Speaker
Description
Although stellar occultations by small Solar System bodies are regularly observed by astrophysicists across the African continent—in countries such as Algeria, Namibia, and South Africa etc., Our continent remains underrepresented in global institutions working in this field, such as the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA). This organization promotes the study of this topic by providing resources and facilitating collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers. It operates through regional sections in Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, India, and the Americas, aimed at enhancing the understanding and characterization of small Solar System bodies via occultation methods. However, Africa still lacks representation.
Research in this domain already exists in several African countries. For instance, in Algeria, since 2014, we have dedicated efforts at the Algiers Observatory to studying and observing occultations. This work extends to participatory astronomy, engaging amateur astronomers through a national network for studying these astronomical events.
We aim to share our decade-long experience by proposing the creation of an IOTA Africa section in collaboration with the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and other partners. This initiative seeks to address gaps in the observation coverage of stellar occultations, thereby strengthening African scientific contributions to global research.
Our vision includes developing a pan-African observation network and establishing an annual African symposium on occultations, hosted on a rotating basis by different African countries. This project aims to foster scientific education, international collaboration, and the integration of Africa into major astronomical research initiatives, while enhancing the continent’s contributions to asteroid exploration. Nevertheless, it will require overcoming logistical, technological, and financial challenges, such as observer training, access to adequate equipment, and funding.
| Stream | Education Development and Outreach |
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