Expression of Interest: Hosting Astronomers Across Africa
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity tied to the upcoming International Astronomical Union General Assembly in 2024 (IAU GA 2024), which offers a unique chance for people from all over the world to connect with counterparts in Africa for education, outreach and research collaborations. As we prepare for the first IAU General Assembly on the African continent (scheduled for 6 – 15 August 2024 in Cape Town), part of our objective is to foster networking opportunities, shed light on the potential career prospects in this field, and to engage as many individuals as possible to raise awareness in Africa about the captivating world of astronomy. To achieve this we need a collective effort and participation from all quarters.
In this context, the Outreach and Education Committee and the Science Committee for the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the IAU GA 2024 are seeking organisations willing to host international guests for science, outreach and education activities during the month of August 2024; before, during, and after the IAU General Assembly.
Our guests will be traveling from across the globe to attend the IAU GA 2024 in Cape Town. We want to offer them the chance to visit other African countries and various cities in South Africa for science collaborations, education and outreach activities and general networking opportunities, not to mention sharing the beauty of our continent with them.
This presents an incredible opportunity to create a real impact, inspiring communities to ensure that the benefits of astronomy and scientific exploration are accessible to all. We invite organisations and institutions interested in hosting astronomers, and who are passionate about enhancing scientific literacy, to join us in this meaningful initiative. Together, we can spark curiosity, foster learning, and unlock the potential of young minds throughout Africa.
If you’re interested in becoming a host, kindly complete the expression of interest form. Hosts will be selected by the African Astronomical Society and the GA 2024 National Organising Committee. For any inquiries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at outreach@astronomy2024.org
https://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-expression-of-interest-cropped.png5671079Danielhttps://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IAU-logo-date-transparent.pngDaniel2023-11-17 10:31:012023-11-17 10:37:40Expression of Interest: Hosting Astronomers Across Africa
The World’s Largest International Astronomy Meeting will be held in Africa and Open to the Public for the first time!
Registrations Now Open for the Historic International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly 2024 Promoting Open, Impactful, and Sustainable Science
The National Organising Committee of the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly (GA) is excited to announce that registrations are now officially open for the IAU GA 2024. This pivotal event marks a groundbreaking moment as the triennial IAU GA will, for the first time ever, adopt an open-access format. From August 6 to 15, 2024, individuals around the globe will have the unprecedented opportunity to access live talks presented at the assembly remotely. Set to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, it will be held in Africa for the first time in the more than 100-year history of the body.
This approach is nothing short of historic, and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) as the host, supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and African Astronomical Society (AfAS), will be leading what is hoped will become a trend in all scientific conferencing. The registration fees of paying delegates (either physical or virtual) will contribute towards this open access principle, such that the general public, or any student in any university, may listen in completely free of charge. Only paying delegates will be able to present talks, ask questions in real time, interact with other speakers/delegates, and engage in associated activities. Having open access means that the IAU GA 2024 could potentially have one of the largest audiences of this type of scientific conference. This will be an opportunity for researchers to reach large numbers of people and multiply the impact of their research, even attracting potential new collaborators, students, and young researchers from diverse backgrounds.
In the spirit of pioneering a future-focused scientific dialogue, three core aspects will define the ethos of the 32nd IAU General Assembly. First is ‘Accessibility’ — we are championing inclusive participation not only through the open access principle but also through innovative hybrid conferencing, ensuring that those scientists and students unable to travel can still meaningfully engage with the frontiers of astronomical research. This commitment extends to fostering a family-friendly conference environment so that in-person delegates can manage their familial responsibilities without compromising their professional engagement.
Secondly, we emphasise ‘Impact’ on a multidimensional level. Scientifically, we aim to amplify research impact and forge lasting collaborations via novel networking initiatives. Societally, we seek to involve local small businesses and artists, providing them with a global stage which translates into growth and community enrichment, and an opportunity for delegates to experience and engage with the remarkable African spirit and culture. Furthermore, delegates will be presented with opportunities across the continent, for hands-on contributions to educational initiatives, outreach programs, and community development, cementing the legacy of the assembly beyond academia.
Lastly, ‘Environmental Sustainability’ stands as a cornerstone of our assembly’s responsibility. In today’s climate-conscious era, we confront the pressing question: “Is it environmentally justifiable to attend this meeting?” Our response is an emphatic commitment to minimising our ecological footprint as much as possible. We’re considering measures from offering carbon credit offsets for travel, to innovative solutions for reducing food waste, to engaging in discussions that drive action towards building climate-resilient societies.
This IAU General Assembly will be historic for more reasons than simply being the first to be held on African soil. It’s also an opportunity for us all to reinvent entrenched practices within science systems. As Africa welcomes the world to Cape Town in 2024, we invite you to journey with us to re-imagine the future of scientific interaction!
