes and wormholes? Why should South Africa spend millions of rands looking at stars and fathoming the beginning of time? South Africans ask these questions when discussing Astronomy.

The Department of Science and Technology has a vision to bring some understanding of the universe into the homes and lives of the people of South Africa. The South African Government, through its National Research and Development Strategy is achieving this by actively promoting and endorsing Astronomy research and researchers in the country. Astronomy is growing in popularity around the world and is not confined to the stereotypical "male only" science field.

Cartoons

• Astronomy Month and SALT movie clip
• Back in time
• Cannibal stars
• Gravitational microlensing
• Radio astronomy

Poster

• South Africa's cosmic explorers

Experts

• Experts for media interviews

Photographs

Click on the photo to download a high resolution version.

	Boyden, aerial view
	Boyden inside
	HartRAO
	HartRAO
	HartRAO
	Hermanus Magnetic Observatory
	Hermanus Magnetic Observatory
	HESS dishes
	HESS Namibia, aerial view
	HESS Namibia, single dish
	MeerKAT KAT 7, aerial view
	MeerKAT single dish
	MeerKAT KAT 7
	MeerKAT KAT 7
	SAAO Cape Town, aerial view
	SAAO dome single
	SAAO domes at Sutherland
	SAAO library
	SAAO main building, Cape Town
	SAAO
	SALT inside mirror
	SALT Sutherland