2 minute read
SKAO pavilion pulls in crowds
from Contact 16
BY JOE DIAMOND (SKAO)
The SKAO brought its best to Cape Town with a captivating pavilion that became a standout feature at the IAU General Assembly.
Held for the first time on African soil, this event offered an ideal platform to engage delegates from around the world in one of the SKAO’s host countries.
At the heart of the exhibition space was the SKAO pavilion: an expansive space designed for exploration, learning, and connecting. Here, visitors met some of the scientists and engineers behind our telescopes and learned about the cosmic mysteries they will aim to solve.
Highlights included an immersive virtual reality journey to the SKA-Mid and SKA-Low sites, screenings of the award-winning documentary Beyond the Milky Way, and hands-on interactions with real telescope hardware.
Delegates added a personal touch by signing a unique “guestbook” – one of 66 white triangular panels that make up the 15-metre main reflector of the SKA-Mid dishes. The pavilion also featured a full-size replica of an SKA-Low antenna, along with interactive displays and a giant LED screen showcasing the Observatory’s latest milestones.
A curated selection of SKAO merchandise was available, including beadwork models of the SKA-Mid dish crafted by local artisans, with proceeds supporting outreach initiatives in the Karoo.
Over two weeks, thousands visited the pavilion, drawn by its innovative displays and dynamic atmosphere. Reflecting the SKAO’s commitment to sustainability, the modular structure can be reused for future events, ensuring the Observatory can continue sharing its vision with the world in spectacular style.
