{"id":50863,"date":"2025-01-02T13:27:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T13:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricaportal.com\/?p=50863"},"modified":"2025-01-10T11:44:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T11:44:07","slug":"saao-summer-learnerships-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricaportal.com\/saao-summer-learnerships-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"SAAO Summer Learnerships Programme 2025-2026 | How to Apply"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAAO Summer Learnerships Application 2025,<\/strong> How to apply for SAAO Summer Learnerships programme, requirements, eligibility, and application closing date 2025.<\/p>\n

Are you a student looking for\u00a0Learnerships<\/strong> in South Africa 2025? Application is invited from suitably and qualifies applicants for the SAAO Summer Learnership program 2025. <\/strong>Learn about the process you\u2019ll take to complete the application below.<\/p>\n

SAAO Summer Learnerships Application 2025<\/h2>\n

Ready to apply to SAAO Summer Learnerships? Here on Southafricaportal.com, you get all the information regarding the SAAO Summer leadership application form, how to apply online, requirements, and the application closing date 2025.<\/p>\n

Learnerships\u00a0<\/strong>are a great opportunity to learn skills and develop a career. Learnerships for 2025 are opening now, and we always have details on the latest available Learnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u00a0register for a Learnership<\/strong>\u00a0Programme<\/strong>\u00a0you will receive training towards a full qualification but you don’t have to pay study fees. In fact, when you register for a Learnership you will be paid in the form of a stipend. This means you will be paid monthly while you are on the leadership – the amount you will be paid depends on the academic level of the Learnership.<\/p>\n

SAAO Summer Learnerships Programme Details<\/h2>\n

Interested applicants can apply for the SAAO Summer Learnership 2025 provided they qualify and meet the program requirements.<\/p>\n

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South African Astronomical Observatory offers Summer Projects for students with Python knowledge and experienc<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Duration:<\/strong>\u00a0~8 weeks, starting mid-January 2025
\nPayment:\u00a0<\/strong>R6000 \u2013 R8000 per month depending on qualification.
\nEligibility:\u00a0<\/strong>see individual project descriptions below, must be SA citizen or permanent resident
\nLocation:<\/strong>\u00a0see individual project descriptions below \u2013 could be Cape Town (Observatory), Sutherland or remote work.
\nAsking questions:\u00a0<\/strong>is encouraged! Please get in touch with the researchers offering the projects if you have any questions.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 1: Optical spectroscopy of a Be X-ray binary in a supernova remnant<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have reduced optical spectra of an interesting Be X-ray binary in a supernova remnant taken with the SALT telescope. You will create plots of the spectra of both the Be X-ray binary and the supernovae remnant and will identify spectral lines, and make some measurements from these lines. You will need a working knowledge of Python and matplotlib (Python plotting package). Suitable for second year undergraduate up to honours student.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 2: Development of a vacuum table for the high-precision manufacture of radiation shields for CERN<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project will entail some mecha-tronics development of a vacuum table to assist with the capturing of parts during high-precision machining on a 5-axis CNC machine. The material required is a polymer with radiation characteristics suitable for use as shields to be used on an energy experiment at the CERN particle accelerator.
\nThe student will assist with the design and construction of this equipment.
\nAn undergraduate or Master\u2019s student in the field of electrical or mecha-tronic engineering is ideal.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 3: Deriving optical light curves and searching for periods in new X-ray binaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

During 2020 we have observed several newly discovered close binary stars which emit X-rays from a compact accreting object, typically a fast spinning (10-100s sec) white dwarf or neutron star. The project involves reducing CCD images to determine their light curves and then using period finding techniques to produce power spectra and hopefully determining the spin and orbital periods and looking for other features, like quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). Existing computer code is available for these tasks, but the project could involve using other techniques. Some experience with Python would be an advantage, but not mandatory.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 4: Measuring the motions of gas in galaxies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Studying the gas and star formation of nearby galaxies is extremely important in understanding how galaxies like our own Milky Way change with time. This project will involve analyzing spectral line observations of galaxies to determine how the gas moves and how much star formation there is in these galaxies. You will need some basic programming skills (preferably in Python) and during the project you will perform the analysis using Python and existing software (depending on your Python skill level). The project is aimed for second year undergraduate to Honours level students.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 5: Space velocities of X-ray binaries with GAIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

The newly released GAIA EDR3 provides us with updated distances and proper motions for almost 1.5 billion stars! We\u2019d like to look at the proper motions of a sample of Be X-ray binaries in our neighbouring galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud. Our aim is to use these new measurements to constrain the kick velocities that were imparted to these Be X-ray binaries during the supernova explosion that formed them. This project will entail looking up data in an online catalogue, plotting histograms, and learning about neutron star kick velocities. Some experience in Python may be useful, but is not required. Suitable for a student who has completed second year, or above.<\/p>\n

PROJECT 6: In Search of low-mass companions (planets?) around BL Her variables<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recently we have obtained interesting clues about the presence of low-mass companions and possible hints of the presence of exoplanets around a sample of pulsating stars called BL Her stars. The pulsation of these stars can be used in the pulsation timing method to look for the Light Travel Time Effect (LTTE). This method has been successfully applied to other pulsating variable stars (e.g delta scuti stars) to look for planets or companions around them. In this project we will use the OGLE time series data to analyse the Observed \u2013 Calculated (O-C) curve and look for variability that could be linked to the presence of a potential companion(s) or planet(s) in these systems. Some experience in Python may be useful.<\/p>\n