The Cape Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa has a proud history of providing an environment where enthusiasts can share their interest in astronomy.

Who are we?

We are a group of amateur astronomers, mainly from Cape Town and environments. Our members range from beginners to experts and come from different backgrounds and ages. We welcome all who are interested in astronomy.

What do we do?

At our weekly meetings there are presentations, talks, discussions and demonstrations. These offer opportunities for our members to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

• we have regular, monthly "dark sky" outings when we escape the worst of the city lights to enjoy an evening of stargazing together
• we arrange events to mark special events and excursions to places of interest
• our library is available to all members
• we have a limited amount of astronomical equipment available to rent to members
• we provide support to some of the outreach and educational activities of the Southern African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and other institutions and organisations, such as the Iziko Planetarium in Cape Town and the MTN Science Centre
• we arrange occasional social events and family evenings
• we have a regular newsletter, the Cape Observer.

Joining the Cape Centre

To join, come along on a Wednesday evening, fill in your application form and pay your membership fee. Cost to join the Cape Centre is R70 per year per person or R100 for a family. As our year runs from July to June, membership fees are half price if you join from January to June.

Cape Centre Membership Form (PDF; 700 Kb)

Do I have to be an expert or own a telescope?

No, you do not need to own astronomical equipment to join - nor do you have to be a seasoned observer. All you need is an interest in the night sky and the universe out there. However, some of our members are very experienced observers and they are prepared to share their knowledge with newcomers.

Our members are fascinated by in many aspects of amateur astronomy, so whatever your special interest is, you are likely to encounter like-minded people at Cape Centre.

A little history

The Cape Astronomical Association formed in 1912 was the first astronomical society in South Africa. The Johannesburg Society was formed in 1918 and in 1922 the Cape and Johannesburg societies amalgamated to form the Astronomical Society of South Africa (ASSA). In 1956 its name changed to the current Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (with the Cape as one of its centres).

About the ASSA

The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), formed in 1922, is a body consisting of both amateur and professional astronomers. Membership is open to any interested person, regardless of knowledge or experience in astronomy.

Autonomous local centres of the ASSA hold regular meetings in Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Hermanus, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria and Sedgefield. Visitors are welcome at meetings and may, if they wish, join a centre without becoming full members of the Society. Centre members receive no Society publications. The centres publish newsletters carrying information on meetings, centre activities and topics of interest.