African Astronomical Society conference and General Assembly 2025 (AfAS-2025)

20 Mar 2025, 08:00 → 28 Mar 2025, 19:30 Africa/Johannesburg

Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort

REGISTRATION AND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR AfAS-2025 NOW OPEN!

"Connecting Astronomy in Africa: A Pathway to growth"

We are thrilled to invite you to register for the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference and General Assembly 2025, set to take place from 23 to 28 March 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Gauteng. This hybrid event will bring together professionals, researchers, students, education and outreach officers, policymakers, and international partners from Africa and beyond for three days of insightful discussions, collaborative workshops, side events, and networking opportunities.

AfAS-2025 will celebrate Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community, featuring scientific sessions, outreach highlights, and updates on education and development initiatives. Building on the legacy of the 2024 International Astronomical Union General Assembly (IAU-GA) in Cape Town, this year’s programme will focus on astronomy’s transformative role in science and society. Participants will discuss the latest advancements in the field, explore projects, and address strategies for enhancing astronomy infrastructure across the continent.

The conference will also elect a new AfAS Executive Committee. The General Assembly will engage with members to reflect on recent achievements, review updates to the AfAS Constitution, and discuss strategies to enhance member benefits and the Society's sustainability.

Participants can explore Gauteng’s vibrant cultural scene, with its rich history, museums, and diverse dining options. Whether attending in person or online, we invite you to join us in celebrating our achievements and future.

https://conference.afasociety.org

Meeting Hashtag: #AfAS2025

ZOOM LINK: Education, Development, Outreach Session

ZOOM LINK: Opening Ceremony and Plenaries

ZOOM LINK: Science Session

Thursday, 20 March

09:00 → 10:30 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

10:30 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee

11:00 → 12:30 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 15:00 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

15:00 → 15:30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee

15:30 → 17:00 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

Friday, 21 March

09:00 → 10:30 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

10:30 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee

11:00 → 12:30 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 15:00 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

15:00 → 15:30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee

15:30 → 17:00 Side Event: AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon

Saturday, 22 March

08:50 → 17:00 Side Event: BLUEshift Africa 2025

Convener: Linda Strubbe (Strubbe Educational Consulting)

08:50 Intro information from UNISA

09:00 Welcome, workshop overview, introductory discussions

Theme: Who are we, why are we here, what are we going to learn

10:05 Tea break

10:35 How Learning Works, Part 1

Theme: Principles of teaching and learning

11:00 How Learning Works, Part 2 & Active learning

Theme: Principles of teaching and learning

11:55 Lunch Break

12:55 Teaching inclusively. Quick stretch break

Theme: Principles of teaching and learning

14:05 Teaching case studies

Theme: Principles of teaching and learning

15:05 Tea Break

15:35 Principles of Backwards Design

Theme: Designing effective and inclusive teaching activities

16:05 Challenges of active learning and inclusive teaching

Theme: Designing effective and inclusive teaching activities

16:25 Introduction: Design an active learning activity

Theme: Designing effective and inclusive teaching activities

16:45 Day 1 Reflection & Wrap-up

09:00 → 17:00 Side Event: African Planetarium Association Biannual Workshop

Convener: Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy)

09:00 SESSION 1: Welcomes and Updates

Speaker: Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy)

10:30 Morning Tea/Coffee

11:00 SESSION 2: Planetariums for Community Growth and Development

This session focuses on how planetaria contribute to broader societal development, promoting community engagement, building scientific infrastructure, and driving economic growth.

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Workshop 2

Building the Future of African Planetaria: Collaboration, Innovation, and Community Impact

Speaker: Sosina Desu

15:00 Afternoon Tea/Coffee

15:30 Affordable projector concepts

Speaker: Mr Nico Van der Merwe

Sunday, 23 March

07:30 → 17:00 Side Event: African Lunar Symposium

Conveners: Greg Schmidt (NASA), James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

07:30 Depart Emperor’s Palace Hotel

08:30 Venue open for assembly

09:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks

• James Chibueze, Distinguished Professor (Astronomy & Astrophysics) At UNISA
• Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director for the Astronomy portfolio at the Department of
  Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in South Africa
• Greg Schmidt, Director for the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual
  Institute

09:20 Session 1

Speaker: James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

10:45 Tea Break

11:15 Session 2

Speaker: Charles Takalana (SAAO)

13:00 Lunch Break

14:30 Call to Resume

14:35 Session 3

Speakers: Greg Schmidt, Kristina Gibbs

15:20 Tea Break & Poster Discussions

16:00 Session 3 cont.

Speakers: Greg Schmidt, Kristina Gibbs

08:50 → 17:00 Side Event: BLUEshift Africa 2025

Convener: Linda Strubbe (Strubbe Educational Consulting)

08:50 Intro information from UNISA

09:00 BLUEshift: Welcome to Day 2

09:15 Facilitating Think-Pair-Share & Group Work

10:00 Design an active learning activity, Part 1

10:30 Tea Break

11:00 Design an active learning activity, Part 2

12:00 Lunch Break

13:00 Design an active learning activity, Part 3: Gallery walk & discussion. Quick stretch break

14:10 Reflecting on our teaching

15:25 Tea Break

15:55 Further resources, Parking Lot questions, Closing

09:00 → 17:00 Side Event: African Planetarium Association Biannual Workshop

Convener: Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy)

09:00 SESSION 3: Planetariums as Tools for Empowering Africa's STEM Future

This session highlights how planetariums serve as critical tools for advancing STEM education and fostering scientific literacy, especially in underserved regions.

10:30 Morning Tea/Coffee

11:00 SESSION 4: Planetaria and the Power of Stories: Connecting Culture and Science

This session focuses on the power of storytelling in creating engaging and culturally relevant content that connects audiences with astronomy.

12:30 Lunch Break

13:30 APA Business Session

Committee Selection
Vision cocreation session

15:00 Excursion: Wits Anglo American Digital Dome

16:30 → 18:30 Registration: In-Person Registration

18:30 → 20:30 Welcome Reception

Monday, 24 March

08:30 → 09:00 Registration: Conference Registration

09:00 → 10:40 Opening Ceremony: AfAS-2025 Opening

Convener: Prof. Melusi Khumalo

Zoom Link

09:00 Welcome message and Introduction of the VC

Speaker: Prof. Bhekie Mamba (UNISA)

09:10 Welcome Address

Speaker: Prof. Puleng LenkaBula (UNISA)

09:30 Opening Remarks by AfAS President

Speaker: Prof. Thebe Medupe (AfAS)

09:40 Message from the President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Speaker: Prof. Willy Benz

09:45 Message from the European Astronomical Society (EAS)

Speaker: Prof. Sara Lucatello (EAS)

09:50 Message from the American Astronomical Society (AAS)

Speaker: Prof. Dara Norman (AAS)

09:55 Message from the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD)

Speaker: Kevin Govender (South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)

10:00 Message From the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)

Speaker: Sharmila Goedhart (SKAO)

10:05 Message of support British High Commission

10:15 Keynote Address: DSTI Chief Director - Astronomy

10:35 Housekeeping Announcements

Speaker: James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

10:40 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee & Confernce Photo

11:00 → 12:30 Plenary: Plenary 1

Convener: James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

Zoom Link

11:00 Tracing the growth of cosmic structure with galaxy clusters

Speaker: Matt Hilton

11:30 Using the oldest, most massive galaxies in the Universe to obtain an independent measurement of the Hubble parameter

Speaker: Ilani Loubser (North-West University)

12:00 Doing Astronomy in Tanzania, Challenges and Achievements

Abstract: Having started with almost no awareness in Astronomy more than 50 years ago, the Astronomy world is now visible to many Tanzanians and Tanzania is now visible to the Astronomy world. We describe and discuss the process, the obstacles, the challenges, the opportunities, and efforts through school and public outreach, school and University education, research using observational databases, radio telescope and satellite deployment, which point to the current state that Astronomy in Tanzania has been achieved. We stress the important need for government recognition to build capacity for fundamental understanding of the cosmos and flex it to applications for local needs. WE need clear recognition from all levels of authorities for institutionalization of Astronomy to firmly establish the science and the practice of Astronomy and Space Science in Tanzania.

Speaker: Noorali Jiwaji (Open University of Tanzania and Marian University College)

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 15:00 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Addressing Inequality in Astronomy

Convener: Lealem Alula (Ethiopian Space Science Society)

Zoom Link

13:30 SheMatters: STEM-based community engagement to empower Malagasy girls and under-aged mothers from disadvantaged communities

SheMatters is a STEM-based community engagement initiative aimed at empowering girls from disadvantaged communities, particularly those residing at a foster home for disadvantaged youth in the outskirts of the capital city in Madagascar. This project seeks to inspire and provide hope to vulnerable girls through astronomy outreach, practical skills transfer, and career orientation. By leveraging the expertise of Malagasy women scientists as role models and through the collaboration with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach - NOC Madagascar, SheMatters aims to instil confidence, ignite interest in STEM fields, and equip the girls with essential life skills, providing them with the tools and motivation to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future. The core ideas of SheMatters revolve around conducting regular sessions and stargazing events to engage the girls in hands-on activities, storytelling, and networking opportunities. The timeline includes monthly visits led by a dedicated team of graduate student volunteers, with the first session coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in February 2024. Through this project, we aim to demonstrate how astronomy can be used as a powerful tool to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as quality education, reduced inequalities, and partnership for the goals.

Speaker: Dr Zara Randriamanakoto (SAAO/University of Antananarivo)

13:45 The Supernova Foundation: A mentoring and networking programme for women in physics

The Supernova Foundation (www.supernovafoundation.org) is a global mentoring and networking programme aimed at women and gender minority physics students, mostly from developing countries, to try to improve gender equality in physics. We target women in physics departments with few or no woman role models and use mentoring by senior female researchers to empower them and give them the support they need to stay in physics. We currently have nearly 400 mentors and mentees from six continents. We regularly host webinars on topics like imposter syndrome or work life balance and our mentors meet their mentees monthly for private sessions. As founder and director, I will overview the Supernova Foundation in this talk, lessons learned and tips for successful mentoring programmes.

Speaker: Michelle Lochner (University of the Western Cape/ South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)

14:00 From Africa to Chile: A Girl's Dream to Pursue Astronomy

As a little girl, I would gaze at the night sky with curiosity, passion, and wonder. I often pondered the mysteries of the Universe, imagining what lay beyond the stars I could see. When I learned that there was a science that unravels these cosmic secrets—Astronomy—I made it my lifelong goal to study it.

As I grew, so did my dream. I aspired to study in Chile, enchanted by its pristine skies and the world-class astronomy infrastructure nestled in the Atacama Desert. Coming from Mozambique, a country with limited opportunities in Astronomy, my journey was filled with obstacles. Yet, despite the challenges, my determination never wavered. Today, after years of perseverance and resilience, I am living my dream: pursuing an Astronomy degree in Santiago de Chile and proudly becoming the first and only Mozambican to achieve this milestone.
Along the way, I discovered another passion: science communication. Sharing my love for Astronomy became as meaningful to me as studying it. To make the wonders of the Universe accessible to everyone, especially those who might not see such a path as possible, I launched an outreach project on social media. Through this platform, I aim to demystify science, ignite curiosity, and inspire young minds to explore the Universe.

I hope my story inspires girls everywhere, particularly African girls, to believe in their dreams. No matter our origins, our difficult circumstances, or the challenges we face, we can still reach for the stars. Through science education and outreach, I hope to light a path for others to follow, proving that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

As NASA astronaut Mae Jemison powerfully said at the IAU General Assembly in Cape Town:
“What stories are told matter, and the perspective of the storyteller is critical.”

Speaker: Amirah Luna Izidine

14:15 SheSat Ghana - Unlocking the Potential of Ghanaian women in Space Science

In Ghana, only 25% of STEM positions are held by women, a figure that dwindles as positions rise in leadership, revealing a stark gender disparity. At the same time, quality STEM education remains inaccessible to most Ghanaians, leaving young people without the skills needed to secure jobs right out of school. The public education system, though rich in potential, often lacks the resources to prepare youth with the competitive, practical skills today’s job market demands. This lack drives many of Ghana’s best and brightest to seek education and career opportunities abroad, leading to a troubling brain drain. They leave not out of choice but necessity, searching for opportunities to make their STEM ambitions a reality. Ghana also faces pressing issues in environmental conservation, resource management, and climate change, where satellite technology could play a vital role. However, limited local expertise in these areas leaves gaps in addressing these national challenges. And in an economy eager for innovation, Ghana’s growth depends on initiatives that foster homegrown talent capable of leading the way.
SheSat Ghana was born to answer these challenges. This one-year training and mentorship program empowers young Ghanaian women to pursue careers in satellite technology, electronics, space systems, and data analysis, giving them access to the hands-on training and professional guidance they deserve. By working with Nyarkoa, a CanSat model developed in partnership with Xavier Space Solutions and Erictronics, participants will gain hands-on experience in real-world satellite applications. SheSat Ghana goes beyond traditional programs by giving young women the tools to work on real, impactful projects, such as building CanSats—miniature satellites designed to tackle environmental issues specific to Ghana’s landscape. Through SheSat Ghana, students aren’t just learning; they’re gaining skills they can take to market, along with personal development training in networking, CV building, and leadership, making them ready for the competitive job world. Mentorship from women in STEM serves as a continuous guide, providing career advice and building a network of local female STEM leaders. SheSat Ghana strives to nurture a generation of women who will be at the forefront of innovation, lead environmental initiatives, and contribute to economic development through technological advancements right here in Ghana.

Speaker: Jemima Kwakuyi (Xavier Space Solutions)

14:30 Disscussion Time

13:30 → 15:00 Science: Galaxies

Convener: K. Kesebonye

Zoom Link

13:35 AGN astrometry: A powerful tool for galaxy kinematic studies

Galaxies within a group or a cluster have their radial velocities and positions known to a high degree of accuracy. This information is sufficient to estimate the group mass from the observed deviations from the external Hubble field of velocities by making critical assumptions on eccentricities and equipartition. For a full understanding of the evolution of a galaxy group, we require accurate knowledge of the distances and the three-dimensional velocity vectors. Knowing the 3-D velocity structure within a group requires knowledge of a combination of precise radial and proper motions. We present VLBI derived proper motion measurements of one of our nearest group is the M81 group at a distance of 3.63Mpc. It is a fascinating interacting galaxy system containing galaxies M81, M82 and NGC3077. The derived M81 galaxy proper motion relative to the Milky Way is -11±5.7 μas/yr (-193±100 km/s) towards the East and -15.6±2.1μas/yr (-273±36 km/s) towards the North. We also derive its motion towards the Sun to be 113±6 km/s, such that, the total space velocity of M81 becomes 353±106km/s relative to Milky Way. On the other hand, the proper motion of M82 galaxy relative to M81 is 13.7±4.3 μas/yr (233±73 km/s) towards the East and 8.6±4.1 μas/yr (146±70 km/s) towards the North. With a derived motion of 108±6km/s towards the Sun, we obtain its total space velocity of M82 to be 295±101 km/s relative to M81 galaxy. Since M82 is embedded in the dark matter halo of M81, it can be considered bound, and we therefore derive a lower limit of the mass of M81 to be 3.34x1011M0.

