Excursion to Sutherland by Patrick Woudt

26 Jul 2024
Patrick Woudt
26 Jul 2024

Course fee: R3 500 per person sharing; R3 800 for a single room 

Maximum number of participants: 20 

Booking is through Webtickets.

The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies is offering a unique opportunity to visit Sutherland, known for the radio quietness of its night sky. The excursion will be led by University of Cape Town astronomer Professor Patrick Woudt. 

Participants will have the opportunity to see the South African Large Telescope (SALT) as well as the other three major telescopes: the 1.0 metre telescope, the 1.9 metre telescope and Lesedi, which are all optical telescopes which gather ultraviolet, infrared and visible light from distant stars and galaxies to better understand our Universe. Besides the South African Astronomical Observatory’s flagship telescopes, the Sutherland facility houses several other telescopes and instruments, some of which will be available for viewing over the weekend. 

The weekend includes night-time viewing through the telescopes, lectures, a tour of the town, and the opportunity to interact with Professor Woudt. Participants meet at Matjiesfontein at midday and then proceed to Sutherland after enjoying lunch in the village. Included in the cost is accommodation at the Sutherland Hotel for two nights, breakfast on the Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday evening. Further details will be sent once participants have booked. 

Patrick Woudt is Professor of Astronomy Department at the University of Cape Town. His research interests are cataclysmic variable stars and optical and radio transient surveys, and his specialties astronomical research, postgraduate student supervision and undergraduate and postgraduate lecturing. He has been President of the South African Institute of Physics and Chair of the National Committee of South Africa for the International Astronomical Union and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics. 

For further information please contact Bronwyn Geldenhuys at ems@uct.ac.za or Medeé Rall at medee.rall@uct.ac.za