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Poland in South Africa

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20 Years of Polish Involvement in the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Project

10.11.2025

Mr. Jacek Chodorowicz, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria, took part in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the SALT project. Also in attendance were prominent Polish scientists and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina.

A group of five people stand in front of the Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland (one woman, four men; the building is white and grey and has a dome

The ceremony took place on 10 November 2025 at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Sutherland, South Africa. The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, thanked the audience for their contribution to this unique project.

SALT is currently the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Poland's involvement stems from the implementation of a bilateral agreement on scientific and technical cooperation signed in 1999.

The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences is a long-term partner of SALT. Thanks to the work conducted at SALT, numerous valuable scientific publications have been produced, and Polish experts have access to a unique global tool for space research.

Photos: Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria and SALT

Photos (4)

Display photo 1 in the gallery. A group of five people stand in front of the Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland (one woman, four men; the building is white and grey and has a dome Display photo 2 in the gallery. A woman in colorful dress delivers a speech Display photo 3 in the gallery. Few buildings in the distance which are a part of the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, they are white and grey and have the domes, white car driving on the road, small bushes, sunny day, blue sky with some small white clouds Display photo 4 in the gallery. Main buiding of rhe South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, building is white with gray dome; few cars stand in front of the Observatory; tiny bushes in front; rocks 
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