Speaker: Naftali Kimani (Kenyatta University)

13:50 The search for Binary Supermassive Black Holes in WF-VLBI data

Many, if not all, galaxies are believed to host a supermassive black hole (SMBH) which is thought to form an integral ingredient in the evolution of the host galaxies through feedback mechanisms. In this scenario, the host and SMBH is expected to grow symbiotically and one of the favoured scenarios comes from major mergers of galaxies where the SMBHs are expected to merge. To this date, very little is known about these elusive systems. The great time scales of their lives as well as their mysterious nature calls on many studies to be able to intricately observe their properties as well as to gain insight into their formation and the overall role they play in their host galaxy’s evolution.

In this scenario, we expect that there would be a plethora of evidence for binary SMBHs (B-SMBHs), however, confirming their existence, especially at parsec scales is often difficult. One possible method comes from Very Long Baseline Interferometry, whose milliarcsecond resolving power, allows us to resolve the B-SMBHs at parsec scales. In this presentation, I shall talk about a potential B-SMBH found in a wide-field VLBI survey of the GOODS-N data. Using ancillary Hubble Space Telescope spectra, we find that this object, has a high chance of being a B-SMBH, thus providing a proof-of-concept for this method of B-SMBH detections. Finally, I shall introduce our initial findings and estimates from a new survey of B-SMBHs using a new commensal wide-field VLBI survey which covers many degrees of the sky.

Speaker: Sophia van der Dussen-Reinecke (TUKS)

14:05 Probing the environmental dependence of low surface brightness galaxy properties using marked statistics

Low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs) being considered to account for a significant fraction of the total number density of galaxies play a crucial role in galaxy evolution. However, their connection to their local environment remains poorly understood, despite the well-established influence of the environment on the evolution of galaxies. In this talk, I will primarily present our recent results on the environmental correlations of various LSBG properties with the help of marked correlation function (MCF) measurements. Our results are based on the LSBG galaxy samples from the Dark Energy Survey and North Ecliptic Pole Wide field. I will also present results from our previous studies that investigated how luminosities in optical to mid-IR bands, stellar mass, star formation rate, and galaxy merger probability are correlated with the local environment. Additionally, I will present updates from our ongoing South African in-kind contribution in the Rubin Observatory's LSST Galaxy Science Collaboration to cross-match Rubin and MeerKAT.

Speaker: Unnikrishnan Sureshkumar (Wits University, Johannesburg)

14:20 Quasar 3C 47: Extreme Population B Jetted Source With Double-peaked Profile

The presence of an accretion disk (AD) in active galactic nuclei (AGN) has limited and indirect observational support. In order to evaluate the extent to which the AD is a source of the broad Balmer lines and high ionization UV lines in radio-loud (RL) AGN, we focused on an extremely jetted RL quasar 3C 47 at z = 0.425, that shows a double-peaked profile. The work presents its new optical spectra from CAHA and UV observations from the HST/FOS covering the rest-frame spectral range from 2000 to 7000A and addresses the question of whether the AD can account for the observed profile. A relativistic Keplerian accretion disk model, a Bayesian approach, and a multicomponent non-linear fitting were utilized. In addition to the low ionization lines (Hbeta, Halpha, and MgII), the profile of the prototypical high ionization lines (HILs) is also modeled by the contribution of the AD, with additional components due to outflows and emissions from the innermost part of the narrow line regions (NLRs). The model successfully explained the observed profiles of Hbeta, Halpha and MgII. The profile of the HILs is also modeled by the contribution of the AD, along with fairly symmetric additional components (a failed wind scenario) and emissions from the innermost part of the NLRs. The disk parameters, such as inner and outer radii, inclination to the line of sight, emissivity index, and local broadening parameters are determined. The agreement between the observed profile and the model is remarkable and the work provides convincing direct observational evidence for the presence of an AD and the findings support the notion that the double-peaked profiles originate from the AD surrounding a SMBH. The main alternative, a double BLR associated with a binary black hole is found to be less appealing than the disk model for the quasar 3C 47.

Speaker: Dr Shimeles Mengistue (Jimma University)

14:35 First results from SC2RG: The Star Clusters in Collisional Ring Galaxy Survey.

The SC2RG survey aims to constrain the star formation history (SFH) of collisional ring galaxies (CRGs) by investigating bound stellar clusters and large-scale star-forming clumps in their field. CRGs are the result of a drop-through collision between the rotation axis of larger spiral disk galaxy and a nearby small companion. They represent a special class of interacting galaxies characterised by a ring-like structure hosting new episodes of SF which last at least 100 Myr. The starburst activities are so intense that they favour the birth of large-scale clumps, usually complexes of gravitationally bound stellar clusters with a typical age below 100 Myr and stellar masses exceeding ≈ 10⁴ M_⊙. Kpc-sized clumps represent the largest units of SF in a galaxy which make them natural laboratories for fine-tuning their host galaxy's SFH, in particular the formation process of the expanding ring-like structure in the case of CRGs. To achieve our goal, we study the physical properties of our sources of interest using photometric and spectroscopic observations of a nearby sample of CRGs. First results of the SC2RG survey reveal that the majority of the star clusters are younger than 10 Myr (i.e. in their infancy stage) with their spatial distribution across the ring likely influenced by the head-on collision between the two galaxies. We also found no evidence for any prominent cluster age sequence across the ring of one of the SC2RG targets (Arp 147). Such trend suggests that a self-propagating SF might be the main trigger for the formation of bright clumps and clusters across the ring of the CRG. We note that our work is also relevant in a way that there are only a handful cluster and clump studies hosted by CRGs to date.

Speaker: Dr Zara Randriamanakoto (SAAO/University of Antananarivo)

15:00 → 15:30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee & Poster Session

15:30 → 16:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): The Cascade Outreach Model

Convener: Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy)

Zoom Link

15:30 Introduction to the Cascade Outreach Model

Speakers: Duduzile Kubheka (SAAO), Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy)

15:45 AFAS Cascade Designed Outreaches: Astronomy and Space Science Education in Lejja, Nigeria

The adoption of the cascade approach by the AFAS education and outreach committee in the promulgation of the science of astronomy has been essential in the development of astronomy in Lejja, Nigeria. This project engaged 280 science senior secondary school students and 15 teachers at Community Secondary School and Federal Government Secondary School, both in rural Lejja, Enugu State, Nigeria. The project at the different schools adopted a workshop approach with lectures and hands-on sessions. The workshop lectures were on the observable universe, observational astronomy, the electromagnetic spectrum, the solar system planets, women in space science, and careers in astronomy and space science. The hands-on sessions of the project were on solar system modelling, building of optical telescopes using locally available materials, coupling of Galileoscopes, building of locally made spectroscopes, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) using the vanishing and appearing sources during a century of observations (VASCO). The project was crowned with a planetarium show designed to educate and inspire the participants about the wonders of astronomy. The project outcomes were measured using pre- and post-surveys. The cumulative pre-workshop survey showed 26% knowledge about astronomy and space sciences, while the post-workshop survey was 80%. The project survey showed a significant 54% increase in knowledge of astronomy and space sciences. Through the post-survey, there was over 50% increased interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields amongst the participants. The outcomes of this workshop showed that the science of astronomy is acceptable to all, and through a cascade approach, the knowledge gained is disseminated, empowering both educators and students alike.

Speaker: Timothy Egbuim (Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigeria))

16:00 Nurturing Young Astronomers: A Cascade Outreach Initiative in Kenyan Primary Schools

Astronomy outreach at the primary school level plays a vital role in building STEM interest across Africa. This presentation shares experiences and outcomes from a targeted astronomy outreach program conducted across four primary schools in Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia and Kiambu counties, reaching over 300 students in grades 4 and 5 by Elimisha Msichana Elimisha Jamii na Astronomia (EMEJA). The initiative, supported by a seed grant for Cascade Outreach Activities by the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Education and Outreach Committee, in collaboration with the Inter-university Institute for Data-Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and the IAU General Assembly 2024, focused on fundamental astronomical concepts including Earth’s rotation and revolution, and the solar system.
Our outreach employed an interactive, hands-on approach to astronomy education, moving beyond traditional lecture-based methods. Students were organized into collaborative groups where they engaged in practical activities, including drawing and painting the planets of our solar system. This approach was designed to make complex astronomical concepts more accessible and memorable for young learners, while simultaneously nurturing their artistic and teamwork skills. The activities were conducted at Kuriot, Noigam, and Kapsirowa primary schools in Kachibora, Kitale, and Wangige Primary in Kiambu, representing both rural and semi-urban communities. This geographical diversity provided insights into the varying needs and responses of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to astronomy education.
Our experience suggests that hands-on, creative approaches to teaching astronomy significantly enhance student engagement and understanding of basic astronomical concepts. The program's success demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives to be scaled across other African countries, contributing to the continent's growing astronomical literacy and scientific capacity. This presentation will share practical insights from implementing the program, including our methodology, student responses, challenges encountered, and recommendations for conducting similar outreach activities in other African contexts. We will also discuss the potential for creating a network of astronomy education initiatives across primary schools in Kenya and beyond.

Speaker: Tabitha Alango (Elimisha Msichana Elimisha Jamii)

16:15 Reviving Ancient Astronomy through Modern Outreach: Fireside Sky Watch Fest 2024

In an era where modernization and light pollution increasingly obscure our connection to the night sky, cultural astronomy—once central to African communities—is fading into history. The Fireside Sky Watch Fest 2024, hosted by Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astronomy Clubs (PRAGSAC) in collaboration with the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, and Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA), seeks to rekindle this passion by blending ancient traditions with modern astronomy.

This event, part of the AfricaLookUp Cascade Outreach Activities under the IAU General Assembly 2024 (IAU-GA2024) and funded by the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Education and Outreach Committee, aims to reconnect Ghanaians with their celestial heritage while fostering a contemporary appreciation for astronomy and space science.

Participants, including university students, faculty, and the general public, engaged in interactive stargazing sessions using telescopes, explored cultural stories and their astronomical interpretations, and participated in discussions with astronomers and Earth scientists. Highlights of the evening included observations of celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies, with a particular focus on promoting light pollution awareness and astro-tourism.

This presentation will share findings from the event, including public feedback, the effectiveness of blending cultural and scientific narratives in enhancing STEM education, and the impact on community interest in astronomy. We will also discuss the program's success in positioning astronomy as a tool for bridging ancient knowledge and modern science while highlighting its potential to inspire future generations and support Africa’s role in global space exploration initiatives.

Speakers: Mr Albert Forson (Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astro Clubs (PRAGSAC)/NAEC), Jemima Kwakuyi (Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astro Clubs (PRAGSAC)/NAEC)

15:30 → 16:30 Science: Galaxy Clusters

Convener: Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana (University Of Kwazulu-Natal)

Zoom Link

15:30 Statistical detection of kSZ Signal of DESI Galaxy Clusters on ACTPol DR-4

Measurements of galaxy cluster kinematics have the potential to provide constraints in dark modeling and a unique constraint on baryon density in an intercluster medium. This work uses a 1-point statistical detection of the kSZ signal in ACTPol DR4 maps. To obtain the kSZ signal, we perform aperture photometry on BOSS NORTH and Deep 56 regions of ACTPol DR4 using galaxy cluster positions from DESI Legacy Survey Imager Data Release 8. With the kSZ signal, we estimate the velocity dispersion of the galaxy cluster.

Speaker: Mthokozisi Mdlalose (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

15:45 Unveiling Large Scale Structure Formation in the Nearby Universe: The Spectacular Shapley Supercluster

The Shapley Superlcuster is the most massive gravitationally bound structure in the nearby Universe, consisting of many galaxy clusters and groups at various evolutionary stages of merger activity. Using various SKA pathfinders, we study this prime example of large scale structure formation at unprecedented sensitivities. In particular, we present the findings in our multiwavelendgth study of the Abell 3558 radio ‘halo' with recent MeerKAT 816 MHz and 1283 MHz, ASKAP 887 MHz and uGMRT 400 MHz observations and archival XMM-Newton data. We highlight spatial and spectral features correlating with various X-ray thermodynamic quantities and highlight the interplay between the thermal and non-thermal components of the ICM. We ultimately conclude that the radio emission is in-fact a mini-halo powered and shaped by the turbulence induced by large-scale gas sloshing possibly originating from a previous encounter with the group SC 1327. Furthermore, we present a novel technique of 3GC, primary beam corrected visibility-plane mosaicing using DDFacet and killMS to present a similar study of the ultra-faint intercluster radio bridge between Abell 3562 and SC 1329 and interpret the results in the framework of a minor merger.

Speaker: Keegan Trehaeven (Rhodes University)

video1442842009.mp4

16:00 Star Formation Histories and Evolutionary Pathways of Fornax Galaxies

The Fornax cluster provides an interesting environment to study galaxy evolution. It is still actively assembling mass, with the infalling group Fornax A on the outskirts and an overdense region around the brightest cluster galaxy at the center. The study of this cluster’s environment and the physical processes that govern the transition from blue to red galaxies is crucial for understanding galaxy evolution. In this talk, I will focus on HI-detected galaxies, using SALT and MUSE observations to measure the H-alpha equivalent width. This allows us to distinguish between galaxies evolving slowly and those whose star formation was interrupted within the last $\sim$Gyr. I will discuss our ongoing efforts to characterize the environments of the Fornax cluster using stellar population indicators, aiming to constrain quenching time-scales. We will compare these indicators with the HI gas content of the galaxies, utilizing multiwavelength observations from MeerKat, SALT, and MUSE. The presentation will emphasize the effects of the cluster environment on the stellar populations and their connection to gas content.

Speaker: Dejene Zewdie (North-West University)

16:15 Growth of Ex-situ Diffuse Intragroup Light in Simulated Galaxy Groups

The diffuse intragroup light (IGL) is a pervasive feature of galaxy groups consisting of an extended low-surface-brightness component that permeates the intergalactic medium of these galaxy associations. It is believed to form from stars removed from the outermost regions of the galaxies, or that have formed in situ due to the numerous close interactions during the initial phases of galaxy group formation. We used controlled numerical simulations to investigate the formation and evolution of IGL in galaxy groups during the pre-virialization phase. Our simulations involved groups of varying total mass and number of members, allowing us to explore how the IGL evolves over cosmic time and its potential in understanding the assembly history of these systems. By employing a surface brightness cutoff to distinguish between galactic and intergalactic light, our study reveals that the emergence of this diffuse faint component typically begins around the turnaround epoch and persists steadily thereafter. We analyzed the correlation between the mass and fraction of IGL and various group properties, finding a sublinear relationship between the mass of IGL and the brightest group galaxy, suggesting intertwined formation histories with potentially differing growth rates and distinct driving mechanisms. Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between the IGL fraction and the group’s velocity dispersion, indicating that IGL formation efficiency is primarily influenced by internal group dynamics. Lower velocity dispersion may enhance IGL formation through increased gravitational interaction effectiveness. Furthermore, our analysis of the 3D density profiles of IGL compared to those of the total system mass revealed significant similarities, suggesting that IGL serves as a reliable tracer of the gravitational potential of host groups, even when these galaxy aggregations are not in dynamic equilibrium.

