20–27 Mar 2026
Wild View Resorts
Africa/Gaborone timezone

Single-dish observing programs and data processing systems at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Not scheduled
20m
Wild View Resorts

Wild View Resorts

Plot 80 President Avenue, Kasane, Botswana
In-person - Poster Presentation 10 S&E poster Science & Engineering

Speaker

Pfesesani van Zyl (SARAO)

Description

The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory operates long running single-dish continuum and spectroscopic programs that support astronomy and geodesy in Africa and globally. The continuum program provides multi wavelength flux density monitoring of compact sources for variability and calibration studies. The spectroscopic program tracks OH, H2O, and methanol masers in star-forming regions and evolved stars, providing velocity and intensity data used for flare analysis and long term monitoring.

HartRAO also develops software for drift scan reduction, calibration, RFI detection, and automated quality assessment. These systems improve processing speed and reliability for large observing runs. The presentation gives an overview of the observing programs and the supporting software that maintains the scientific output of the 26 m telescope.

Stream Science or Engineering

Primary author

Pfesesani van Zyl (SARAO)

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.