What is Astronomy?
Astronomy is a natural science that studies celestial objects and the phenomena that occur in the cosmos. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry to explain their origin and their overall evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, meteoroids, asteroids, and comets.
Where Can I Study Astronomy In South Africa
- The National Astronomy and Space Science Programme
(run by a consortium of institutions)
University of Cape Town, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Private Bag Rondebosch 7701
Tel: (021) 650-2344/650-2334, Fax: (021) 650-2334 - University of Cape Town
Department of Astronomy, University of Cape Town
Private Bag Rondebosch 7700,
Tel: (021) 650-3342, Fax: (021) 650-3342 - University of the Free State
Department of Physics, University of the Free State
PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300,
Tel: (051) 401-2926/6158 - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
School of Pure and Applied Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 4041, Tel: (031) 260-2775, Fax: (031) 261-6550 - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209
Tel: (033) 260-5326, Fax: (033) 260-5009 - North-West University
School of Physics, North-West University
Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520
Tel: (018) 299-2423, Fax: (018) 299-2421 - Rhodes University
Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University
PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140,
Tel: (046) 603-8450, Fax: (046) 622-5049 - University of South Africa
Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Astronomy
PO Box 392, UNISA 0003
Tel: (012) 429-6202, Fax: (012) 429-6064 - University of Stellenbosch
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602
Tel: (021) 808-4368, Fax: (021) 808-4981 - University of the Witwatersrand
School of Computational and Applied Mathematics
Private Bag-3, Wits-2050, Johannesburg
Tel: (011) 717-6138, Fax: (011) 717-6149.
What subjects do you need to be an astronomer in South Africa?
degree in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering, or a specific undergraduate astronomy degree such as offered at the University of Cape Town or UNISA.
Other recommended subjects at university: Pure and Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Electronics and Chemistry.
Is astronomy in demand in South Africa?
South African and African Jobs
Opportunities in South Africa are especially good with two multi-million rand astronomy projects in progress: the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the South African Square Kilometre Array Project (SA SKA), which includes the Karoo Array Telescope (MeerKAT).