Speaker: Betelehem Bilata Woldeyes (Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC))

16:30 → 18:00 Special Session: Geodesy: Fundamental Astronomy Meeting Space Science for Global Impact

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Alet de Witt (SARAO)

16:30 The Importance of Geodetic Observations to Science and Society

Speaker: Richard Gross

16:45 The Hidden Risk That Poses a Threat to Critical Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, with a Focus on Africa

Speaker: Albert Momo

17:00 Towards GGOS Africa

Speakers: Jack Radcliffe, Roelf Botha (SARAO HartRAO)

AfAS2025_BothaRadcliffe_Towards_GGOS_Africa.pdf

17:15 South Africa’s Government Initiatives in Geodesy and the Role of Astronomy

Speaker: Alet de Witt (SARAO)

17:30 Panel Discussion

Richard Gross, Jack Radcliffe, Roelf Botha, Albert Momo, Alet de Witt

Speakers: Albert Momo, Alet de Witt (SARAO), Jack Radcliffe, Richard Gross, Roelf Botha (SARAO HartRAO)

16:30 → 18:00 Special Session: Showcasing Astronomy for Development in Africa

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Joyful Elma Mdhluli (Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD))

16:30 Welcome and Introduction

Speaker: Kevin Govender (South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)

16:35 Overview of the OAD: Charles Takalana

Speaker: Charles Takalana (SAAO)

16:45 East African Office of Astronomy for Development

Speakers: Alemiye Mamo, Meklit Wogayehu (Space Science Geospatial Institue)

16:55 West African Office of Astronomy for Development

Speaker: Emeka Don

17:05 Southern African Office of Astronomy for Development

Speaker: Saul Paul Phiri (Copperbelt University)

17:15 Portuguese Language Office of Astronomy for Development

Speaker: Vinicius Oliveira

17:25 Impact of projects and Call for Proposals

Speaker: Ramansamy Venugopal

17:40 Open Discussion

Speaker: Joyful Elma Mdhluli (Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD))

17:55 Closing Remarks

Speaker: Joyful Elma Mdhluli (Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD))

18:00 → 19:30 Special Session: The Strategy for Fundamental and Applied Physics (ASFAP): the current status and launching

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI))

18:00 General summary of the African Strategy for Fundamental and Applied Physics

Speaker: Ketevi Assamagan

18:10 Physics education in Africa

Speaker: Kenneth Cecire

18:20 Early-career researchers in physics in Africa

Speaker: Bernard Mulilo

18:30 Astrophysics & Cosmology Final Report of the African Strategy

Speakers: Lerothodi Leeuw (University of the Western Cape (ZA)), Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI)), Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)

18:45 Open Discussion

Tuesday, 25 March

09:00 → 10:30 Plenary: Plenary 2

Convener: Naomi Asabre Frimpong (Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astro Clubs (PRAGSAC)/NAEC/Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute(GSSTI))

Zoom Link

09:00 The South African Multiwavelength Astronomy Strategy 2025-2035

The 2025–2035 National Multi-Wavelength Astronomy Strategy presents a focused approach to advancing astronomy in South Africa. With key facilities like the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the South African Astronomical Observatory, the strategy prioritizes enhancing research across multiple wavelengths while contributing to national goals. It aims to strengthen collaboration within Africa and globally, expand human capacity, and incorporate Indigenous knowledge into the broader science agenda.

The strategy outlines measures to address pressing challenges, including resource sustainability, advancing data science, and infrastructure development. It also identifies pathways to harness astronomy's potential for economic growth, such as through astro-tourism and partnerships with industry.

This presentation will provide an overview of the strategy's main pillars and their intended impact. It will also detail the monitoring and evaluation processes designed to measure progress and ensure continued relevance. The strategy highlights the importance of partnerships and coordinated efforts in building a robust astronomy sector that supports research excellence and socio-economic development.

Speaker: Mrs Audrey Dikgale-Mahlakoana (DSTI)

09:30 Transformation of Astronomy Research, Education, and Outreach in Africa through PACS e-Lab Projects

The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) is an online platform that engages Africans, including those in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, in hands-on activities in space science and astronomy. We run five main projects, including exoplanet observations, asteroid searches, deep space image processing, double star research, and ARISS.
Since its founding in December 2020, we have engaged over 1,000 individuals across 45 countries in Africa and made numerous contributions to astronomy, including the discovery of over 30 asteroids, the publication of over 12 scientific papers, and the generation of several photometric light curves of exoplanets. Our platform is the fastest-growing of its kind in Africa.
During the conference, I will elaborate on these efforts and our achievements.

Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel (Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab)

AfAS2025.mp4

10:00 Testing models for dark matter with gravitational lensing: Current constraints and expectations from the SKA

Speaker: John McKean (University of Pretoria)

10:30 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee & Poster Session (PANOPTES DEMO Session at Exhibition)

11:00 → 12:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Citizen Science / Amateur Astronomy

Convener: Simphiwe Madlanga

Zoom Link

11:00 Light Pollution Control and Night Sky Advocacy through Automation Technology, Internet of Things, and Citizen Science Workshops

The menace of light pollution is currently a major problem for astronomers, and there is an urgent need for scientific and societal intervention. This project used the principles of automation technology through the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide solutions to light pollution. Also, this project adopted a citizen science approach for dark sky advocacy among its participants. This project, through in-house and online workshops, reached out to a total of 220 undergraduate participants selected from universities within Enugu, Anambra, and Ekiti States, Nigeria. During the in-house workshops, both hardware and software components were used. The hardware components were a NodeMCU ESP8266 Wi-Fi board, ultrasonic and photo-resistive sensors, jumper cables, a breadboard, and other necessary items provided in the training kit. The software used was Python 3, MicroPython firmware, the CP2102 driver, Thonny IDE, and Esptool. The key activity of the workshop sessions was developing a script to automate streetlights in the "City on a Table Standalone System," a simulation based on light intensity and proximity sensors. This system operated in daytime (lights off) and nighttime (lights on) modes with energy conservation mechanisms to reduce light pollution when no users were detected. The citizen science projects adopted during the workshops were the use of the Globe at Night application, the use of sky quality meters, and the use of the Anecdata application. The project also organised a stargazing session at the University of Nigeria for dark sky advocacy. Comparison of the pre- and post-workshop surveys of this project showed a significant 55% increased interest in MicroPython scriptwriting and IoT network configuration. This project showed how low-cost indigenous materials can be used to mitigate light pollution through automated systems, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices in urban environments.

Speaker: Timothy Egbuim (Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigeria))

11:15 Building and developing an Initiative for African Network for Stellar Occultation by asteroids Research: Engaging Countries in Asteroid Exploration

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.

Speaker: Mr Djounai BABA AISSA (Center of Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics)

11:30 Scientific Journey into the Discovery of Asteroid 2021-PR160

As a Scientific Officer at the NASRDA Center for Basic Space Science, a branch of the Nigerian Space Agency, my position has enabled me to engage in collaborative astronomical research with international groups, including the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) and the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab). I joined these groups in 2021 and have been actively participating in asteroid research, which led to the discovery of Asteroid 2021-PR160.
The research involves analyzing astronomical data collected by the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) (Chambers et al., 2016), based at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, and the Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) (Larson et al., 2003), based at the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. These telescopes utilize automated pipelines to detect asteroids. However, faint asteroids with low signal-to-noise ratios sometimes evade detection by these pipelines (Miller et al., 2024), necessitating manual analysis.
The datasets from these surveys are provided to IASC, where citizen scientists at PACS e-Lab assist in identifying asteroids using the Astrometrica program. My role has involved meticulous data analysis to identify and confirm potential asteroid candidates.
During my talk at the AfAS 2025 conference, I will present the step-by-step process of this research, from data acquisition to the eventual discovery of Asteroid 2021-PR160.

Speaker: Okolo Obinna Emmanuel (NASRDA Center for Basic Space Science)

11:40 Promoting Citizen Science in Egypt through the Paradox Team and PACS e-Lab Partnership

**Abstarct **
Citizen Science offers the public an opportunity to contribute to scientific research. Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) is a nonprofit educational platform for promoting astronomy and space science in Africa through hands-on projects, advancing space exploration, and enhancing space education and outreach. The Paradox Team is a group co-founded by students with an interest in space to promote hands-on projects in space and astronomy in Egypt.

Our collaboration with PACS e-Lab began in 2023, following our first joint meeting in September 2023. Since then, we have participated in several projects, including asteroid searches. This project involves identifying and numbering unidentified moving objects in astronomical datasets provided by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). Using the Astrometrica software, we conduct analyses and prepare Minor Planet reports, which are then submitted to IASC for confirmation. The Paradox Team actively participates in this project monthly, engaging over 100 students in Egypt. Our efforts have resulted in numerous preliminary asteroid discoveries.

Additionally, members of our team have contributed to PACS e-Lab’s double star research project, using the 0.4m Las Cumbres Observatory telescopes to update the position angles and separations of double stars. We have published research papers in the Journal of Double Star Observations.

Looking ahead, we are excited to participate in other PACS e-Lab projects, including exoplanet observation & photometry, astrophoto visual development, and the ARISS Event. The AfAS 2025 conference will be an excellent platform to present a talk and showcase the incredible projects the Paradox Team is undertaking in Egypt.

Speaker: Mohamed Elattar (Paradox)

11:50 Advancing Astronomy Education and Research at the University of Burundi through Collaboration and Integration

Astronomy is a fascinating field of physics that studies celestial objects, such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies, as well as phenomena that occur outside Earth's atmosphere. At the physics department of the University of Burundi, we have been running successive physics programs but with a relatively weak astronomy program. However, our astronomy program has taken a new turn due to our collaboration with the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab).
We have participated in their asteroid search and double-star research projects and are forging ahead to receive training in their other projects. We have also integrated these projects into our curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Additionally, we were introduced to the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), the central organization for astronomical activities in Africa. At the conference, I will provide more details about our research collaboration with PACS e-Lab and learn how to integrate the Faculty of Burundi into broader astronomical best practices in Africa.

Speaker: SIMBIZI René (University of Burundi)

12:00 Advancing Astronomy Education and Space Science through the Asteroid Search Campaign at the Kenya Space Agency

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) is embracing the Asteroid Search Campaign as part of its mission to foster hands-on activities in Astronomy and Space Science in Kenya. Our mandate is to promote, coordinate, and regulate all space-related activities in the country.

At KSA, students on attachment and internship are inducted into the campaign processes and issued certificates upon participation. Since we receive students from various departments in the universities we partner with, we have observed a significant shift of interest from engineering to Astronomy. This demonstrates that providing more hands-on educational tools is effective in instilling curiosity in the next generation of space leaders and creates a valuable and rewarding internship experience for students.

As participation in the campaign continues to grow, we are poised to make greater contributions to planetary defense and to deepen our understanding of the universe. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

At the conference, I will present how our agency is adopting the Asteroid Search Campaign to promote hands-on activities in astronomy among students, young professionals, and citizen scientists.

Speaker: Harold Safary (Kenya space agency)

12:10 Empowering Citizen Scientists in Africa: Contributions to Asteroid Discovery and Double-Star Research at PACS e-Lab

The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) was founded to engage the African public in citizen science and amateur astronomy research as a means of advancing space research and exploration, as well as enhancing space education and outreach. I have participated in the group’s various research activities and discovered asteroid 2021 RZ190. Additionally, I have conducted research on the double-star system WDS 23551+4601 SMA 209, located in the Andromeda constellation. Through our observations, supplemented by data from the Gaia Early Data Release 3 mission and historical records, we obtained new measurements of the position angle and separation. Our findings reveal a position angle of 18.9° and a separation of 7.762, indicating a discernible decrease from previous observations.

The success of this research shows that citizen scientists and amateur astronomers, even with limited knowledge of astronomy, can make significant contributions to astronomical research and peer-reviewed publications. PACS e-Lab is playing a major role in this area in Africa. During the conference, I will provide more details about my research experiences at PACS e-Lab.

Speaker: Joy Olayiwola (National Space Research and Development Agency)

12:20 Revitalizing STEM Education in Libya through Astronomy

Amateur Astronomy Libya (AALY) is a pioneering organization that engages Libyan youth in astronomy inquiry. Our mission is to utilize astronomy to revitalize STEM learning after the setbacks in Libya's educational system caused by the war. We achieve this by producing digital educational content in Arabic, Libya’s local language, and leveraging resources from international organizations.
Through our digital content program, we write articles and create infographic materials on astronomy topics, which we share with Libyan students within our community and across the country via social media.
We have also begun collaborating with the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab, receiving training in asteroid research. We actively participate in this research every month and strive to receive training on their other hands-on projects.
Starting in 2025, we plan to hold star parties featuring the SSVI telescope, allowing Libyan students to observe the sky in greater detail. This is part of our ongoing mission to leverage astronomy to reignite their interest in education.
At the AfAS conference, we will showcase the digital video content, articles, images, and telescopes we are using for our astronomy activities in Libya.

Speakers: Mr Mohamed Zbeda (Amateur Astronomy Libya), Ms Suhaila Tantoush (Amateur Astronomy Libya)

11:00 → 12:30 Science: Transients, Compact Objects

Convener: Bret Yotti (University of Cape Town)

Zoom Link

11:00 How rare is the brightest of all time gamma-ray burst GRB 221009A?

Detected on the 9th of October in 2022, the brightest of all time (BOAT) gamma-ray burst GRB 221009A has been estimated to occur once per 10,000 years by extrapolating gamma-ray fluence distribution of known GRBs to the fluence of GRB 221009A. It would be a large coincidence if such a GRB occurred in the approximately 50 years that humanity has had the ability to detect such bursts. Here we propose that GRB 221009A is part of a separate, nearby population of narrow-jet GRBs. This population can allow GRBs as bright or brighter than 221009A to occur as often as once every 200 years without over-producing the observed rate of other GRBs. We explore observational implications of this model in optical and radio bands.

