# South African Astronomical Observatory > national centre for astronomy in South Africa **Wikidata**: [Q227807](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q227807) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Astronomical_Observatory) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/south-african-astronomical-observatory ## Summary The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the national centre for astronomy in South Africa, serving as a research institute dedicated to astronomical research. Founded in 1820, it operates multiple observatories, including the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope and the Sutherland Observatory, and is part of the SuperWASP project. ## Key Facts - **Founded in 1820**, making it one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the Southern Hemisphere. - **Located in South Africa**, with its primary facilities in the City of Cape Town. - **Operated by the National Research Foundation**, ensuring its role as a national research institute. - **Has 128 employees** (as of 2021), contributing to its research and operational capacity. - **Part of the SuperWASP project**, collaborating with international astronomical initiatives. - **Includes the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, and Sutherland Observatory** as key components. - **Elevation of 15 meters** above sea level, providing optimal conditions for astronomical observations. - **Active on social media**, with a verified Twitter account (SAAO) and a Facebook page (SAAOnews). - **Official website**: [https://www.saao.ac.za/](https://www.saao.ac.za/), available in English. - **Aliases include SAAO, Observatorio Astronómico Sudafricano, and Observatoire astronomique d'Afrique du Sud**. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the South African Astronomical Observatory known for? A: The SAAO is known for its role as South Africa's national centre for astronomy, operating multiple observatories and contributing to astronomical research, including the SuperWASP project. ### Q: Where is the South African Astronomical Observatory located? A: The SAAO is located in South Africa, with its primary facilities in the City of Cape Town, including the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope and the Sutherland Observatory. ### Q: Who operates the South African Astronomical Observatory? A: The SAAO is operated by the National Research Foundation, ensuring its status as a national research institute. ### Q: How many employees does the South African Astronomical Observatory have? A: As of 2021, the SAAO has 128 employees, supporting its research and operational activities. ### Q: What is the elevation of the South African Astronomical Observatory? A: The SAAO is situated at an elevation of 15 meters above sea level, providing favorable conditions for astronomical observations. ## Why It Matters The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) plays a crucial role in advancing astronomical research in South Africa and beyond. As the national centre for astronomy, it operates multiple observatories, including the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope and the Sutherland Observatory, which are key to astronomical studies. The SAAO is part of the SuperWASP project, contributing to international collaborations in exoplanet research. By providing high-quality astronomical data and supporting research initiatives, the SAAO enhances our understanding of the universe and supports scientific advancements in the field of astronomy. Its work is essential for both national and global astronomical research, making it a vital institution in the scientific community. ## Notable For - **One of the oldest astronomical institutions in the Southern Hemisphere**, with a history dating back to 1820. - **Operates multiple observatories**, including the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope and the Sutherland Observatory. - **Part of the SuperWASP project**, contributing to international exoplanet research. - **National research institute**, operated by the National Research Foundation. - **Provides high-quality astronomical data**, supporting both national and global astronomical studies. ## Body ### History and Founding The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) was founded in **1820**, making it one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the Southern Hemisphere. Initially established as the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope, it has since expanded to include the Sutherland Observatory, which is located in a remote region of the Karoo, providing optimal conditions for astronomical observations. ### Location and Facilities The SAAO is situated in **South Africa**, with its primary facilities in the **City of Cape Town**. The **Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope** serves as a historic site, while the **Sutherland Observatory** is located at an elevation of **15 meters above sea level**, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution for astronomical research. ### Operations and Research The SAAO is **operated by the National Research Foundation**, ensuring its status as a national research institute. With **128 employees** (as of 2021), the observatory supports a range of astronomical research activities. It is also **part of the SuperWASP project**, collaborating with international initiatives to study exoplanets and other celestial phenomena. ### Social Media and Online Presence The SAAO maintains an active online presence, with a **verified Twitter account (SAAO)** and a **Facebook page (SAAOnews)**. The official website, [https://www.saao.ac.za/](https://www.saao.ac.za/), is available in English and provides detailed information about the observatory's research and activities. ### Contributions to Astronomy The SAAO has made significant contributions to astronomy, including its role in the **SuperWASP project**, which aims to detect exoplanets. The observatory's facilities, such as the **Sutherland Observatory**, are equipped with advanced telescopes and instruments, enabling high-quality astronomical observations. These contributions enhance our understanding of the universe and support scientific advancements in the field. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. CiNii Research 3. [Source](https://www.saao.ac.za/about/) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. [Source](https://www.saao.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SAAO-Annual-Review-2020-2021.pdf) 6. GeoNames 7. BabelNet 8. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions