Work

South Africa's Goverment Initiatives in Geodesy and the role of Astronomy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This presentation, delivered at the AfAS 2025 conference in South Africa, explores the fundamental connection between geodesy and astronomy through the lens of astrometry. Tracing the historical roots of celestial measurement from ancient observatories to modern VLBI and reference frames, it argues that geodesy is not merely a support service, but a core scientific discipline underpinning precision astronomy. The talk challenges disciplinary boundaries and makes the case for formally integrating geodesy into national and continental astronomy strategies, using South Africa’s updated Multi-Wavelength Astronomy Strategy (2025–2035) as context.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15630506

Author: de Witt, Aletha

Institution: Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

Language: English

Topic: GNSS positioning and interference

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: UK Research and Innovation

Award: G5253150449