Speaker: Soebur Razzaque (University of Johannesburg)

11:15 Mauve: a three-year UV-Vis survey dedicated to monitor stellar activity and variability

Mauve is a satellite equipped with a 13-cm telescope and a UV-Visible spectrometer (with an
operative wavelength range of 200-700 nm) conceived to measure the stellar magnetic activity and
variability. The science program will be delivered via a multi-year collaborative survey program,
with thousands of hours each year available for long baseline observations of hundreds of stars,
unlocking a significant time domain astronomy opportunity. Mauve’s mission lifetime is 3 years
with the ambition of 5 years, and will cover a broad field of regard (–46.4 to 31.8 degrees in ICRS)
during this period. Booked to launch on October 2025, Mauve’s science team will form prior to the
launch date, defining the observation strategy and targets.
This facility was conceived to support pilot studies and new ideas in science and is fully dedicated
to time-domain astronomy. The main surveys to be executed by Mauve are long baseline
observations of flare stars (eruptive Wolf–Rayet stars, UV Ceti stars, etc.), RS CVn variables, Herbig Ae/Be stars, exoplanet hosts, hot stars, etc. Besides these major science
themes, the spectrometer’s data can be utilized to support and complement existing and upcoming
facilities as a pathfinder, or conduct simultaneous/follow-up observations.

Speaker: Dr Fatemeh Zahra Majidi (Blue Skies Space Srl.)

11:30 The role of mass accretion rates during the outburst evolution of black hole candidate; MAXI J1535-571

MAXI J1535-571 outburst evolution is driven by physical mechanisms that mediate the accretion flow dynamical behavior/characteristics. In this study, MAXI J1535-571 data observed by MAXI/GSC, NuSTAR, and SWIFT/BAT, were analyzed using HEASoft v6.2 and its software packages. Spectral fitting/modelling was done in XSPEC v12.10.1f using phenomenological and physical models. MAXI J1535-571 X-ray spectra with an acceptable statistical fit and reduced Chi-squared value of ≤ 1.1 were obtained. Accretion flow characteristics and their correlations were determined. The components of the accretion flow/rates show variations/fluctuations at different epochs. This indicates the dynamical behavior of the accretion flow and its geometry is “sombrero” or patchy-flaring turbulence flow. The decrease in accretion rate ratio (ARR) and shock location (Xs) shows that the outburst evolution progresses on timescales. A compression ratio (R) of 3.998 shows that the oscillating waves in the accretion flow are strong. The resonance condition of (0.507–1.248) ± 0.024 indicates that the timescales of components of the accretion flow roughly matched. The Quasi-Periodic Oscillation frequency (vQPO) of 0.560–4.961 Hz was obtained. This suggests a type-C QPO signature seen in the hard spectral states. Moreover, the components of the accretion flow/rate variations/fluctuations caused a distribution of energy spectral indices (α = Γ – 1) in the post-shock region/Compton cloud. The track of photon index (Γ)–vQPO relation was determined. This is consistent with the previous studies. Hence, mass accretion rate variations/fluctuations caused the decrease in the ARR, shock location, and perhaps, delay in a transition period as the outburst progresses. Therefore, mass accretion rate variations/fluctuations seem to be the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for the origin of Γ–vQPO relation, X-ray flux variability, and spectral evolution of MAXI J1535-571.

Keywords: MAXI J1535-571; accretion flow, mass accretion rate variations/fluctuations; Γ–vQPO relation, X-ray flux variability/spectral evolution, accretion flow geometry.

Speaker: Ambrose EZE (Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria)

11:45 Corona and Chromospheric Active Stars in the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS)

Magnetic active stars, manifest in chromospheric and coronal emissions and offer insights into stellar evolution, magnetic dynamo mechanisms, and their interaction with surrounding environments. Using the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS), an $L$-band survey centred at 1.3 GHz, we investigated chromospheric and coronal activity in stars in the Galactic Plane. Coronal active stars were initially identified through SMGPS cross-correlation with soft X-ray (0.2 – 2.3 keV) eROSITA observations. Chromospheric activity was confirmed through optical spectroscopic follow-up for 29 stars, all exhibiting Ca II H $\&$ K and $H\alpha$ emission lines. To quantify the chromospheric activity, we calculated the S-index, which measures the strength of the H and K lines, and the activity index, $R_{HK}^{\prime}$, the ratio of the emission in the core of the Ca II H $\&$ K lines to the total bolometric emission of the star. The majority of the stars exhibit strong chromospheric activity with an activity index above the Sun's minimum activity. We also examined the relationship between the radio luminosity observed in SMGPS and the X-ray luminosity with eROSITA. The luminosities are correlated and obey the Gudel–Benz relationship confirming that the radio emission is mildly relativistic gyrosynchrotron emission whereas the X-ray emission is thermal emissions in the stellar coronae driven by magnetic reconnection. These properties are commonly associated with main-sequence binaries and single late-type stars.

Speaker: Daniel Egbo (UCT/SAAO)

12:00 The Effect of Intrabinary Shock Geometry on Spider Binary Spectra and Light Curves

Black widow and redback compact binaries are collectively known as ‘spider’ binary systems in which a millisecond pulsar heats and ablates its low-mass companion via its intense pulsar wind. They are an important type of pulsar system differentiated by their companion’s mass and nature. These systems manifest a rich empirical phenomenology, including radio eclipses, optical light curves from a heated companion, as well as non-thermal X-ray and GeV orbital light curves and spectra. Multi-wavelength observations have now established the presence of relativistic leptons that have been accelerated in the pulsar magnetosphere and near the intrabinary shock, as well as a hot companion, presenting an ideal environment for the creation of orbitally-modulated inverse
Compton fluxes that should be within reach of current and future Cherenkov telescopes. We have included an updated synchrotron kernel, different parametric injection spectral shapes, and several intrabinary shock geometries in our emission code to improve our predictions
of the expected TeV signatures from spider binaries. Our updated model outputs may constrain particle energetics, wind properties, shock geometry, and system inclination of several spider binaries.

Speaker: Prof. Christo Venter (North-West University)

12:15 The Rapid-Response Fully-Automated NEA Follow-Up Program with the SAAO's 1-m Lesedi Telescope

Many newly discovered near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are small ($<$100 m), yet they still pose significant risks if they impact Earth. Therefore, continued research and observation are crucial for the small NEA population, where characterisation significantly lags behind discovery rates. Our program at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) utilises the robotic capabilities of the 1-meter Lesedi telescope, equipped with the Mookodi instrument (Erasmus et al. 2024), for rapid follow-up observations of newly detected NEAs.

Using automated scripts that continuously monitor NASA JPL’s Scout page, observations are scheduled in robotic mode, allowing data collection often within the same night of discovery—a crucial strategy given the rapid dimming of smaller NEAs as they move away from Earth. Since February 2023, we have observed approximately 230 NEAs, with an average absolute magnitude of 24.4, corresponding to a size of 30 to 80m depending on the albedo. Of all the asteroids we observed, 75% are under 100 meters in diameter, indicating that our strategy is successful in targeting the small NEA population, as is our goal for the program. Fifteen of the asteroids we followed up on have since been classified as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).

This work presents findings based on multi-filter photometry and astrometric measurements collected in our program. Our astrometry has significantly contributed to the Minor Planet Center's orbital refinement for the submitted objects and collected g', r', i' photometry enables us to extract g' - r' and r' - i' colours, approximating spectral slope and aiding in determining the most likely taxonomic type (S, C, X, D, Q, and V-types for this project) of these NEAs based on the Bus-DeMeo Classification Scheme (DeMeo et al. 2009). Using the collected data, the compositional distribution of the small NEA population was determined and compared with previous studies.

Speaker: Thobekile Sandra Ngwane (University of Cape Town/South African Astronomical Observatory)

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 15:00 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Lessons Learnt from Interdisciplenary Approaches and Astronomy History

Convener: Alemiye Mamo

Zoom Link

13:30 The Pedagogical & Multidisciplinary Uses of the Drake Equation in Astronomy

The Drake Equation offers an engaging and interdisciplinary framework for exploring the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and advancing scientific literacy. By explicating each factor in this renowned equation, key concepts from astrobiology, chemistry, and basic physics are introduced to provide a structured approach to understanding extraterrestrial phenomena. This pedagogical exploration extends beyond simple estimations to discuss broader themes, such as the distinction between technosignatures (e.g., radio waves or laser pulses) and biosignatures (e.g., atmospheric composition indicative of life). Furthermore, the concept of megastructures, such as Dyson spheres, is examined, emphasizing their potential to provide insights into advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. This approach helps people to think critically about the scientific methods used to search for life beyond Earth, the conditions necessary for its emergence, and the technological challenges involved.

Speaker: Jamal Mimouni (University of Constantine, ALGERIA)

13:45 Relationship between astronomy and medicine

Abstract:
The relationship between astronomy and medicine may not seem immediately obvious, but both fields share deep connections in advancing human understanding and improving quality of life. This talk explores the fascinating intersection where these disciplines meet, particularly in the areas of technology, health, and space exploration. Innovations developed for space missions, such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, and telemedicine, have transformed healthcare practices on Earth. Moreover, the study of space environments and their impact on the human body has led to new insights into human health, aging, and disease. By examining how the challenges of space exploration drive medical advancements, and how astronomical technologies help monitor and treat various medical conditions, we will uncover the profound ways in which these two fields enrich one another. This interdisciplinary approach not only deepens our understanding of the cosmos but also holds the potential to revolutionize the future of medicine.

Speaker: Ranim Segni (faculty of medicine ibn jazzar sousse Tunisia)

14:00 Contribution Of Arabs And Muslims In Astronomy

In many century, Arabs and Muslims have contributed in many fields of knowledge and
science with the testimony of near and far. They were a great deal of creativity, innovation and
scientific production. They paid attention to what other predecessors of the other nations had
studied. They translated their works into Arabic and added a lot of their research to them. They
wrote many unique works that became essential references for all the students in the world.
They did not stop there; they built observatories and invented machines. they developed The
astronomical observatories in their time, and noticed the planets and stars and draw their
positions.
In this talk illuminations about what did Arabs and Muslims do in astronomy, and the
most important persons, their works, and the most famous Arab and Islamic astronomical
observatories.

Speaker: Mr khaled segni (tunisian ministry of education)

14:15 EGYPTIAN ASTRONOMICAL HERITAGE AS A GOOD TOOL FOR ASTRONOMY OUTREACH and EDUCATION

In this presentation we will briefly give an overview of the Egyptian heritage and astronomical legacy, which can be well serve as a good tool for astronomical awareness and education. We will present different elements of our heritage represented in:
Astronomical myths - manuscripts, Astronomical books with tables (astronomical tables). Meteorite craters spread in various areas on the Earth's surface, which may represent an important topic through which the composition of the solar system and how it evolved can be studied. Astronomical instruments, astrolabes, sundials, etc.
Astronomical phenomena and events - astronomical observatories - archaeological astronomy and astronomical architecture. Finally, we invite and encourage everyone to participate in collecting astronomical heritage and documenting it wherever it is found.

Speaker: Prof. Somaya Saad (National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, NRIAG, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt)

14:30 Discussion Time

13:30 → 15:00 Science: Stars, star formation

Convener: Wilice Obonyo (Technical University of Kenya)

Zoom Link

13:30 A revisit of the evolutionary sequence of high-mass stars

Over the past decade, we have picked up additional pieces of the puzzle of the formation of massive stars from high-resolution millimeter observations and high cadence maser monitoring observations. Filaments, fibre, pre-stellar core (still fair elusive but more have been detected), cold and hot cores, accretions bursts are among the pieces of the puzzle with which to reconstruct the evolutionary sequence of massive stars. In this talk, I will provide an updated view of the evolutionary sequence of high-mass stars.

Speaker: James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

13:45 Discovery of circular polarisation in 4.7 GHz excited OH masers

From a survey of 24 star-forming regions made using the Green Bank 100m telescope with the C-band receiver in full Stokes mode, we have discovered two sources of 4.765 GHz exOH masers that display circular polarisation. Linear polarisation has previously been found in flaring 4.765 GHz exOH masers in Mon R2 IRS 3, but this is the first time that circular polarisation has been found in these masers. The separation between the RCP and LCP modes is very small. If we assume the splitting of the components is due to the Zeeman effect and that the profiles are Gaussian, we show how the V/I plot can be used to determine a value for the splitting. The Lande g-value for this transition is poorly known so we can only set rough limits on the strength of the magnetic field causing the Zeeman splitting in the circular components.

Speaker: Prof. Derck Smits (University of South Africa)

14:00 Maser linear polarisation changes

The 4.765 GHz OH masers in Mon R2 IRS 3 region are the only 4.7 GHz OH masers to exhibit linear polarisation. Linear polarisation is not expected for this maser transition and its origin is unclear. Recent flaring of the OH masers has been monitored using both the HartRAO and Green Bank single-dish radio telescopes and imaged using the e-MERLIN array. Observations show a first detection of circular polarisation for the masers and re-detection of the linear polarisation but at different values to the previous detections. The linear polarisation changes over time – something which has not previously been reported for any masers – with the changes appearing to follow a regular pattern. The methanol masers in this region show similar polarisation changes, and could assist in providing an understanding of the origin of the polarisation. The relative positions of the OH and methanol masers and their polarisation, together with potential origin of the polarisation will be presented.

Speaker: Paul Fallon (Unisa)

14:15 HII regions and SNRs associated to molecular clouds: A study with the SMGPS and SEDIGISM surveys.

Massive stars release vast amounts of energy into the interstellar medium through their lifetime processes and supernova explosions, compressing nearby regions and triggering star formation. While triggering mechanisms have been studied on smaller scales, comprehensive analysis on a larger MilkyWay scale has been hindered by the lack of high-quality radio imaging and the limited angular resolution of molecular mapping. The significance of triggered star formation across the Galactic disc is, therefore, not well understood. This pilot study combines the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS) and the Structure, excitation, and dynamics of the inner Galactic interstellar medium (SEDIGISM) data to identify and examine molecular clouds associated with HII regions and supernovae remnants (SNRs). We focus on their physical properties and massive star formation potential. We identify 268 molecular clouds from the SEDIGISM tile that is found within the studied Galactic coordinate range in degrees (341≤𝑙 ≤343 and |𝑏|≤0.5), of which 159 clouds (∼60%) are associated with SMGPS extended sources. Compared to unassociated clouds, we find that associated clouds exhibit significantly higher mean mass (∼7000M⊙ vs. ∼1900 M⊙) and average gas surface density (∼88 M⊙/pc^2 vs. ∼66 M⊙/pc^2), but with slightly elevated virial parameters. We also find that the linewidth-size scaling relation reveals steeper scaling for associated clouds compared to unassociated clouds. These findings suggest an enhanced dynamical activity for the associated clouds and support the hypothesis that feedback from massive stars influences molecular cloud properties and may trigger star formation.

Speaker: Mr Moses Langa (Technical University of Kenya)

14:30 First detection of prebiotic molecules in a protoplanetary disk

The study of protoplanetary disks provides invaluable insights into the processes governing planetary formation and the chemistry of the early solar systems. This talk will present new data on the detection of COMs in the disk around V883 Ori. Using high-resolution spectroscopy of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Band 7 observations, we explored the spatial distribution and chemical environment of several molecules. We detected 15 COMs and 10 other molecules (including isotopologues), with first detection of 6 molecules in this source, including some prebiotic molecules, which are considered the building blocks of life. We compared the abundances relative to methanol (CH3OH) with those in Class 0 protostars (IRAS 16293-2422 A, IRAS 16293-2422 B, B1-c), the Solar System comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, Sgr B2 (N), and the protoplanetary disk of Oph-IRS 48. We report higher abundances compared to Class 0 protostars and similar abundances compared to the Sgr B2 (N) and 67P/C-G for the most of the molecules, and lower abundances compared to the protoplanetary disk Oph-IRS 48. Our findings underscore the significance of investigating the chemical complexity of protoplanetary disks and contribute to a broader understanding of the chemical evolution of protoplanetary disks.

Speaker: Abubakar Fadul (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy)

15:00 → 15:30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee & Poster Session (PANOPTES DEMO Session at Exhibition)

15:30 → 16:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Science Communication and Evaluating Results

Convener: Pranesthan Govender

Zoom Link

15:30 The Awareness of Robotics and Astronomy Education Using Online Questionnaires

The fields of robotics and astronomy are rapidly advancing, yet awareness of their educational potential remains limited among many communities. This study investigates the use of online questionnaires to assess and raise awareness of robotics and astronomy education during science events. Online surveys were distributed at various science outreach activities, including workshops and public events focused on STEM education, to gauge participants understanding of these subjects and their interest in pursuing related educational paths. The questionnaires collected demographic data, as well as information on attendees existing knowledge of robotics and astronomy, their level of interest in these fields, and their preferred educational resources. Preliminary findings reveal that while there is significant curiosity, many participants, especially younger individuals, have limited awareness of the practical applications and career opportunities within these fields. Furthermore, the results indicate a preference for interactive learning experiences, such as hands-on demonstrations and online resources, to improve engagement. The use of online questionnaires has proven effective in reaching a broad audience and providing real-time data for analysis. This research highlights the potential of science events and digital tools to increase public engagement with robotics and astronomy, particularly in Africa, where these fields are still developing. By enhancing awareness through targeted outreach programs and accessible educational content, these initiatives can contribute to expanding interest in and access to robotics and astronomy education across the continent.

Speaker: Tumelo Nhlapo (Unisa Science Engagement Centre)

15:45 Empowering Public Engagement in Astronomy through Innovative Communication Strategies

Effectively communicating the wonders of astronomy to the public is critical for fostering scientific literacy, inspiring curiosity in future generations, and empowering communities to engage with the cosmos. However, the abstract nature of astronomical concepts often poses challenges in engaging diverse audiences.

This presentation explores innovative strategies to overcome these challenges, focusing on astronomy-specific initiatives. Beginning with the vital role of public engagement in astronomy, we discuss building trust, promoting transparency, and sparking interest in Africa’s growing astronomical landscape.

Key strategies include using clear language, storytelling, and visuals to make astronomy accessible and captivating. Digital platforms, such as social media campaigns, science blogs, and virtual stargazing sessions, offer incredible opportunities to connect with wide audiences. The importance of creating authentic and visually engaging content will be emphasized.

Interactive activities are where the magic of astronomy truly comes alive. Initiatives such as telescope viewing sessions, citizen science projects like those involving SARAO, and astronomy festivals are highlighted as transformative tools for engagement. These activities demonstrate the power of hands-on learning in igniting passion for the stars.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of effective outreach. This presentation examines partnerships with schools, museums, and community organizations to broaden the reach and inclusivity of astronomy education.

Finally, evaluation methods for measuring the impact of these efforts will be discussed to ensure that outreach initiatives achieve meaningful and sustainable results.

By embracing these approaches, this presentation calls for innovative communication strategies to make astronomy accessible to all, fostering a scientifically engaged and astronomy-literate society across Africa.

Speaker: Cassandra Mzola (SARAO)

16:00 Cocreating community engagement in Sutherland

Based on a small sample research project, we found out that even though the Southern African Large Telescope(SALT) has been in Sutherland for 20 years, some community members in Sutherland have a keen interest to know more about what really happens behind the scenes when astronomers observe. During this talk, I shall present how we conducted the first contact, with whom,the feedback from the group and what they expect next year. We hope that our approach might be useful to the community and that we can get pointers on how to measure impact.

Speaker: Thembela Mantungwa (AfAS/NRF-SAAO)

16:15 Connecting Astronomy Among African High Schoolers through the Astronomy and Space Science Debates

With increasing Astronomical research and development in the African continent, fostering early engagement in astronomy to high school learners is crucial in nurturing the next generation of African astronomers. A pilot project established through the collaboration of South African and Zambian schools aimed to use the Astronomy and Space Science debate as a potential tool to engage African high school students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The project’s main objective in using debates centered around astronomy and space science topics was to serve as a powerful medium for promoting scientific curiosity, critical thinking, group work collaboration as well as communication skills among the high school students.
Students from the two countries showcased amazing comprehension skills on key space science issues—such as the future of space exploration, the role of African countries in the global space race, and the ethical considerations of space colonization. This collaboration further cements the idea that even hundreds of kilometers cannot stop young minds from reaching for the stars and to inspire the next generation of scientists.
The presentation to follow will highlight on the findings of the project and look at possibilities of how the success of the Zambian and South African collaboration might lay the foundation to the expansion of more collaborations within the African continent for better education and exposure of learners in STEM fields—and thus venturing into said careers.

Speaker: Ms Buzani Khumalo (NRF-SAAO)

15:30 → 16:30 Science: ML & Techniques

Convener: Daniel Egbo (UCT/SAAO)

Zoom Link

15:30 Enabling New Discoveries with Machine Learning

The next generation of telescopes such as the SKA and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory will produce enormous data sets, far too large for traditional analysis techniques. Machine learning has proven invaluable in handling massive data volumes and automating many tasks traditionally done by human scientists. In this talk, I will explore the use of machine learning for automating the discovery and follow-up of interesting astronomical phenomena, both in the image and time domains. I will share an exciting recent MeerKAT discovery made with machine learning and discuss how the human-machine interface will play a critical role in maximising scientific discovery with automated tools.

Speaker: Michelle Lochner (University of the Western Cape/ South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)

15:45 Deep-learning identification of a hidden Compton-Thick AGN population between 2 < z < 4 in large JWST surveys

Compton-thick AGN (CT AGN) are characterised by extreme dust obscuration, and limited visibility in X-ray wavelengths due to the X-ray radiation from the corona being reprocessed into near infrared wavelengths by dust and gas in the torus. New JWST surveys permit investigation of the properties of AGN and host galaxy populations in rest-frame optical between $0.5 < z < 4$; this spans the entire cosmic noon period where both SMBH growth and galaxy star formation rates peak. Prior Hubble Space Telescope observations of a sample of CT AGN at $z ∼ 2$ lack optical clues indicating the AGN. However, in new JWST imagery, we see plenty of these clues which allow us to identify a sample of CT AGN candidates at previously unexplored redshifts. We use a unique visual method independent of typical methods for identifying CT AGN. We use the deep-learning classifier ‘Zoobot’ to identify morphological AGN signatures in the CEERS and COSMOS-Web surveys. This is conducted via a transfer learning method that inherits prior training of Zoobot on ground-based imagery. Predictions of the JWST morphologies are then applied to the large multi-wavelength imaging set of COSMOS-Web, after being fine-tuned using Galaxy Zoo volunteer classifications of CEERS images. We compare our morphological method to other methods of detecting CT AGN, and test recent predictions for the quantity of CT AGN expected to exist at redshift $2 < z < 4$. We also discuss the viability of deep-learning classifiers to find more hidden AGN populations.

Speaker: Shingirai Makechemu (Lancaster University and the University of Zimbabwe)

Shingirai_Makechemu_AfAS_Talk_2025.pdf

16:00 The Study of Star Formation in RedMaPPer Galaxy Clusters through Stacking Radio Continuum Data

We investigate star formation activities in galaxy clusters by leveraging radio continuum data from the red-sequence Matched-filter Probabilistic Percolation (redMaPPer) catalogs, which encompass a redshift range of 0.06 to 0.55. These clusters serve as a robust dataset for studying the interplay between galaxy evolution and cluster environments. To achieve this, we employ a stacking analysis on Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) observations within the footprints of the Herschel Stripe 82 region (HerS). This approach enables us to derive average star formation rates (SFR$_{1.4GHz}$) and corresponding radio luminosities (L$_{1.4GHz}$) for member galaxies, overcoming the challenges posed by individual detection limits.

Our results reveal a clear trend of decreasing star formation rate per unit cluster mass ($\Sigma$SFR/M) with increasing cluster mass (M$_{200}$), supporting the hypothesis that environmental suppression mechanisms - such as ram pressure stripping, strangulation, or galaxy harassment - play a pivotal role in regulating star formation within dense environments. These findings underscore the significance of deep radio surveys in probing the cosmic star formation history and provide a critical perspective on how large-scale structures influence the evolution of galaxies within clusters. This study highlights the synergy between multi-wavelength datasets and advanced stacking techniques in uncovering the complex relationships governing galaxy and cluster evolution.

Speaker: Ny Ando Ralitera (University of Antananarivo)

16:15 Modelling a Large Population of HI sources using Bayesian Statistics

The next generation of radio telescopes, such as the Square Kilometre Array, set to become the largest radio telescope in the world, will conduct surveys generating catalogues of millions of radio galaxies. Analysing and maximising the scientific return from these enormous astronomical datasets will require the development of innovative techniques.

The 21 cm neutral hydrogen (HI) emission line offers crucial insights into galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe. However, accurately modelling this emission line is often challenging due to its intrinsically faint nature, especially in low signal-to-noise observations. Building on the work of Harrison, Lochner, and Brown (2017), we introduce an updated Bayesian framework for fitting the HI emission line using the entire Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) catalogue. Our results indicate that foreground interference from our Milky Way galaxy and radio frequency interference pose a significant challenge for accurately measuring the HI line profile. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of using the Bayesian fitting method by comparing the recovered heliocentric velocity and line width with those in the ALFALFA catalogue. To date, we have tested the method on ten thousand ALFALFA galaxies, with advantages of the Bayesian approach being further highlighted through the use of the evidence term. The presentation will detail our modelling approach, highlight the broader implications for understanding galaxy properties and dynamics, as well as outline potential applications for upcoming radio surveys.

Speaker: Ms Nomthendeleko Motha (Universtity of the Western Cape)

16:30 → 18:30 Special Session: The SKA Observatory: status update and opportunities

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

16:30 Introduction and overview of the SKA Observatory (remote)

Speaker: Lindsay Magnus (SKAO)

16:50 Construction status (remote)

Speaker: Tracy Cheetham (SKAO)

17:10 Science with the SKA

Speaker: Anna Bonaldi (SKAO)

17:30 Science operations planning (remote)

Speaker: Shari Breen (SKAO)

17:50 SKA-Mid science operations planning and opportunities

Speaker: Sharmila Goedhart (SKAO)

18:10 SKAO Africa Programme (in remote)

Speaker: Thijs Guerts (SKAO)

18:30 → 19:30 Special Session: AfNWA activities, current status, and future plan

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI))

18:30 Summary of AfNWA's achievements

Speakers: Meryem Guennoun, Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI)), Naomi Asabre Frimpong (IAU Office of Astronomy Outreach), Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)

18:50 Summary of the 2024 projects focused on empowering girls across Africa

Speakers: Meryem Guennoun, Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI)), Naomi Asabre Frimpong (IAU Office of Astronomy Outreach), Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)

19:10 Open discussion about women in astronomy and related fields in Africa

Speakers: Meryem Guennoun, Naomi Asabre Frimpong (IAU Office of Astronomy Outreach), Povic Mirjana (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), Ethiopia Instituto de Astrofı́sica de Andalucı́a (IAA-CSIC), Spain.), Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)

18:30 → 19:40 Special Session: PANOPTES

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

18:30 Introduction to PANOPTES

Overview of the project’s goals, structure, and success stories.

18:40 Unbox a Panoptes camera box

Participants will work on disassembling a PANOPTES camera box.

18:55 Scientific Applications of PANOPTES

Discussion on how PANOPTES contributes to exoplanet detection and other research.

19:05 Using PANOPTES for Outreach & Education

Exploring Scenarios on how PANOPTES can be used in schools and communities.

19:25 Q&A and Discussion

Open discussion on implementation, troubleshooting, and community collaboration.

Wednesday, 26 March

09:00 → 10:30 Plenary: Plenary 3

Convener: Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)

Zoom Link

09:00 Expected Science Performance of the Africa Millimetre Telescope

Speaker: Prof. Michael Backes (University of Namibia)

09:30 MeerKAT Legacy surveys and data repository

Speaker: Sharmila Goedhart (SKAO)

10:00 The Role and Impact of the IAU National Outreach Coordinators Network in Promoting Astronomy Outreach*

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) National Outreach Coordinators (NOC) Network serves as a vital link between global astronomy outreach initiatives and local communities across nations and territories. Acting as points of contact, NOCs facilitate the implementation of IAU outreach programs while addressing regional needs and fostering international collaboration.

Over the last five years, the NOC Network has spearheaded many impactful programs with support from the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach. These initiatives, funded through competitive grants, targeted diverse audiences, including students, educators, and the general public, while emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable development goals. Key programs across Africa and the world have focused on enhancing astronomy education in underserved areas, empowering women in STEM, promoting cultural heritage through astronomy, and advancing science literacy.

This presentation will highlight the scope of activities supported by the NOC Network, with a focus on projects implemented in Africa. It will showcase their transformative impact, including increased public engagement with astronomy, strengthened educational resources, and expanded collaboration between nations. The presentation aims to inspire further partnerships and illustrate the potential of astronomy outreach to bridge cultural and educational gaps globally.

Speaker: Dr Naomi Asabre Frimpong (IAU Office of Astronomy Outreach)

10:30 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee & Poster Session

11:00 → 12:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Astronomy Education

Convener: Linda Strubbe (Strubbe Educational Consulting)

Zoom Link

11:00 Enhancing Astronomy Education through the Dark Sky Initiative through Design Thinking Models and Social Innovation Approaches

As astronomy education and space science gain traction, integrating astronomy into formal schooling has become a notable development, nurturing students' astronomical literacy and fostering their capacity for creative problem-solving. By leveraging engineering design processes and scientific inquiry, educators can facilitate the practical application of astronomical knowledge in real-world contexts. The STEM+A@Astronomy initiative, an interdisciplinary venture, seeks to stimulate students' interest and curiosity in nocturnal sky observation, space science, and planetary studies through experiential learning and hands-on activities. This approach can also be adapted for modular lessons in primary education, offering students a comprehensive learning experience in their daily academic endeavors.

Speaker: Mr Exodus Chun-Long Sit (IAU NAEC and Co-NOC Hong Kong, China)

11:15 ASTRONOMY EDUCATION IN TANZANIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Astronomy has a unique ability to inspire curiosity and foster a passion for science among students. However, in Tanzanian secondary schools, astronomy education is constrained by limited curriculum integration, insufficient teaching resources, and a lack of teacher training. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the current state of astronomy education in Tanzania, highlighting its significance, challenges, and potential pathways for advancement.

