Sutherland was chosen for its exceptionally clear, dry skies and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best astronomical observation sites in the world. SALT was built through an international partnership and continues to support cutting-edge astrophysics research.
Source: South African Astronomical Observatory
Frequently Asked Questions
What has SALT been used to study?
SALT has contributed to research on distant galaxies, exoplanets, black holes and gamma-ray bursts, and provides valuable follow-up observation capacity for discoveries made by other telescopes worldwide.
Can the public visit SALT?
The Sutherland site offers guided tours and a visitor centre, giving the public a chance to see the telescope and learn about the region's astronomy in person.
How big is SALT's main mirror?
Its primary mirror is roughly 11 metres across, made up of 91 smaller hexagonal segments working together as a single reflective surface.