CODATAInternational Council for Science : Committee on Data for Science and Technology
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Database of Data Resources in Africa



 Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
AbbreviationsHARTRAO
URL of organisationhttp://www.hartrao.ac.za or http://www.nrf.ac.za/facilities/hartrao/
Postal addressPO Box 443
 Krugersdorp
 1740
Type of organisationScience councils and National facilities
Description oforganisationHARTRAO is the major radio astronomy observatory in Africa
Broad subject fieldsPhysical sciences. Astronomy (1701)
Description of dataset(s) or databaseRadio Astronomy - Measures radio wave emission at particular frequencies from objects in space. Satellite Laser Ranging - Measures distance to satellites utilising laser systems as the satellite orbits the earth. Global Positioning System (GPS) - Measures GPS station position.
Accessible via the Internethttp://www.hartrao.ac.za
KeywordsRadio frequency interference desktop studies; Square kilometre array (SKA); Radio astronomy; Satellite orbit determination; Karoo Array Telescope (KAT)
E-mail Click here to send an e-mail message
Telephone number+27 12 301-3100 or +27 12 301-3100
Fax number+27 12 301-3300 or +27 12 301-3300



 National Research Foundation. South African Astronomical Observatory
AbbreviationsSAAO
URL of organisationhttp://www.saao.ac.za
Postal addressPO Box 9
 Observatory
 7935
Type of organisationScience councils and National facilities
Description oforganisationThe South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. It is a facility of the National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology. Its prime function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing a world-class facility and by promoting astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa. SAAO headquarters are in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town. The main telescopes used for research are located at the SAAO observing station near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, a 4 hour drive from Cape Town. The SAAO is the premier optical/infrared astronomy facility in Africa and plays a leading role in the promotion of astronomy in the continent. In terms of research, the SAAO is one of the most productive scientific institutions on the continent. There are strong international links worldwide through scientific collaboration and technological exchange. The SAAO operates the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on behalf of the SALT Foundation, an international consortium comprising members from USA, Poland, Germany, UK and New Zealand as well as South Africa. SALT is the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The South African share of the data from this telescope will be made available through the International Virtual Observatory.
Broad subject fieldsEarth and marine sciences. Space and earth science (1412) - Physical sciences. Astronomy (1701)
Name of database/datasetSAAO Astronomical Data
Description of dataset(s) or databaseHistorical photographic plate collection of astronomical images and spectra. Modern electronic images, spectra and other measurements.
Accessible via the Internethttp://www.saao.ac.za/resources/astronomical-data/
KeywordsAstronomy; Telescope; Photometry; Spectroscopy
E-mail Click here to send an e-mail message
Telephone number+27 21 447-0025 or +27 21 447-0025
Fax number+27 21 447-3639 or +27 21 447-3639