The presentation will begin by underscoring the importance of astronomy as a multidisciplinary science that connects physics, geography, and mathematics, while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It will discuss how a well-structured astronomy education program can motivate students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The presentation will address key challenges such as:

Curriculum Gaps: The fragmented coverage of astronomy topics and the need for dedicated content.
Teacher Preparedness: The absence of specialized training programs to equip teachers with the necessary skills to teach astronomy effectively.
Resource Limitations: The scarcity of teaching aids such as telescopes, star charts, and digital learning tools.
Socio-Cultural Influences: Misconceptions about celestial phenomena and their impact on students’ attitudes toward astronomy.
To overcome these barriers, the presentation will propose actionable solutions, including:

Revising the curriculum to include comprehensive astronomy modules.
Establishing professional development programs to enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills.
Leveraging affordable and accessible technologies, such as mobile apps and virtual planetariums, to enrich teaching and learning experiences.
Building partnerships with international organizations to access resources and foster collaboration.
The presentation will conclude by emphasizing the trans-formative potential of astronomy education in inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. Participants will be encouraged to collaborate in promoting astronomy education as a means to advance scientific literacy and critical thinking among Tanzanian students

Speaker: ELINEEMA NASSARI (Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory)

11:30 Promoting STEM in Secondary Schools with Astronomy & Space Science

The teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics concepts posses some challenges in quite a number of developing nations. This is due in part to the lack of adequate laboratories and/or equipment that can be used for demonstration. It is also challenging to conduct experiments with classes whose numbers more than double the optimum class sizes.
We mitigate such challenges by using well selected Astronomy & Space science concepts already embedded in the new Ugandan secondary school curriculum during our nationwide outreach program.
We report the results from the recently conducted outreach in a metropolitan region, and the challenges faced.
The two year-long nationwide outreach program suggests that the diversity in the equipment and standards of the schools necessitates high flexibility in the activities planned for learners.

Speaker: Cosmos Dumba (Mbarara University of Science & Technology)

11:45 ASTRONOMY OUTREACH FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ARUSHA REGION, TANZANIA

Introduction
Astronomy outreach programs play a pivotal role in sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines among students. In Arusha Region of Tanzania, where secondary schools often lack adequate resources for hands-on science education, astronomy outreach initiatives provide a unique opportunity to inspire students, cultivate curiosity, and enhance their scientific literacy. This abstract explores the objectives, methods, impact, and challenges of astronomy outreach programs tailored for secondary schools in Arusha, with a focus on fostering sustainable educational and community development.
Objectives of Astronomy Outreach
The primary goal of astronomy outreach in Arusha is to ignite an interest in astronomy and STEM subjects among students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Specific objectives include:
• Enhancing Science Literacy: Introducing students to basic astronomical concepts and the scientific method.
• Fostering Innovation: Encouraging creativity and problem-solving through the study of celestial phenomena.
• Raising Awareness: Highlighting the relevance of astronomy to Tanzanian culture, history, and global scientific advancement.
• Encouraging Careers in STEM: Providing career guidance to help students envision themselves as future scientists or engineers.

Methods and Approaches
Outreach programs employ diverse methods to engage students and make astronomy accessible, despite logistical and financial constraints. These methods include:
• Mobile Astronomy Labs: Bringing telescopes, projectors, and models to schools for interactive sessions.
• Night Sky Observation Events: Organizing stargazing events to allow students to explore celestial objects firsthand.
• Workshops and Lectures: Hosting engaging presentations on topics such as the solar system, black holes, and space exploration.
• Cultural Integration: Incorporating local knowledge and folklore about the stars to create relatable content.
• Teacher Training: Equipping educators with tools and knowledge to sustain astronomy activities in schools.

Impact of Outreach Programs
The implementation of astronomy outreach programs has shown promising outcomes in Arusha, positively influencing students and their communities:
• Increased Engagement: Students demonstrate a greater interest in science subjects and participate actively in learning activities.
• Improved Academic Performance: Exposure to astronomy has been linked to better understanding of physics and mathematics.
• Community Development: By involving parents and local leaders in astronomy events, outreach programs build a culture of science appreciation.
• Gender Inclusivity: Special efforts to involve girls in STEM activities challenge traditional gender norms and encourage equality in education.

Challenges and Solutions
Astronomy outreach programs in Arusha face numerous challenges that require innovative solutions to overcome:
• Limited Resources: Schools often lack telescopes, models, and other materials. Partnerships with organizations and universities can provide necessary equipment.
• Geographical Barriers: Remote locations hinder program delivery; mobile units and virtual sessions help mitigate this issue.
• Cultural Misconceptions: Some communities associate astronomy with superstitions. Integrating local beliefs into scientific discussions fosters acceptance.
• Sustainability: Maintaining program momentum requires consistent funding and trained personnel. Government support and community involvement are crucial.

Conclusion
Astronomy outreach for secondary schools in Arusha, Tanzania, represents a vital tool for promoting STEM education and fostering a scientifically literate generation. Through strategic planning, resource optimization, and cultural inclusivity, such programs not only inspire students but also contribute to the region's educational and societal development. With continued investment and collaboration, astronomy outreach has the potential to transform science education in Arusha and beyond.

Speaker: Rashidi Mkwinda (Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory)

12:00 Astronomy Education at the University of Zululand

The department of physics at the University of Zululand, one of the rural based higher institutions in Vulindlela, KZN, South Africa is embarking on a new journey to introduce astronomy and astrophysics both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university started the idea of having astronomy research in the department of physics after it was involved in the Astrolab training organized by DST and OAD. Astrolab is one of the pioneering projects that uses the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) networked and remotely controlled robotic telescopes to train learners who don’t have access to telescopes. The department’s involvement in such projects enhanced the desire to include astronomy and astrophysics as one of the research areas and not only train previously disadvantaged students across South Africa but also use the telescope to conduct public outreach programs. To achieve this, the university in collaboration with DST is working on building an optical astronomical observatory at KwanTozwa mountain, East of Eshowe, which will host a 40-inch optical robotic telescope. In this talk, I will present the progresses made and experience gained and the way forward as well as collaborations with colleagues across Africa.

Speaker: Getachew Mengistie (University of Zululand)

12:15 DISCUSSION TIME

11:00 → 12:30 Science: Instruments

Convener: Dr Zara Randriamanakoto (SAAO/University of Antananarivo)

Zoom Link

11:00 An Overview of the South African Astronomical Observatory

I will provide an overview of the telescopes owned, operated and hosted by the South African Astronomical Observatory, a national facility of the National Research Foundation of South Africa, at the observing site near Sutherland in the Northern Cape of South Africa. This includes the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), 3 SAAO 1-m class telescopes and a number of international hosted facilities, many of which have data and time-sharing agreements with the SAAO. I will describe recent updates, and ongoing projects to upgrade the instrumentation and functioning of the telescopes with a view to enabling intelligent automated follow-up of transients in the era of large surveys. I will touch on plans for an African Integrated Telescope Network as part of the Intelligent Observatory project.

Speaker: Rosalind Skelton (South African Astronomical Observatory)

11:15 Update on the Astronomy operations with the Southern African Large Telescope

SALT is a 10-m class optical telescope located in Sutherland, South Africa, owned by an international consortium and operated in fully queue-scheduled mode by the South African Astronomical Observatory.

In this paper we present an update on all observatory performance metrics since the start of full science operations in late 2011, including science time, weather and technical downtime, and time used for planned engineering activities and our new instruments commissioning. We analyze key statistics describing the science output of SALT, the completion fractions of scheduled observations and programs per priority class, and analyze the more than 560 refereed papers to date since first light based on SALT data.

We discuss our latest telescope metrics and the results of the analysis of our acquisition times, what steps we are taking to make significant improvements to our metrics, our metrics dashboard and the 'Efficiency project'. We also highlight that significant effort has also been placed on the improvement of our data reduction pipelines.

The SALT refereed paper output has continued to increase steadily at a pace comparable to other large telescopes when counted from the start of science operations and when scaled by the number of telescopes. When scaled by operations costs (where known), SALT is still clearly very cost-effective compared to most other large telescope operations. We also highlight that in terms of citations, SALT again at a comparable level to other large telescopes.

We also discuss updates regarding the Near IR spectrograph, which expands the telescope's wavelength range into the NIR, and the addition of a laser frequency comb to calibrate the High Stability mode of our High Resolution Spectrograph, in line with strategic vision for exoplanet science. We will also briefly update on RssDual (previously known as MaxE), our generation 1.5 instrument, and on our plans for SALT as an important component of the SAAO in an “Intelligent Observatory” framework aiming to network a suite of telescopes and instruments on the observing site.

Speakers: Danièl Groenewald (SAAO/SALT), Dr Encarni Romero-Colmenero (SAAO/SALT)

11:30 The Intelligent Observatory – Advancing Astronomical Operations and Research

The Intelligent Observatory (IO) program represents a transformative step forward in the field of astronomical research and operations, led by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). This initiative integrates advanced automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science into observatory operations to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and scientific output of telescopes and facilities.
The IO program has already automated the Lesedi 1m telescope, enabling fully robotic observations. These innovations reduce the operational overhead for astronomers, allowing them to focus on scientific discovery. Current efforts include the application of AI to monitor and analyze large telemetry databases, manage technical and observational documentation, and generate human-readable reports, thereby streamlining fault detection and operational planning.
In this talk, we will present the technical achievements and challenges of the IO program, including the automation of the SAAO telescopes, the integration of AI technologies, and the production of enhanced data products. We will highlight how the IO aligns with its potential to inspire similar transformations across the continent. The Intelligent Observatory demonstrates how AI and innovation can redefine the future of astronomy, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of exploration and discovery.

Speaker: Prof. STEPHEN Potter (South African Astronomical Observatory: Astronomy)

11:45 Flash: A New Survey and Follow-up Telescope Covering the Southern Sky at 1-second Cadences

Flash is a new telescope being commissioned at the University of Cape Town to later be permanently installed at the South African Astronomical Observatory’s site in Sutherland, Northern Cape. This telescope will have two running modes, both utilizing CMOS technology to image at 1-second cadences. Survey mode will scan the full sky using SDSS filters going as deep as 17.7 magnitudes and covering the visible sky in as little as 1 hour. Staring mode will follow up on transient sources such as fast-radio bursts and gravitational wave events, searching for optical counterparts. The telescope should be commissioned in late 2025, moving to its permanent site in 2026.

Speaker: Bret Yotti (University of Cape Town)

12:00 Refurbishing the ROTSE facility in Nambia

The Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment (ROTSE, http://www.rotse.net/) was a network of 4 robotic telescopes, designed to respond to alerts of transient events, particular fast transients like gamma-ray bursts. I will discuss the project to refurbish the ROTSE IIIc facility, situated at the HESS site in Namibia, which was de-commissioned in 2013. Of the 3 other ROTSE III systems, in Turkey, USA and Australia, only the Turkish facility is still operating. The refurbishment project was initiated by AfAS in 2022 and is now also supported through the DARA programme and at SAAO and UFS, with the primary purpose to provide a research facility for use by the AfAS community. I will review the capabilities and potential science cases for ROTSE and provide an update on the status of the project, which is expected to be operational during 2025.

Speaker: Prof. David Buckley (SAAO/UCT/UFS)

12:15 TART workshops: Building an African Education and Outreach Network of Radio Telescopes

Speaker: Prof. Tim Molteno

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 19:30 Excursion: Conference Excursion

Thursday, 27 March

09:00 → 10:30 Plenary: Plenary 4

Convener: Dr Zara Randriamanakoto (SAAO/University of Antananarivo)

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09:00 Astronomy, Mental Health, and outreach.

The Astronomy for Mental Health flagship project, led by the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), combines astronomy and mental health to address pressing global challenges.
Despite growing awareness of mental health’s importance, barriers such as stigma, limited care access, and low community engagement persist. This flagship leverages the universal appeal of astronomy to break down these barriers through innovative outreach, education, and research-based interventions.
Through storytelling, inclusive programming, and participatory activities, the initiative demonstrates how astronomy can educate, inspire, and connect diverse communities. This presentation will highlight key resources like the Astronomy for Mental Health Narratives and projects such as the OAD x Office of Astronomy Outreach (OAO) Train-the-Trainer initiative. It will also reflect on the challenges and opportunities of integrating mental health into science communication, offering practical strategies for implementing these concepts in outreach efforts.
By merging science, art, and psychology, the flagship emphasizes the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration to advance mental health and well-being globally.

Speaker: Dominic Vertue (Office of Astronomy for Development)

09:30 SciGirls: Empowering girls and female teachers in remote and rural areas through astronomy

The world faces a huge gender gap in science. In Ethiopia, only about 13% of all scientists are women, and this fraction is even lower when considering the fundamental sciences. Girls avoid choosing STEM mainly due to a lack of support and/or information. This becomes even more evident when going to remote areas, where 80% of the Ethiopian population lives. The SciGirls project aims to improve the gender gap in science in the long-term by empowering female secondary school students and their female science teachers who are working and living in remote and rural areas through astronomy and its multidisciplinarity. In 2022 and 2024 we organised a carefully designed capacity-building workshop for 60 participants across Ethiopia, with the aim of training future STEM advocates in rural and remote areas. The girls and teachers carried out different activities in their communities after the training. Most of participants came from the regions that have been severely affected by conflicts over the past 4 years. SciGirls is one of the 2022 and 2024 projects funded by OAD. During this talk, we will share valuable experiences we have gained through interaction with girls and female teachers who work and live in very harsh conditions, where they rarely have any external support to fulfill their dreams. The SciGirls approach has so far yielded very positive results and the project can serve as a model also in other countries.

Speaker: Prof. Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute)

09:45 Bridging Worlds Through Words: The Power of Localized Learning Materials in Astronomy Outreach

"Bridging Worlds Through Words" explores the transformative role of multilingual, interactive learning materials in making astronomy accessible to diverse communities. Leveraging my background in computer engineering and my commitment to bridging educational divides, I have been part of a groundbreaking effort to create Ethiopia’s first translated flyers for astronomy outreach. Available in Amharic, English, Afan Oromo, and Tigrinya, these resources ensure inclusivity across linguistic and cultural lines.

A key highlight of this initiative is the SiGirls program led by Dr. Mirjana. Through this program, 1,500 translated flyers were distributed to trainees nationwide, alongside NASA-branded bags and educational goodies sourced from the International Astronomical Union General Assembly last August. These materials fostered curiosity and pride among participants, demonstrating the impact of localized content in inspiring a connection to space science.

At the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), we are building on these efforts with an ambitious project to centralize educational resources. This hub will serve as a platform where volunteers can contribute translations of content into local languages. Once reviewed and approved, these resources will be made publicly available at no cost, ensuring sustainable access to quality educational materials.

