The Nooitgedacht observatory started in the mid 80’s with a gamma-ray telescope, which eventually led the NWU to join the HESS collaboration.  Around 1998, a new era of optical astronomy started with the installation of a 30-cm (12”) optical telescope.  Throughout the years, 3rd year physics students have been spending some time at the telescope to observe the stars for their practical work in astrophysics.  Some masters and honours projects were also completed at the telescope.  The 30-cm was replaced by a 40-cm (16”) telescope in 2011 (still in use today), and in late 2023, the whole site underwent major infrastructure renovation.  In addition to being used as a teaching / training telescope, we regularly bring members of the public for stargazing during the season (June-October).