Namibia poised to expand global ability to see into deep space
• Into the heart of the event horizon
Namibia offers an exceptional vantage point for pushing the boundaries of space imaging, standing on the threshold of becoming a central hub for global black hole research.
Francouis PretoriusWindhoek
The Namibia-based Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is moving steadily from vision to reality, guided by project leads Prof Michael Backes, Zandré Duvenhage, Dr Marc Klein Wolt and John Pallett.
Based at Farm Göllschau, located approximately 120 km west of Windhoek, selected as the site next to the established HESS observatory, the project has entered a crucial phase.
Following years of planning, the environmental assessment process is now in its scoping stage, with specialists conducting ecological and archaeological surveys to ensure that no endangered species or sensitive heritage material will be affected before construction begins.
Major leap
The scientific ambition behind the AMT is profound.
The telescope will feature a 14-metre dish and operate as a single-dish instrument, yet its power lies in collaboration.
It is set to be part of the global Event Horizon Telescope network, forming a virtual Earth-sized telescope capable of capturing unprecedented images of black holes and other cosmic structures.
With the centre of the Milky Way passing over southern Africa for long, uninterrupted periods, Namibia offers an exceptional vantage point for pushing the boundaries of space imaging.
Construction is planned to begin in April or May 2026.
Site clearing is expected to take one to three months, followed by four to fifteen months of telescope construction.
Once completed, the AMT will operate almost entirely remotely, requiring minimal on-site staff thanks to fully robotised systems. The telescope is designed to perform for 30 years or more, with a long-term service agreement already secured with the landowner.
Home-grown science
The project is proudly Namibian-owned and will be operated locally. Training and capacity building remain central goals, supported by initiatives such as the Mobile Planetarium outreach programme, which is already introducing students and Namibian citizens in general to the breathtaking field of astronomy.
Over the next two years, the team will focus on securing full funding, with significant international scientific investments expected. “If it works for astronomy, it works for everything else,” Dr Klein Wolt explained.
Socio-economic benefits extend far beyond the scientific community.
High-tech projects of this scale drive local innovation by challenging Namibian companies to develop advanced technologies and solve complex engineering problems. These efforts foster long-term creative jobs and strengthen national capacity.
The environmental assessment highlights temporary negative impacts during construction, including area disturbance, the risk of accidental fires or illegal activities linked to construction camps, and limited water availability. Positive impacts include international recognition for Namibia, expanded opportunities for local scientists and students, and exchange programmes with global researchers.
During the operational phase, Event Horizon Telescope activities will take place once a year for a few weeks, with occasional use by University of Namibia scientists and no permanent on-site presence.
With an optimistic target of six years to first light, Namibia stands on the threshold of becoming a central hub for global black hole research.
The Namibia-based Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is moving steadily from vision to reality, guided by project leads Prof Michael Backes, Zandré Duvenhage, Dr Marc Klein Wolt and John Pallett.
Based at Farm Göllschau, located approximately 120 km west of Windhoek, selected as the site next to the established HESS observatory, the project has entered a crucial phase.
Following years of planning, the environmental assessment process is now in its scoping stage, with specialists conducting ecological and archaeological surveys to ensure that no endangered species or sensitive heritage material will be affected before construction begins.
Major leap
The scientific ambition behind the AMT is profound.
The telescope will feature a 14-metre dish and operate as a single-dish instrument, yet its power lies in collaboration.
It is set to be part of the global Event Horizon Telescope network, forming a virtual Earth-sized telescope capable of capturing unprecedented images of black holes and other cosmic structures.
With the centre of the Milky Way passing over southern Africa for long, uninterrupted periods, Namibia offers an exceptional vantage point for pushing the boundaries of space imaging.
Construction is planned to begin in April or May 2026.
Site clearing is expected to take one to three months, followed by four to fifteen months of telescope construction.
Once completed, the AMT will operate almost entirely remotely, requiring minimal on-site staff thanks to fully robotised systems. The telescope is designed to perform for 30 years or more, with a long-term service agreement already secured with the landowner.
Home-grown science
The project is proudly Namibian-owned and will be operated locally. Training and capacity building remain central goals, supported by initiatives such as the Mobile Planetarium outreach programme, which is already introducing students and Namibian citizens in general to the breathtaking field of astronomy.
Over the next two years, the team will focus on securing full funding, with significant international scientific investments expected. “If it works for astronomy, it works for everything else,” Dr Klein Wolt explained.
Socio-economic benefits extend far beyond the scientific community.
High-tech projects of this scale drive local innovation by challenging Namibian companies to develop advanced technologies and solve complex engineering problems. These efforts foster long-term creative jobs and strengthen national capacity.
The environmental assessment highlights temporary negative impacts during construction, including area disturbance, the risk of accidental fires or illegal activities linked to construction camps, and limited water availability. Positive impacts include international recognition for Namibia, expanded opportunities for local scientists and students, and exchange programmes with global researchers.
During the operational phase, Event Horizon Telescope activities will take place once a year for a few weeks, with occasional use by University of Namibia scientists and no permanent on-site presence.
With an optimistic target of six years to first light, Namibia stands on the threshold of becoming a central hub for global black hole research.
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