Localized resources have proven to transcend language barriers, transforming abstract astronomical concepts into relatable narratives. In rural and underprivileged regions, such as Ethiopia’s war-affected northern areas, these tools have empowered educators and students, sparking curiosity and fostering resilience.

This abstract underscores the importance of integrating language and culture into science education. By creating a collaborative platform for translation and distribution, we aim to make astronomy a universal language of hope and inspiration, accessible to all. I look forward to sharing these experiences and advocating for multilingual resources as a cornerstone of equitable science education.

Speaker: Lealem Alula (Ethiopian Space Science Society)

10:00 Strengthening the Underrepresented Astro-Research in Africa - new windows on the sky

Speaker: Prof. Yin-Zhe Ma (Stellenbosch University)

10:30 → 11:00 Morning Tea/Coffee & Poster Session

11:00 → 12:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Outreach initiatives Across Africa (Part 1)

Convener: Joyful Elma Mdhluli (Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD))

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11:00 Stellar Horizons: Transforming STEM Education through Astronomy Outreach in Nigeria

Astronomy has a unique ability to inspire curiosity and innovation, making it an exceptional tool for advancing STEM education and addressing educational inequities. In Nigeria, a country with diverse cultures and significant socio-economic challenges, the potential of astronomy to foster interest in science and technology is vast but underutilized. This presentation highlights the transformative outreach programs of Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) Nigeria, focusing on their role in bridging STEM education gaps and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly girls and rural communities.
Since its establishment in 2013, AWB Nigeria has implemented several impactful initiatives, including Girls Astronomy Camps and astronomy workshops in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps. These programs leverage the universal appeal of the night sky to engage young minds, promote critical thinking, and nurture scientific aspirations. Through stargazing sessions, hands-on activities, and mentorship, these programs not only ignite students’ interest in STEM disciplines but also provide educators with practical tools for teaching science effectively.
Despite challenges such as limited resources and funding gaps, AWB Nigeria continues to build partnerships and explore innovative ways to expand its reach and impact. Collaborative efforts with local and international partners have enabled the organization to reach thousands of students and educators, demonstrating the potential of astronomy to drive sustainable development.
As Africa emerges as a leader in global astronomy, the Nigerian experience underscores the importance of integrating outreach and education into broader strategies for science communication and development. This presentation will share key achievements, lessons learned, and future aspirations, including strategies for scaling these initiatives across Nigeria and the continent. Join us in exploring how the stars can illuminate pathways to growth and innovation for future generations.

Speaker: Olayinka Fagbemiro (Nigerian Space Agency/AWB Nigeria)

11:15 Inclusive Astronomy Outreach: Inspiring People of Determination and the Elderly in Egypt

The Faculty of Science at Cairo University actively participated in an enriching outreach initiative as part of the "Bidaya" Human Development Initiative, which focuses on building human capacity and contributing to sustainable development. During a recent field visit to the Intellectual Education School for People of Determination in Dokki, Giza, interactive workshops were conducted to simplify astronomical sciences for children with intellectual disabilities.

Through engaging and creative activities such as drawing, coloring, and storytelling, the children explored key astronomical concepts, including the phases of the moon, the planets, and the solar system. The activities were designed to ignite their imagination, spark scientific curiosity, and transform science into a joyful, hands-on learning experience.

In parallel, a specialized workshop for older adults was also organized, where participants used telescopes and solar glasses to observe celestial objects, including the sun, creating an inclusive environment for lifelong learning and scientific engagement.

This initiative highlights the power of inclusive science education in fostering curiosity and empowerment across diverse age groups and abilities. By connecting science to real-life applications in a simplified and engaging manner, the program succeeded in promoting accessibility, creativity, and inspiration, encouraging participants to see science as a gateway to exploring the universe around them.

11:30 Fostering Astronomy and Space Science Development in Kenya through Community Engagement and Education

As the Founder of the Kenya Space Society and a dedicated astrophysics graduate, my goal is to advance astronomy and space sciences in Kenya through community engagement, education and strategic partnerships. In this presentation, I will share the progress and impact of the Kenya Space Society in fostering an interest in astronomy among Kenyan students, scientists and educators, aligning with the vision of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

My work focuses on creating a sustainable foundation for radio astronomy in Kenya, both through outreach activities and educational programs that introduce students to fundamental concepts in astrophysics and radio science. In 2023, I launched the Kenya Space Society as a platform to inspire and equip the next generation of African astronomers and space scientists. Our initiatives include hands-on workshops, public lectures and star gazing events and collaboration with local institutions, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap in the field and empower young people to pursue careers in space sciences.

This presentation will highlight Kenya Space Society's initiatives and future goals, particularly regarding the potential to leverage resources like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project. Through international cooperation, we hope to expand local expertise and infrastructure for radio astronomy research in Kenya, establishing it as a significant area within African space science. Participating in AfAS-2025, I seek to share best practices, learn from other African countries’ efforts and foster a network that supports sustainable development in astronomy and space science across the continent.

Speaker: Bramuel Nakholi (Kenya Space Society)

11:45 Illuminating the Cosmos: Advancements in Astronomy Education in Mali

The National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) team for Mali, led by Professor Abdoulkarim Aliou, has been instrumental in developing and implementing astronomy education programs across the country. ​​S​ince 1994, Professor Aliou ​has led several activities towards astronomy education on a national level. His work includes creating curriculum materials, organizing ​national Olympiad on Astronomy, and facilitating outreach activities to engage students in astronomical concepts.
The presentation will ​summarizes all the work done in astronomy education since 1994 in Mali and will conclude by outlining future directions ​o​n this topic, including plans to expand existing programs and develop new initiatives to inspire the next generation of Malian astronomers and space scientists.

Speakers: Prof. Abdoulkarim Aliou (University of Bamako), Fatoumata Kebe

12:00 Shaping Zimbabwe’s Astronomical Future: The Role of the Zimbabwean Astronomical Society (ZAS)

Despite the prevalence of science subjects in Zimbabwean secondary schools and tertiary institutions, access to astronomy education is limited. The Zimbabwean Astronomical Society (ZAS) aims to address this gap. ZAS aims to cultivate an appreciation for astronomy through public astronomy outreach, citizen science projects, workshops, and seminars primarily targeted towards secondary school and university students in Zimbabwe, with occasional events targeted towards the general public. We have partnered with local universities, schools, and amateur astronomers in Zimbabwe to address our goals. Our main aims are: to utilise grants and internal funds to share resources and allocate astronomy supplies to our secondary schools and universities; to promote space science research of students in Zimbabwe; to provide space science students with career-building opportunities; to collaborate with the Zimbabwean National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA); and to host public events in collaboration with amateur astronomers. This talk highlights our achievements to date made possible through both internal funding, and external grants. Lastly, we outline the strategies that we will use to enhance the positive impact of future ZAS activities, as well as showing how ZAS is making significant strides in nurturing the growth of astronomy in Zimbabwe.

Speakers: Shingirai Makechemu (Lancaster University and the University of Zimbabwe), Thobekile Sandra Ngwane (University of Cape Town/South African Astronomical Observatory)

12:15 Discussion Time

11:00 → 12:30 Science: Galaxies

Convener: Mirjana Povic (Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI))

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11:00 A consistent radio to sub-mm pc-scale study of the nucleus of NGC 1068

Radio emission from radio loud galaxies is dominated by synchrotron radiation from their powerful radio jets. Their radio quiet counterparts lack these powerful jets hence their source of radio emission is still unclear hence several options have been proposed including; AGN winds, corona, jets and star formation. In this work, we use NGC 1068 as a representative candidate of a radio quiet galaxy, to investigate the source of its nuclear radio emission. NGC 1068 is a prototypical radio quiet Seyfert 2 galaxy. We present a detailed study of the radio to sub-millimeter emission from the nucleus of NGC 1068. For this, we analyse observations between 5-700 GHz, matching them in resolution (0.06$''$) and $uv$-coverage (15$-$3300~k$\lambda$), in order to derive a consistent spectral energy distribution (SED), fitting synchrotron, free-free, dust and for the first time, a coronal component in the sub-mm. We confirm that the (sub)mm excess between $\sim 300$--700 GHz is consistent with synchrotron emission from a compact and optically thick corona with a radius $R_\mathrm{c}\approx(89\pm7)\,R_\mathrm{g}$, a fraction of $\sim$9% of the energy density in the form of non-thermal electrons, and a magnetic field strength $B\approx 148$ G.The detection of a corona provides strong evidence of the radio-mm/sub-mm-X-ray correlation proposed in the recent studies of radio-quiet AGN. The luminosity of the corona is roughly consistent with, though higher than the expected, from mm-X-ray correlations derived in recent studies of radio quiet AGN. This difference is likely due to the corona SED peaking at higher frequencies ($\approx$550 GHz). Below $\sim$200 GHz, the SED is dominated by free--free emission. High angular resolution observations at frequencies below 5~GHz are needed to constrain a putative optically-thin synchrotron component and the amount of free-free absorption.

Speaker: Isaac Mutie (Technical University of Kenya)

11:15 Testing the Merger-AGN-SFR Connection in 3.4 µm Selected Dynamically Close Galaxy Pairs

Most (if not all) galaxies host a supermassive black hole (SMBH) in their center. These SMBHs accrete cold gas, and the viscous drag on the accretion disks produces a highly luminous source we identify as an active galactic nuclei (AGN). AGNs are some of the most luminous sources of electromagnetic radiation in the universe, as such they play an important role in the study of galaxy evolution especially for further objects. It is commonly assumed that AGNs are triggered by violet relaxations such as the ones that occur in mergers and interactions which induce feedback that suppresses star formation in massive galaxies, suggesting a connection between Mergers, AGN activity, and star formation. However, this has not been observationally well supported. In this work, we aim to go a step further in understanding the connection between galaxy mergers, AGN activity, and star formation, using a mass-selected sample from WISE data (unWISE catalog) of low redshift (z < 0.2) galaxies in dynamically close pairs. We select galaxy pairs at various projected distance separation and velocity differences then test for increased star formation AGN activity (using X-ray and Radio luminosities, and other diagnostics such as Infrared and Optical classifications ) and Star formation (from NUV -r colors) as a function of pair distance and velocity separations. We then compare the effect of distance and velocity separations on the nuclear activities and star formation. We also perform a simulation of the data using the illustris TNG300 simulation to select pairs at the same separations as before and derive the SFR and AGN activity then compare the results with that of the observational work.

Speaker: Josephine Chishala (Botswana Interntional University of Science and Technology (BIUST))

11:30 Emission line properties of type-2 AGN in the Lockman-SpReSO survey

Context. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are some of the brightest sources in the Universe, emitting light at all wavelengths due to their complex structure. Deep multiwavelength extragalactic surveys are therefore important for understanding the full physics of AGN and their role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. The Lockman-SpReSO survey is one of the deepest multiwavelength spectroscopic surveys in the far-infrared (FIR). It is a unique sample of AGN with deep FIR and optical spectroscopic data obtained using Herschel and the GTC 10m telescopes, respectively. Using Lockman-SpReSO, it is possible to study the relationship between the fundamental FIR and optical properties of galaxies.
Aims. To better understand the optical spectroscopic properties of type-2 FIR AGN by characterizing the emission line properties and comparing them with the FIR properties.
Methods. We first obtain the emission spectra of AGN by running the Starlight code and by subtracting the continuum plus absorption spectra. Using the strong emission lines, we measure the line intensity, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and the equivalent width (EW) of all identified lines.
Results. Our analysis revealed that FIR-detected type-2 AGN exhibit similar strong emission lines to optically-selected AGN. We constructed a comprehensive catalog of emission line measurements for 71 sources, which will be made publicly available. We found correlations between emission line luminosities and AGN luminosity, SFR, and IR luminosity, suggesting connections between the AGN, surrounding gas, star formation, and dust properties. We also show that for the FIR-detected AGN, there is a relation between type-2 AGN luminosity and SFR.

Speaker: Ms Bereket Assefa (Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia)

11:45 The Dawn of Quantum Astrophysics: Superfluid Stars as Black Hole Mimickers

Astrophysics traditionally deals with phenomena and objects in which quantum effects are not expected to be important or even significant – too large, too massive, too hot. Therefore, does it make sense to speak about “quantum astrophysics” as a separate discipline, and what would its key features and ideology be?
We consider a general relativistic model of a self-interacting complex scalar field with logarithmic nonlinearity motivated by studies of laboratory superfluids and Bose-Einstein condensates. Spherically-symmetric gravitational equilibria are shown in this model, which do not have event horizons but which are regular, singularity-free and asymptotically flat. They can be thus interpreted as compact stars whose stability against gravitational collapse is enhanced not only by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle but also by the property of superfluidity itself, their ``darkness'' comes naturally as a result of suppressed dissipative excitations. Such objects do not obey any absolute upper mass limit of a Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff type, while their relativisticity and effective compactness values are comparable to those of black holes. Their spatial density distribution drops abruptly (at the Gaussian-like rate), which can be mistaken in realistic astronomical observations for the presence of an exact material surface.
We therefore present logarithmic superfluid stars as dark compact objects and black hole mimickers. Their existence would be a serious argument towards accepting quantum astrophysics as a next step in understanding phenomena occurring in supermassive objects and high-energy phenomena observed in astronomy.

Speaker: Konstantin Zloshchastiev (Durban University of Technology)

12:00 Cosmic Web Environmental Effects on Subhalo Abundance and Internal Density Profiles

The cosmic web is the largest geometric structure in our universe, consisting of an intricate network of voids, walls, filaments, and dense nodes. $\Lambda$CDM predicts that dark matter halos, which trace this multiscale structure, form hierarchically and host smaller substructures known as subhalos. Understanding how the abundance and internal kinematics of subhalos vary across different cosmic web environments is crucial for the unbiased interpretation of observations related to small scales and satellite galaxies. Additionally, cosmological observations and N-body simulations suggest that dark matter halos may be sites of particle annihilation, potentially producing detectable Standard Model particles. In this talk, I will present our study using a high-resolution N-body simulation to investigate how subhalo abundance and properties depend on their cosmic web environment, with implications for dark matter searches and small-scale structure formation.

Speaker: Feven Markos Hunde

12:15 Scientific Insights into the Atlas Dark Sky Reserve

We present in this study a recent analysis of the challenges surrounding the preservation of night sky quality in astronomical observatories, focusing particularly on the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. This work draws on recent research into light pollution, its impacts on astronomical observations, and mitigation strategies.

Findings reveal that increasing electrification in protected areas, coupled with the improper use of lighting technologies, exacerbates light pollution. Data collected over two years using the CoSQM instrument provide insights into the night sky brightness (NSB) and the contributions of lighting technologies in nearby municipalities. Additionally, numerical models like ILLUMINA identify key sources of artificial light.
A growing concern addressed in this study is the contribution of satellite constellations to sky pollution, which introduces significant challenges for astronomical observations. Early results from observations conducted at the Oukaimeden Observatory, in collaboration with the IAU’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAUS-CPS), highlight the measurable impact of satellite trails on astronomical data quality. These findings underline the urgency of developing coordinated strategies to mitigate both terrestrial and orbital sources of light pollution.
The results emphasize the necessity of enforcing stringent lighting practices to safeguard dark skies. This study also advocates for the establishment of an international dark sky reserve around the observatory to ensure optimal conditions for future astronomical observations and to protect this unique environment from the detrimental effects of artificial lighting and satellite interference.

