Advancing a world-class astronomy sector in South Africa
The Astronomy Management Authority (AMA) advances the development of a world-class astronomy sector in South Africa in line with the objectives of the Multiwavelength Astronomy Strategy.
An enabling environment for research and knowledge production
To provide an enabling environment for research and knowledge production that promotes the strategic development of basic sciences and priority science areas, through science promotion, human-capital development, and the provision of research infrastructure and relevant research support, in pursuit of South Africa’s transition to a knowledge economy.
The Astronomy chief directorate has two directorates managing thematic priorities aligned to its focus areas, namely Multiwavelength Astronomy and the Astronomy Management Authority.
What the AMA sets out to achieve
Aligned with the objectives of the Multiwavelength Astronomy Strategy, the AMA puts in place relevant policies, strategies, funding instruments, partnerships and programmes in order to…
Protect telescope sites
Safeguard South Africa’s protected astronomy observation sites from radio-frequency interference and light pollution.
Maximise investment returns
Grow scientific outputs, outreach, human-capital development, socio-economic benefits, innovations and industrial capability.
Support astronomy in Africa
Contribute to the development of astronomy across the African continent through partnerships and infrastructure.
Enabling policy environment
Put in place relevant policies, strategies, funding instruments and programmes aligned with the Multiwavelength Astronomy Strategy.
Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Area (KCAAA)
A radio telescope is an instrument used to detect emissions from across the cosmos — produced by interstellar molecules that might be early stages in the emergence of life, clouds of hydrogen that soon form stars, or giant galaxies where black holes generate plumes of hot gas.
The KCAAA in the Northern Cape hosts the 64-dish MeerKAT, a precursor to the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA Observatory (SKAO) was established as an intergovernmental treaty organisation in February 2021. Construction activities commenced in July 2021 and will continue until 2029, adding approximately 133 dishes to MeerKAT to produce the SKA-Mid array in South Africa.
Protecting the radio-quiet environment of the KCAAA is critical to preserving its scientific value for generations.
Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area (SCAAA)
The SCAAA is South Africa’s premier optical astronomy site — a high, dry, dark-sky plateau near Sutherland in the Northern Cape hosting the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and a growing family of international observing facilities operated by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
Regulations for the SCAAA safeguard the site from stray light and other forms of interference so that ground-breaking optical, near-infrared and multiwavelength research can continue for decades to come — benefiting local communities in Sutherland and the wider Karoo Hoogland region.
Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act (Act No. 21 of 2007)
The AGA Act gives the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation the power to protect areas — through regulations — that are of strategic national importance for astronomy and related scientific endeavours.
An area can only be protected after it has been declared as an Astronomy Advantage Area (AAA). The Minister must undertake an extensive and consultative public participation process with all interested and affected parties, recorded on a permanent database.
Once the Minister has declared an AAA, detailed regulations that flesh out what is and isn’t allowed in the area must also be published. The promulgation of these regulations must also follow an extensive public-participation process.
Ready to submit an application?
Register on the AGA Act online system to begin.