SANSA - Internationally recognised as World-class Facility

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in Hermanus has recently been declared a National Key Point because of the valuable work that they do. Established in 2010, SANSA is responsible for managing and coordinating South Africa's activities in space science and technology. From earth observation to satellite communication, SANSA plays a critical role in enabling the country to harness the benefits of space technology. If you're interested in learning more about SANSA and its operations, you're in luck - the agency offers free tours of its Hermanus facility every Wednesday at 11h00, just make sure to call and reserve your spot beforehand. 

A Railway Station Without a Railway

Have you ever wondered why Hermanus has a railway station, but no railway was ever built here? Sir William Hoy (Yes, the gentleman who is buried above his favourite peak, "Hoy's Koppie") so loved the tranquillity of the town that he stopped plans to build a railway line into town. Thanks to his keenness to preserve the town from the bustle of tourism, no lines were built and coincidently the town's magnetic fields too were preserved from disturbing influences. 

Magnetically Clean Hermanus

The Magnetic Observatory of UCT determined that the underlying geology, consisting mainly of sandstone, had negligibly small magnetic gradients and thus identified Hermanus as the ideal location to use sensitive equipment, where there would be no electromagnetic interference caused by railway lines. The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory opened its doors on the 1st of January 1941, which would grow into the impressive facilities that SANSA now has to offer:

SANSA's Facilities

• The Space Weather Centre monitors the Sun for any activity which can cause interference to high-frequency communications and global navigation. During the weekly public tours, Katekile, who is passionate about her work, will provide an intriguing presentation about the happenings here.

• SANSA is internationally recognised as a world-class facility for magnetic technology and applications. The magnetically-clean facility hosts impressive specialised equipment within a 16 ha buffer area against electric and low-frequency magnetic disturbances.

• You'll also find the workspace of Antarctic Engineers who service specialised equipment that is used at the base in Antarctica. The engineers stationed at the South African National Antarctic Expedition base IV (SANAE) oversee equipment operations and maintenance, while also monitoring data feeds. Their research primarily focuses on analyzing the space environment, specifically investigating the effects of solar activity on disturbances to Earth's magnetic field.

• At the Science Centre, visitors can admire a stunning mural showcasing the Antarctic South African base while engaging with interactive science exhibits. The centre offers science workshops, holiday programmes, robotics workshops and tournaments that inspire and cultivate a passion for science among young enthusiasts.

SANSA's Outreach

The warm and open guide of the SANSA public tours, Thandile, also does the outreach to schools and robotics classes (both at the facility and in Zwehlihe and Mount Pleasant). He inspires youth to get interested in the study of Science.

International Guests and Scholars

SANSA is currently home to the only Solar Physicist in South Africa. Dr Martin Snow is the newly-appointed Research Chair in space weather and hails from the University of Colorado where his 17-year research project, to measure the brightness of the Sun in ultraviolet wavelengths, drew to a close. SANSA attracts many international guests and students who come to study in this stimulating environment that includes a vast library and opportunities to exchange ideas with experts in the field.

In its magnetically clean state, Hermanus is more than just a beautiful and pristine town; it's also a hub of knowledge and innovation. Thanks to this immaculate environment, SANSA has been able to thrive and push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Pop in on a Wednesday at 11h00 to meet some of the wonderful folks at SANSA and learn more about the fascinating work that they do.