By intertwining these core values, the 32nd IAU General Assembly transcends being a mere venue for presenting astronomical research, to transforming into a platform that advocates accessible knowledge, meaningful societal impact, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The organising committee is confident that in-person participants will find their time in South Africa to be stimulating, enriching, and enjoyable; that virtual participants will have an effective and rewarding online conference experience; and that the general public all around the world will freely and directly connect to the latest developments in astronomy. We have put together a scientific conference program that will address every aspect of astronomy, including the leading role that Africa and its people are playing in this field, all in the pursuit of contributing to human endeavour, where ALL are invited to partake.
https://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cropped.png6721612Danielhttps://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IAU-logo-date-transparent.pngDaniel2023-10-31 14:00:012023-10-31 14:17:31The World’s Largest International Astronomy Meeting will be held in Africa and Open to the Public for the first time!
In 2024, the XXXII International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly (GA) will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6 to 15 August.
We invite participants, exhibitors, sponsors and the public to join us in this watershed moment for astronomy globally.
The IAU GA 2024 will be an excellent platform for exhibitors to extend their reach and maximize their exposure, and we have developed several sponsorship and exhibition options for you to consider.
For the first time in the more than 100-year history of the IAU, this meeting will take place on the African continent. When the world arrives home onto African soil in 2024, what do we want them to experience?
This is not simply an opportunity for astronomy, this is an opportunity to change the way the world sees Africa. When a continent so often looked down upon can lead the world in a field as technical as astronomy, then we change perceptions, we challenge preconceptions, we shake unconscious biases – we make the world think differently about the potential of all people in the world to contribute to the human endeavour. Africa has many rich cultures to share with the world and many stories to tell.
For us, 2024 is an opportunity like no other. We are “audacious” in our vision of growing astronomy on the continent, and in using it for the benefit of Africa and the world.
The document below offers a comprehensive outline of the various opportunities that exist for your organisation.
Click to download
Our team looks forward to partnering with you, as the world comes to Africa next year.
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Come join us in celebrating Africa and Astronomy in Africa this Africa Day on 25 May!
#AfricaLookUp #AfricaDay
As we celebrate Africa Day on the 25th of May, let us use this day to reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements made by the nations and individuals on this African continent. We should recognise that these successes have come through hard work, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that Africa faces. Yet, despite these difficulties, Africans have shown extraordinary resilience and a determination to succeed. As we commemorate Africa Day, let us commit ourselves to harness this spirit of resilience and creativity to continue advancing towards a brighter future for Africa and its people.
In honour of Africa Day, turn your eyes to the stars and embrace the wonders of the cosmos. Astronomy is a gateway to understanding our place in the universe and the unique role that Africa plays in it. It offers a platform for cross-cultural collaboration and opens doors for scientific and technological advancements. Therefore, we encourage you to use this day as motivation to promote and engage in astronomy activities. Whether it be stargazing, attending astronomy lectures, or participating in community outreach events, we can show the world the depth of talent and creativity that Africa has to offer. Together, let us create a brighter future for the continent through the exploration of the cosmos.
Share your African experience with us!
We’d like the World to get involved and celebrate what Africa means to them.
We encourage everyone to share an original picture or short video (under 5 mins) based on what you most love about Africa or your favourite African experiences. This could be anything: you can tell us about your culture, language or share your fondest memory from your time in Africa.
Examples could include:
An interesting or beautiful place in Africa
A welcome to where you live in Africa, in your home language
People in cultural clothing/indigenous attire
Videos of singing and celebration, storytelling, reciting poetry, etc
Pictures of the African dark night skies
Pictures of your astronomy community/facilities in Africa
A Drawing, image or painting showcasing aspects of astronomy in Africa
Videos of people greeting in their home languages
Please share your photo/story/video on social media platforms using the hashtags #AfricaDay and #AfricaLookUp, alternatively, you can also email us your submissions to info @ astronomy2024.org (with “Africa Day Submission” and your name as the subject line) and we will share them on our website and social media platforms.
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Join us at Special Session 1 of the European Astronomical Society meeting, from 10 – 14 July 2023 in Krakow, Poland. Submit your abstract by 1 March 2023, as we build science, training and development collaborations towards 2024 and beyond.
Key topics of discussion during the Special Session include:
Science and infrastructure developments to foster Africa-Europe collaboration
Joint initiatives in education and outreach
Astronomy and its impact on sustainable development goals
Engagement with policymakers
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It’s with deep sadness that we inform our community of the death of our beloved colleague and friend, Prof. Carolina Odman, on 15 November 2022 after a brave and extended battle with cancer. Carolina was co-chair of the NOC Outreach, Communication and Education committee until earlier this year, but her influence in our work ranged beyond this and covered both practical issues and principles that guide our work.
