• Telescope project equips African universities with practical radio astronomy teaching tools to boost interest in STEM fields

    Across Africa, a new wave of radio telescope deployments is igniting interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and empowering future scientists.

    Read more on the TART Telescope installation

  • An Earth-sized radio observatory just got better: South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope joins forces with the European VLBI Network of telescopes

    South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope has successfully conducted very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations with telescopes of the European VLBI Network (EVN)—currently the world’s most sensitive VLBI network.

    Read more on the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations with telescopes

  • MeerKAT Radio Telescope Call for Observing Proposals

    The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) announces an opportunity to apply for observing time on the MeerKAT telescope.

    A minimum of 3,000 hours of telescope time will be awarded through this opportunity.

    Find out more on the MeerKAT Knowledge Base

  • Botswana joins growing African radio astronomy network with latest TART telescope installation

    Another Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) instrument has been deployed in Botswana during a workshop held at the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) from 17–21 March 2025.

    Read more on TART telescope installation

  • Milky Way’s cold gas clouds mapped in unprecedented detail by the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey

    Using the data from the most sensitive radio telescope on Earth, the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa, an international team of astronomers has released the most comprehensive catalog of cold hydrogen gas in the Milky Way galaxy as part of the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey

    Read more on cold hydrogen gas in the Milky Way galaxy
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Pioneers of Radio Astronomy

The Square Kilometre Array, built in South Africa, will be the largest radio telescope ever built and will produce science that changes our understanding of the universe. NRF/SARAO is responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including the MeerKAT Radio Telescope, Geodesy and VLBI activities.

Find out more about SARAO

Programmes and Opportunities

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awarded by academic level
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474+ Research Publications

on MeerKAT data
Explore publications on the MeerKAT ADS public library
400+ Staff

Employees: Across science, engineering, technical, and administrative roles.
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Featured News

Discover the latest breakthroughs, discoveries, and updates — exploring the universe’s wonders and advancing the frontiers of science.

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An Earth-sized radio observatory just got better: South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope joins forces with the European VLBI Network of telescopes

An Earth-sized radio observatory just got better: South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope joins forces with the European VLBI Network of telescopes

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MeerKAT Radio Telescope Call for Observing Proposals

MeerKAT Radio Telescope Call for Observing Proposals

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Telescope project equips African universities with practical radio astronomy teaching tools to boost interest in STEM fields

Telescope project equips African universities with practical radio astronomy teaching tools to boost interest in STEM fields

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Local impact study of HERA telescope shows direct benefits of radio astronomy infrastructure in South Africa’s Northern Cape province

Local impact study of HERA telescope shows direct benefits of radio astronomy infrastructure in South Africa’s Northern Cape province

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SARAO’s Video Archives – Watch, Learn, Explore

Engaging content on SARAO’s research, telescope operations, and cosmic discoveries—explore interviews, updates, and stunning visuals

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Our journey through the remarkable construction of the South African MeerKAT telescope

Our journey through the remarkable construction of the South African MeerKAT telescope

SARAO’s scientific findings + expert commentary, visualisation & an immersive experience

SARAO’s scientific findings + expert commentary, visualisation & an immersive experience

Watch – Six Astro tour guides graduate: Dr Anton Binneman

Watch – Six Astro tour guides graduate: Dr Anton Binneman

SARAO People: Meet the experts behind SARAO—the minds driving innovation in radio astronomy and shaping the future of science.

Right-open-mini Right-open-mini Meet the Experts

Keith Fisher – Fixed Asset Officer

Kim Anthony – Head: Human Capital Development

Dr. Benjamin Hugo – Software Developer

Jobs at SARAO

Cutting-edge technological advancements

SARAO Science: Discover the science driving SARAO’s world-class research

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26m and 15m telescopes at Hartebeesthoek

C-BASS C-Band All Sky Survey project

Geodesy Programme

South Africa’s HIRAX telescope driving industry engagements

A close-up view of a single MeerKAT radio telescope dish in the Karoo, reflecting sunlight against a backdrop of rugged terrain, symbolizing cutting-edge astronomical research

MeerKAT in Northern Cape, South Africa

The South African MeerKAT radio telescope, situated 90 km outside the small Northern Cape town of Carnarvon, is a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and will be integrated into the mid-frequency component of SKA Phase 1. The MeerKAT telescope is an array of 64 interlinked receptors (a receptor is the complete antenna structure, with the main reflector, sub-reflector and all receivers, digitisers and other electronics installed). Discover how the MeerKAT telescope is built.

26m and 15m radio telescope for radio astronomy and geodesy in Hartebeesthoek Site, Johannesburg, South Africa

SARAO Hartebeesthoek Site is located west of Johannesburg, South Africa. built in 1961 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America. An 85 foot = 26 metre diameter antenna was used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond Earth orbit. Discover Astronomy Instruments in Hartebeesthoek Site

Digitizer Technology (UHF-BAND Radio Frequency Conditioning Unit)

Digitizer Technology (UHF-BAND Radio Frequency Conditioning Unit)

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