Here it from the top: Kechil interviews the director of Astronomy at the Department of Science and Technology, Takalani Nemaungani. He describes something of his portfolio and what the Dept S&T does with its budget - which is phenomenal. This is a golden age for astronomy and South Africa is at the centre of it all, with the largest telescopes in the world, big data centres in the making, and great success stories.

From time to time star-gazers, astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers get together in a remote, dark place for a Star Party. These happen all over the world, including in South Africa. Kechil is joined here in Leeuwenboschfontein by John Richards with his telescope, describing the heavenly treasures that were briefly visible before the snow clouds came over. You will hear the sounds in the background of people setting up their telescopes and discussing the night's observing.

If you'd like to know more, take a look at https://southernstarparty.org/

Kechil visited the Royal Astronomical Society in London recently and spoke to Morgan Hollis about the organisation and its long history, plus its funding of an Astronomical Data exhibition in South Africa, to be developed here in Cape Town.

Dr Daniel Cunnama is the Science Engagement officer at the South African Astronomical Observatory and here tells us about his role and aspirations to involve the public - that's YOU - in the wonders of astronomy.

Cosmic numbers are astronomical. How do we deal with this big data? Professor Michelle Cluver talks about the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy and how it will tackle the big data problems right here in Cape Town.

spooky action at a distance

More astronomical mysteries: Astronomers have detected an intense and mysteriously low frequency radio signal coming from space.

Looking Up - 03 August 2018

Total lunar eclipse tonight! To enjoy with the astronomy society come along to the Waterfront somewhere near the big wheel. This is the longest total lunar eclipse of the century so don't miss this spectacle.

Also on tonight's broadcast the latest from Life on Mars. A lake has been found. Awesome!

Last Friday MEERKAT was inaugurated in the Northern Cape, to much pomp and ceremony, with many dignitaries present including the Deputy Prime Minister David Mabuza. It is the largest telescope in the world. This is an astonishing achievement for the country, as this is a South African project. The engineering and science have all been local. This is beyond wining the football World Cup and Wimbledon all at once! Fernando Camilo, the Chief Scientist of SARAO, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, talks about MEERKAT and what this means for South Africa and world science.