SARAO Hartebeesthoek Site, Johannesburg

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SARAO Public Open Days, Hartebeesthoek Site

Registration for the SARAO Hartebeesthoek Site Open Day is open.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) cordially invites the public to an Open Day at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory on Thursday, 23 July 2026 from 10h00 am.

In observance of National Science Month taking place from 1 – 31 July 2026, this event aims to showcase advancements in science and technology occurring within South Africa.

Admission and registration: Attendance is free; however, as capacity is limited, guests are encouraged to complete their registration at the earliest opportunity.

Historical context: Established in 1961 as NASA’s “Deep Space Station 51,” the facility originally supported lunar and planetary missions to Venus and Mars. It was later transitioned into a national research facility in 1975.

Current Operations: The observatory now specializes in sophisticated radio astronomy and space geodesy. Visitors will have the opportunity to view significant scientific instrumentation, including large-scale radio telescopes and satellite laser ranging systems.

Location: The facility is situated at Farm 502 JQ, Hartebeesthoek, Broederstroom Road, Hartebeesthoek, 1740.

Requirements: Formal registration is mandatory. Participants must provide a completed indemnity form, with specific versions available for adults and minors (under 18 years of age).

Register here

Download and complete the compulsory NRF-SARAO Indemnity Form for persons 18 years and older

Download and complete the compulsory NRF-SARAO Indemnity Form for persons under 18 years of age

For more information or queries, contact events@sarao.ac.za

We look forward to hosting you on Open Day!

Open Day for the MeerKAT radio telescope and SKA site visit is set for Saturday, 10 August 2024, and Sunday, 11 August 2024

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) will host the second Open Day for 2024, aimed at allowing members of the public to visit the MeerKAT radio telescope and other instruments that are hosted on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) site.

The MeerKAT radio telescope, an array of 64 interlinked receptors, is situated 90 km outside the Northern Cape Town of Carnarvon. The MeerKAT is a precursor to the SKA telescope and will be integrated into the mid-frequency component of SKA Phase 1.

Details of the Open Day are as follows: 

  • Date: Saturday, 10 August 2024 and Sunday, 11 August 2024

No public visits can be accommodated outside of the date above. New dates will be announced in due course.

  • Meeting point: Sassa Hall, Carnarvon (Corner of Burger Street and Lang Street) – GPS Coordinates -30.958479, 22.127298
  • Duration of Tour: 07h00-16h00
  • Total capacity: 100 people (Maximum 5 people per group)
  • Price: R350 per person (includes return transport to site, welcome refreshments)

Please read and accept our Public Open Day Visitor Information and Terms and Conditions to proceed to our online booking form.

Please email events@sarao.ac.za if you have any queries regarding bookings.

SARAO Hartebeeshoek Site Visit Booking Form

At SARAO’s Public Open Days, visitors get a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the field of radio astronomy and SARAO’s pioneering work firsthand. Here are some highlights of what typically happens:

  1. Guided Tours: Visitors can tour SARAO’s facilities, including viewing telescopes and other essential infrastructure, where they learn about the technical and scientific aspects of radio astronomy.
  2. Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on exhibits showcase how radio telescopes work, the data collection process, and how radio waves are used to study celestial phenomena.
  3. Talks and Presentations: Experts from SARAO present talks on various topics, such as recent discoveries, ongoing projects, and the role of SARAO in the global scientific community.
  4. Q&A Sessions: Attendees can engage in Q&A sessions with scientists, engineers, and other SARAO staff, allowing for deeper insight into specific aspects of radio astronomy and SARAO’s impact on science.
  5. Kids’ Activities (Ages 10+): Special activities are organized for younger visitors, interactive games, and educational workshops to spark their interest in space and astronomy.
  6. Career Information: Information about careers in radio astronomy and STEM fields is provided, including discussions on how to pursue relevant education and training.
  7. Networking and Community Engagement: These open days serve as a platform for SARAO to connect with the public, answer questions about their work, and foster enthusiasm for astronomy.

These open days aim to make science accessible, inspire curiosity, and build public support for SARAO’s mission.

General Information

  • All visitors to the NRF/SARAO Hartebeeshoek Site (“the site”) visit these premises at their own risk.
  • All visitors are required to submit signed indemnity forms no less than 5 days before a Public Open Day. Bookings will not be confirmed until a signed indemnity form for each individual in a group has been received by SARAO. Instructions on how to submit a signed online indemnity form will be provided once you have completed and submitted the online booking form.
  • Transport, accommodation, and subsistence costs to/from Hartebeeshoek Site are for the visitor’s own account.
  • Due to the risk of radio frequency interference (RFI), visitors may NOT bring mobile telephones or digital cameras to the site. Visitors should lock these away in a vehicle before departure for the site.
  • Visitors are required to bring their own refreshments and a packed lunch, including cold drinks.
  • STRICTLY NO ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
  • In the hot summer months, visitors are recommended to bring at least 1.5 litres of drinking water each. Please note that the water on the site is not drinkable.
  • There are no shops or facilities on the site where visitors can buy food or drinks.
  • There are no microwave ovens, cooking or braai facilities on the site.
  • Visitors are required to be completely self-sufficient with respect to food and drink during the Public Open Day.
  • Visitors should wear casual, comfortable clothing.
  • A hat and closed walking shoes are the minimum health and safety requirement when visiting the site.
  • Visitors are advised to bring sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm, as well as a light jacket.
  • Please consult your preferred weather forecast website or app for the predicted weather before departing from your accommodation to the meeting point.

Directions to Hartebeeshoek Site, Johhanesburg

Contact

SARAO Communications Unit

Email: events@sarao.ac.za

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