The Southern Cross Astronomical Observatory and Museum, also known as the Natal Space Centre, was opened in Port Edward on KwaZulu Natal's South Coast fifteen years ago. The complex consists of an astronomical museum housing an extremely large and interesting private collection of telescopes, optical equipment, books and astronomical photographs, posters, and lasers, and the observatory itself which originally sat on top of the planetarium. Also include is the small planetarium which seats a total of eighty people.

Each year the Southern Cross Astronomical Observatory and Museum stages up to 150 various presentations for the public and for scholars, and sees an average of 1,000 visitors passing through its doors annually. The venue also holds formal meetings on a monthly basis, and sees a number of visiting astronomers giving interesting and informative lectures, as well as viewing evenings, special presentations and film screenings.

For keen astronomers, the Space Centre features two ten inch Meade telescopes, two five inch refractors, both eight and six inch inch reflectors, and much more which can be viewed daily during holiday seasons. Bookings for interested parties must be made at other times.

For more information call (039)311 2891