SAAO Sutherland Night Tour 2022

ABOUT

The night tours are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

People per tour: 30

Fee: R120,00 per person

Children 6 – 11: R60

Children under 6: Free

Night tours allow visitors to view interesting objects in the night sky, through two dedicated visitor telescopes. Note that visitors cannot visit any of the research telescopes at night. Astronomy is a light-sensitive science and no lights are allowed on the plateau in the evenings, making it impossible to see anything at all.

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes but may be canceled due to inclement weather conditions. If the weather is bad, the guide will take you to the Visitor Centre for a movie in case it clears up later.

Tour fees go towards the SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs. Tour bookings must be paid in advance – no payments will be accepted on-site.

Tour guides will meet you at the Visitor Centre at your scheduled time. If you arrive early please wait at the Visitor Centre for your guide. This is a secure site and all other buildings are off-limits to the public.

In an emergency, you may call 076 900 0308. For queries, please email [email protected]/[email protected]

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE UP THE ROAD LEADING TO THE DOMES. This is a “NO LIGHTS” research area where local and international astronomers are at work. The visitors’ telescopes are very near the Visitor Centre and not up on the hill.

Please note that we do not do tours on public holidays.