Starry Karoo Observatory

About Starry Karoo Observatory

The Starry Karoo Observatory is a private, amateur astronomical site located near Sutherland in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,450 metres on the KlipKraal 2 farm, the observatory was established by French amateur astronomer Thierry Payet to leverage the region's exceptionally low light pollution and dry climate. Its close proximity to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) field station and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) allows it to benefit from the same pristine, high-altitude viewing conditions that define the area as a major international hub for deep-sky observation.