Join Dr Sarah Buchner to explore rotating neutron stars with MeerKAT
Sarah Buchner is the operations lead at the MeerKAT Radio Telescope. She will discuss recent discoveries made by MeerKAT, as well as introduce the audience to life behind the scenes at the site.
Image: Sarah Buchner
Sarah Buchner, science operations lead for the MeerKAT Radio Telescope, will present a talk on discoveries made using the powerful telescope at the Welcome Glen Farmhouse in Glencairn.
The event will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at 6.30pm.
Dr Buchner oversees the scheduling and coordination of MeerKAT’s scientific activities.
Her experience includes managing observation projects at MeerKAT, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), and even in Antarctica.
She has been involved in several major discoveries, including identifying a mysterious stellar object that may bridge the gap between neutron stars and black holes.
Located near Carnarvon in the Northern Cape, the MeerKAT telescope’s 64 dishes have helped position South Africa as a global leader in radio astronomy. One of its key research areas is the study of pulsars - magnetised, rotating neutron stars - and its data has also contributed to research on gravitational waves.
An image of the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way, taken with the MeerKAT Radio Telescope.
Image: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)
In her talk, Dr Buchner will highlight discoveries made at MeerKAT over the past five years, from new pulsars and galaxies to findings that help astronomers better understand the boundary between neutron stars and black holes.
The event forms part of the SmallTalX series, which brings scientists, conservationists and researchers together with the public in a relaxed setting.
It’s the second SmallTalX event in the Deep South - the first featured herpetologist Tyrone Ping, who spoke about the snakes, reptiles and amphibians of the Cape Peninsula.
Tickets cost R140, including a glass of wine. Booking is essential, as seating is limited. Reservations can be made online at www.smalltalx.info/event-details/radio-astronomy-at-meerkat-behind-the-scenes, via email at smalltalx.info@gmail.com, or WhatsApp 073 421 8879.