Sutherland trip vii - Caged!

Posted by dobbino (Cape Town, South Africa) on 28 July 2009 in People & Portrait.

Sutherland is the town that hosts the SALT (Southern African Largest Telescope). The telescope is housed in one of many observatories that are located in an area about 18 kilometres from the town, and Jacqui and I went on both the day and night tour of the facilities.

During the night tour, one does not get the opportunity to visit the SALT Observatory, because the astronomers are busy observing (Duh!). And though both tours are well worth doing, the visit to SALT during the day tour is without question the highlight. Access to the facility is naturally quite limited, and one is behind glass all the time, but it is nevertheless a really informative and interesting time - unreservedly recommended.

This photo was taken from one of the observation points, looking into the control room. The guys working inside are obviously used to everyone staring and looking in, but someone there with a sense of humour stuck the sign up on the inside of the glass. At the bottom of the sign is a handwritten message saying "And no - one star is not just the same as another"! Gotta love these guys!

Happy Silly Tuesday everyone. I may be wrong but I think this is the last time Jack will be hosting the submissions. From my side, Jack - thank you - I really enjoy trying to find something to post on Tuesdays, and you have done a great job keeping things going while Caroline has been away. Have a look at Jack's page for the rest of the submissions today.

And Liners - have a safe trip home!

All comments, and especially constructive criticism is truly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time.

All images © Rob Minter, and licensed in terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 South Africa License

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