Frequently Asked Questions

The Astronomy Geographic Advantage (AGA) Act of 2007 is legislation that gives the Minister of Science and Technology 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.

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever built. Hosting the SKA-Mid array in South Africa positions the country at the forefront of global radio astronomy and drives investment in science, engineering, human-capital development and industrial capability.

Radio telescopes detect faint radio emissions from across the cosmos — produced by interstellar molecules, hydrogen clouds forming stars, and giant galaxies where black holes generate plumes of hot gas. Because these signals are extremely weak, the observing environment must be free of man-made radio-frequency interference.

The Karoo region of the Northern Cape combines exceptional radio-quiet conditions, low population density, stable geology and clear skies — making it ideal for hosting the MeerKAT and future SKA-Mid telescopes. Protecting this radio-quiet zone is the reason for the Karoo Central AAA (KCAAA).

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is Africa's largest single optical telescope, located near Sutherland in the Northern Cape. It has contributed to landmark discoveries including observations of the 2017 neutron-star collision that revealed how heavy elements like gold form.

Optical telescopes collect visible and near-infrared light from stars, galaxies and other cosmic sources. Because they need dark, clear skies free of light pollution, the site around Sutherland is protected as the Sutherland Central AAA (SCAAA).

The KCAAA regulations set out permitted and prohibited activities within the Karoo Central AAA, including restrictions on radio-frequency-emitting equipment, communications infrastructure and other activities that could interfere with radio-astronomy observations.

Aircraft operating within or near the KCAAA are subject to specific regulations designed to minimise radio-frequency interference to sensitive radio-astronomy instruments. Pilots and aviation operators should consult the AMA before overflight or ground operations.

The SCAAA regulations govern activities that could affect optical-astronomy observations from Sutherland, including outdoor lighting standards, radio-frequency interference and other potentially disruptive activities.

For the general public living in and around the AAAs, ordinary FM radio and television reception is not affected. The regulations focus on high-power and specialised radio-frequency equipment that could interfere with radio-astronomy observations — not everyday consumer electronics inside private homes.

Cell phone use inside your home is generally unaffected. Specific restrictions apply near sensitive radio-astronomy installations, and mobile-network operators work with the AMA to plan infrastructure that respects the radio-quiet zone.

Ordinary domestic electrical machinery is not affected. Certain industrial or high-emission equipment may require authorisation from the AMA before it is installed or operated within a protected AAA.