Carolina was passionate in her outreach and development work, and was recognised for her contributions through the International Astronomical Union’s Special Prize in 2018, and South Africa’s NSTF Communication Award in 2021. She was also a member of Inspiring Fifty, a recognition of her excellence in the tech and STEM sector. Her work on making astronomy accessible across the African continent demonstrated her love and commitment to the belief that ‘It’s time for Africa”.
Her optimism was infectious, and she always had words of encouragement for those just embarking on their careers. Our team will miss her inspirational ideas and dazzling smile, and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
Niruj Mohan, Carolina’s friend and our colleague on the GA2024 NOC, is coordinating this initiative:
Our dear friend Carolina Ödman passed away in the early hours of 15 November in the hospital in Cape Town. She fought against cancer with her usual courage, optimism, and a smile, till the very end. She was many things to each of us. She was a partner and a mother to Kevin, Xavier and Cyprian. A beloved family member. A dear friend and colleague. A mentor and an inspiration. A ray of sunshine in all our lives. If you would like to send a message of condolence, please send it to celebrate.carolina@gmail.com
Carolina was truly a renaissance person who was immensely talented at so many things: painting, writing, photography, playing the harp, dancing, consummate skill in languages, public speaking, and dreaming up ideas on a scale that only she could. She was equally at ease in the worlds of science, art, and the humanities.
Most of us are familiar with some facet of Carolina’s talents, but all of us have experienced her warmth, her kindness, and her extremely contagious joy for life, of sunsets, of the trees and forests, of birds and animals, of science and technology. It was her fervent desire, which she emphasised during her last days, that her sons Xavier and Cyprian continue to be aware of this as well. To honour her wish, we invite you to record your memories and experiences of her in any form that you are comfortable with, addressed to her children. This could be in the form of a short video of you talking, a piece of writing, a set of photographs, etc. If you would like to do something of this nature, please take your time and send your contributions to celebrate.carolina@gmail.com.
At this time of our collective grief, when we try to come to terms with Carolina’s passing, we hope that this initiative will help bring us all some peace.
https://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Carolina_rush-scaled.jpg25601893Vanessa McBridehttps://astronomy2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IAU-logo-date-transparent.pngVanessa McBride2022-11-17 06:21:432022-11-17 06:21:44Passing of Prof. Carolina Ödman
The African Astronomical Society is organising a public webinar on the recently released image of the black hole in the centre of our Galaxy by the Event Horizon Telescope. This epochal image was everywhere in the media and all of us would like to know more about it, and what it represents. This webinar on the black hole image is being organised by the African Astronomical Society and the Department of Science & Innovation, South Africa. The poster is attached to this email and we request you to forward this to your colleagues and friends. The pdf has the links embedded.
What: “The First Image of the Black Hole at our Galactic Centre” When: 3 June 2022, Friday; 1400 CAT (1200 UTC) Zoom registration link:https://bit.ly/3wWPRuO YouTube live: https://bit.ly/3NMoN6P
You will need to pre-register for a personal zoom link (see above). You can also see the webinar live on youtube (see link above) instead. The astrophysicists who will speak at the webinar are
Michael Backes (UNAM, Namibia)
Roger Deane (Wits & UP, SA)
Iniyan Natarajan (Wits, SARAO, Rhodes, SA)
Jeandrew Brink (UFS, SA)
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Description: The Physics group at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University has an astrophysics postgraduate programme. One of the research topics is stellar physics with emphasis on stellar pulsations. The group also runs a small university observatory where the main instrument is a 16-inch Meade Telescope with fast and cooled CCD cameras. Also available is an eShel echelle spectrograph with resolution R of 10,000. We have an opening for a postdoctoral fellowship position for an individual who has a background in stellar astrophysics, and has experience in using an optical telescope. The individual must also be able to assist with outreach programmes of the observatory. Access to the many optical telescopes of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Sutherland will be available for research as well.
Duration: The position is initially for 1 year, but may be renewed for up to two years depending on the candidate’s performance and availability of funding.
Eligibility: Applicants should be under 45 years of age and should have obtained their PhD within the last 5 years.
Requirements: Applicants should organize an application package consisting of the following documentation to reach prof. Medupe by 20 June 2022: copy of PhD certificate, list of publications, curriculum vitae, and personal research plan.
Remuneration: The fellowship amount is ZAR 292 000 p.a. There is an additional once-off relocation amount of R20 000, as well as travel funding of R20 000 p.a.
Starting date: July 2022 onwards, depending on travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Postdoc is expected to relocate to Mafikeng as soon as is possible.
