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SALT as an African Facility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

Peter Martinez*
Affiliation:
South African Astronomical Observatory, P.O. Box 9, Observatory 7935South Africa. e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

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Over the next five years, South Africa and its international partners will construct the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), a 10-m optical/near-infrared spectroscopic survey telescope. This paper traces the arguments used to justify the construction of such a facility in Africa. The collateral benefits expected from this project are discussed, along with suggestions of how to realize these benefits. SALT has the potential to promote the development of astronomy on the continent. The creation of an African Network for Astronomy Education and Research is proposed as a way to stimulate such development.

Type
Section 4: Current Status of Astronomy Research in Developing Countries
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Pacific 2001

References

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