SA 'at forefront of astronomy'
2005-11-11 07:14
Sutherland - The Southern African Large Telescope (Salt) will enable the country to remain among the front ranks of those involved in astronomy, President Thabo Mbeki said on Thursday.
Speaking at the inauguration of Salt at the South African Astronomical Observatory near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, he said the global scientific community would benefit greatly from the venture.
"Even those of us who know nothing about astronomy have awaited this day with great anticipation... that this giant eye in the Karoo will tell us as yet unknown and exciting things about ourselves," he said.
Among the fundamental questions about the universe Salt would tackle were what it was like when the first stars and galaxies were formed, what kind of worlds orbit other suns, and how stars in nearby galaxies differ from those in the solar system.
The inauguration of Salt was attended by about 1 000 guests, including Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena, his deputy Derek Hanekom, and Northern Cape Premier Dipuo Peters.
- SAPA