India and South Africa have decided to expand their foot-print in the realm of stars underpinned by strong historical ties dating back to over 100 years. <br/><br/><br/>Bolstering 20 years of strategic partnership between both sides, India is participating in the multi-nation Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – set to become the world's most powerful radio telescope. SKA will be the premier radio astronomy facility once it's built, with stations located in Africa and Australia. Unlike optical telescopes, which can be hampered by cloud or poor weather conditions on Earth, radio telescopes, working with signals at a longer wavelength, can be used even in cloudy skies. <br/><br/><br/>Steven M. Crawford, SALT Science Data Manager of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), told a news agency in Kolkata that the research areas which India and South Africa have been collaborating also include the study of transient events, developing new technology for optical and radio telescopes, and future research with the SKA. <br/>'<br/><br/>The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is the largest optical telescope in Southern Hemisphere and SAAO operates it on behalf of the SALT foundation, which includes South Africa, Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, India, and other international partners. Crawford said it is a very exciting time for South Africa-India collaboration especially with how quickly both the communities are growing.<br/>''''''<br/>