Speaker: Zouhair Benkhaldoun (Cadi Ayyad University, Oukaimeden Observatory)

AfAS-2025-Dark-Sky-Benkhaldoun.key

AfAS-2025-Dark-Sky-Benkhaldoun.pdf

AfAS-2025-Dark-Sky-Benkhaldoun.pptx

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch

13:30 → 15:00 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Outreach Initiatives Across Africa (Part 2)

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13:30 KUPHYC:A STEM Outreach movement

The Kenyatta University Physics Club (KUPHYC) is a vibrant youth-led initiative dedicated towards igniting interest in STEM, with an increasing focus on astronomy. Our activities include workshops in Astronights, featuring celestial observations and astrophysics conversations, as well as partnerships with international events like International Cosmic Day and masterclasses like the Atlas and Pierre Auger.I will also share some notable successes of the year like our outreach activities like mentorship programs for high school students, that aims at introducing them to astronomy fundamentals. Also how our visits to facilities like solar power plants broadens our knowledge on the link between renewable energy and space science.

Speaker: Ms Lisper Mwai (KENYATTA UNIVERSITY)

13:45 Youth in Astronomy: Preparation For Big Science In Africa

The aspiration of creating awareness and visibility on astronomy among the physics enthusiast in the university is though hands-on experiences. The Kenyatta University Physics outreach club (KUPHYC) has been active in outreach activities that are not only informative, but also offering hands-on experiences. In the quest to creating awareness and interest in astronomy, especially on SKA and AVN being the frontier global research projects, youth driven activities and projects have been developed. The projects are geared towards taking advantage of the available instrumentation resources in the department. The available instruments are laboratory bench-top antenna kit, four locally designed and fabricated dish antennas, a donated 3-meter yagi – uda antenna and a donated RTL-SDR based table top radio telescope. I will be presenting the outreach activities around the design, fabrication and testing of a 4-dish radio interferometer; the assembly, optimization and observations done using an RTL-SDR based table top radio telescope; and the RFI detection and analysis done using the 3-meter Yagi-Uda antenna.

Speaker: Ms Mary Gathoni (Kenyatta University)

14:00 First-Year Outreach and Education Initiatives of the Mozambican Astronomical Society

Since 2017, when the DARA (Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy) basic training program began in Mozambique, we have made significant progress in advancing astronomy in the country. However, the community of astronomers in Mozambique remains very small, with only 13 astronomers currently. To address this, we recently established the Mozambican Astronomical Society (Associação Moçambicana de Astronomia – AMAS). AMAS is a non-governmental organization dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of astronomy in Mozambique. In this presentation, we will discuss the first year of our Outreach and Education activities. Recognizing the limited access to astronomy-related education and resources, AMAS has implemented a variety of outreach initiatives aimed at different communities. Through stargazing events, interactive workshops, culturally relevant storytelling sessions, and collaborations with schools and institutions, AMAS is nurturing curiosity about astronomy and expanding knowledge in the field. This presentation aims to showcase our efforts to bring astronomy to Mozambique, highlighting both the current achievements and challenges we face, as well as potential future obstacles. We hope to inspire participants with valuable insights on establishing and implementing effective astronomy outreach initiatives, particularly in underserved regions. By sparking curiosity about the cosmos, AMAS demonstrates how astronomy can be a powerful tool for promoting scientific literacy and community engagement.

Speaker: Mr Toivo Samuel Mabote (Associação Moçambicana de Astronomia (AMAS) & Rhodes University)

14:15 Space Inclusion in African STEM Education

Space inclusion in the current African STEM education particularly in Cameroon (A “developing country”) is usually neglected. Space technology, such as satellites and space missions are still a great black box to the common manhood, whereas they are increasingly utilized in the 21st century for the betterment of man's life.

At Nanosatellite Missions Design (NMD) Ltd, where I exercise as Chief Technical Officer and trainer for our training and certifications, we occasionally find ourselves confronted with the realities of the terrain. We realize how important it is to emphasize technology transfer and the implementation of space-technology courses in our education system, to get hold of the potential that lies in the space sector; both economically and technological-wise.
Hence, NMD is building an ecosystem consisting of a space community, recruiting event ambassadors to engage unattended and interested students to make them know space technology is now more accessible to them than before and NMD is present to facilitate their training.

Through our keen interest, we are gradually having an open space community of +1000 members, +100 Junior Satellite IoT Amateur (JSIA) trainees, a growing membership and ambassadorship program coming to light by early 2025, and the third prize at the Africa Earth Observation Challenge 2024.

We strongly believe that for the acquisition and mastering of the space program in our mighty continent, Africa, and country, Cameroon, we need a population readily prepared through their education system. Because for sovereignty to be achieved, we need the local workforce to make the decisions and provide the workload.

Speaker: NO FIRST NAME KAROL CHARLES KONARSKI (Nanosatellite Missions Design Ltd)

14:30 Discussion Time

13:30 → 15:00 Science: Science - Others

Convener: Portia Legodi (University of South Africs)

Zoom Link

13:30 The Sun-as-a-Star in an Extended Low-Order Solar Dynamo Model

In recent decades, flux-transport-dynamo models have emerged as a promising and crucial framework for understanding the dynamics of the Sun's magnetic field and solar cycle (Choudhuri et al. (1995); Dikpati et al. (2009); Wang et al. (1991)). Their importance lies in their ability to reproduce key features of the solar cycle and provide valuable insights into the Sun's magnetic field behaviour.

In the present communication, we show how by applying spatial truncation on the axisymmetric mean-field dynamo model, two coupled differential equations can be deduced. Then, we employ the solutions of these equations obtained by homotopy and Poincaré–Lindstedt perturbation methods (Chadou et al.(2024)), to propose a new model that describes the true mean magnetic field of the sun.

An interesting breakthrough that emerged from our analysis is that when confronted with the measurements of the sun’s mean line-of-sight field, our model allows us to reconstruct important parameters linked to other solar indicators, suggesting that the key to the underlying dynamics of the sun’s magnetic field lies in the sun-as-a-star magnetic field measurements.

References
Chadou, I., Belhadi, Z., Becheker, K., Zaidi, A., and Bekli, M. R. (2024). Solar magnetic cycles as a van der pol-duffing oscillator: new insights. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 527(4):10416–10424.
Choudhuri, A. R., Sch¨ussler, M., and Dikpati, M. (1995). Astronomy Astrophysics, 303:L29.
Dikpati, M., Gilman, P. A., Cally, P. S., and Miesch, M. S. (2009). Axisymmetric mhd instabilities in solar/stellar tachoclines. The Astrophysical Journal, 692(2):1421.
Wang, Y.-M., Sheeley Jr., N. R., and Nash, A. G. (1991). The Astrophysical Journal, 383:431.

Speaker: Katia Becheker (Laboratoire de Physique Théorique, Département de Physique, Faculté des Sciences Exactes, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia, 06000 Béjaïa, Algérie)

13:45 High-resolution analysis of recent Martian impact craters

This study focuses on geological mapping of young (< 20 Ma) Martian craters that are considered to be possible sources of Martian meteorites. The objective is to examine differences and similarities, taking advantage of the fresh morphologies, not affected by a long-history of post-impact processes.
Here we report preliminary results related to the geological mapping of five craters; Mojave, Zunil, Kotka, Canala, and Gasa. The mapping is achieved using ArcGIS software, CTX (5 m/px) and HiRISE (25 cm/px) images. The Mojave and Kotka craters are large, complex craters with diameters of 58 and 39 km respectively. The Zunil and Canala craters are smaller, 10 and 11 km in diameter respectively. The Gasa crater, 7 km in diameter, is a simple crater. All these craters have secondary craters and one or more layers of ejecta deposits. These craters are located at different elevations. They are located on target terrains covering the three epochs of Martian geological history. Geological units are classified into floor material, inner wall material, rim material and ejecta blanket material, smooth surfaces, block wall material, and pitted terrains. All these units occur in the five craters, but in different proportions.
Crater-related pitted materials/terrains are associated with the five craters and are possibly linked to the degassing of volatile materials in the target rock during the modification phase (Tornabene et al., 2012)). A statistical study of these pits (diameter, depth and shape) was conducted using images and CTX DTMs. The detailed mapping of the pits shows that they have a polygonal shape with 5 to 8 sides; their diameter vary from 8 to 150 meters. The pits lack rims, relief, and ejecta. They share similar walls. These pits are well preserved compared to young craters, as they have not yet been eroded or filled by other deposits. So, they can serve as chronological markers and offer insights into subsurface properties before the impact. Further work should focus on more detailed analysis of pit units, which possibly record valuable information about differences between the subsurface properties of young craters. We also plan to extend this study to all craters younger than 20 Ma.

Speaker: Mr Mayssa Daldoul (faculty of sciences of Tunis, El Manar University)

Mayssa_DALDOULAFAS25.pptx

14:00 Advancing Exoplanet Imaging with Interferometric Apodization by Homothety: Applications in APLC Coronagraphs

The detection of exoplanets, particularly Earth-like ones, requires achieving unparalleled contrast levels to separate faint planetary signals from the overwhelming glare of host stars. Coronagraphy remains a cornerstone of high-contrast imaging, with its performance closely tied to advancements in apodization techniques.

In this study, we focus on Interferometric Apodization by Homothety (IAH), an innovative method for modulating the amplitude and phase of light to achieve superior starlight suppression. We investigate its integration into the Apodized Pupil Lyot Coronagraph (APLC), showcasing theoretical modeling and optimization that highlight significant gains in contrast and reductions in Inner Working Angle (IWA).

Conducted within the framework of the NASA-led Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) project, this work explores experimental validation strategies and discusses the incorporation of IAH into advanced coronagraphic designs. By addressing key challenges in high-dynamic range imaging, IAH emerges as a transformative technique for future space missions, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the search for habitable worlds.

Speaker: Dr Jamal CHAFI (Oukaimeden Observatory, High Energy Physics and Astrophysics Laboratory, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco.)

14:15 IceCube and the Astrophysical Probe of Pseudo-Dirac Neutrinos

Neutrinos, while often considered Majorana fermions, can also behave effectively as Dirac fermions, making them candidates for pseudo-Dirac particles. This concept introduces the possibility of oscillations between active and sterile neutrinos, driven by a small mass-squared difference. This phenomenon differs from the standard oscillation scenario involving only the three active neutrino flavors observed across astrophysical distances. In this study, we focus on analyzing publicly available data from the IceCube neutrino observatory, searching for potential pseudo-Dirac signatures in high-energy neutrinos emitted from astrophysical sources such as NGC 1068, TXS 0506+056 and PKS 1424+240. In the pseudo-Dirac framework, the active neutrino flux from these sources diminishes due to their oscillation into sterile states. By employing astrophysical flux models, we fit the IceCube data for these sources under both the standard neutrino oscillation framework and the active-sterile oscillation scenario. This enables us to constrain the mass-squared difference driving the active-sterile oscillations and the intrinsic source flux. These constraints could be improved by future neutrino observatories such as KM3NeT and IceCube Gen-2.

Speaker: Khushboo Dixit (Centre for Astro-Particle Physics, University of Johannesburg)

14:30 Investigation into the Cause of Time-Lags in the Arrival Times of Photons of Different Frequencies Emanating from Gamma-Ray Bursts

This study investigates the time delays (∆t) in the arrival times of photons with different frequencies from multiple Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) events, using a novel Linear Frequency Dependent Speed of Light (LFDSL) model developed from Maxwell’s equations, dispersion effects and plasma physics. The delays are hypothesized to arise from the interaction between photons and the electrons in a rarefied cosmic plasma medium, causing dispersion and inverse frequency-dependent variations in the speed of light by the relation: ∆t = K∆ν−1, as opposed to the traditional assumption of a non-zero photon mass and plasma effect which varies by the relation: ∆t = K∆ν−2. Through regression analysis and model refinement, this work improves upon earlier studies by accounting for the non-simultaneous emission of photons, leading to stronger correlations between time delays and photon frequencies. By applying this model to four key GRBs namely (GRB 030329, 980425, 000418, and 021004), we derive the frequency equivalence of the interstellar medium’s conductance (ν∗ ≈ 1.507 ± 0.0009 Hz), estimate spatial dimensions of the internal and external shock wave from the GRB jets and calculate independent distance measures wherein we obtain average distances to our individual GRB events. Based on the observed time delays, the model’s outcomes also reveal a coherent photon mass, mγ = (1.584 ± 0.009) × 10−37 kg). These findings support two GRB models—the fireball and multiple shock wave models—offering new insights into GRB jet dynamics and photon mass, providing a foundation for future studies on GRB afterglows and relativistic outflows.

Speaker: Godson ABBEY (The Copperbelt University (CBU).)

15:00 → 15:30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee & Poster Session

15:30 → 16:30 Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO): Astrotourism & Community development

Convener: Hiiko Katjaita (University of Namibia)

Zoom Link

15:30 The Potential of Astrotourism in Africa

Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary stargazing destinations, thanks to its minimal light pollution, vast open landscapes, and pristine night skies. Despite this advantage, there are currently few astrotourism initiatives across the continent. Astrotourism, a sustainable form of tourism combining daytime and nighttime sky observations with educational outreach and luxury experiences, has immense potential to boost local economies and promote cultural and natural heritage.
Africa’s rich cultural traditions and unique natural landscapes can be seamlessly integrated into astrotourism offerings, creating opportunities for sustainable development. The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has made astrotourism a flagship project, focusing on using astronomy to foster socioeconomic growth. This presentation will showcase resources developed by the OAD to help individuals, businesses, and observatories incorporate nighttime activities into their offerings. These resources are designed to empower individuals to create unique stargazing experiences using existing natural and cultural heritage, support businesses in diversifying their services, and encourage observatories to collaborate with local communities to drive astrotourism initiatives.
With its unparalleled potential for astrotourism, Africa is poised to become a global leader in the sector. As astronomy practitioners, it is our responsibility to champion this movement and unlock the continent’s full potential under the stars.

Speaker: Samyukta Manikumar

15:45 Planned Telescope by University of Zululand

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is situated in the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) on the east coast of South Africa in a largely rural area. Learners, students and educators in this area have very little or no exposure to astronomy and telescopes. UNIZULU has not offered many courses in Astronomy. However, with the developments in astronomy that have been taking place in South Africa over the last few decades, e.g., SALT and SKA, it was felt that we should take a more serious look at getting involved in Astronomy. In addition, there are several staff at UNIULU who have an interest in astronomy.
The Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa has funded the purchasing of a 0.45 m AFC Advanced Coma-free (f/8) Optical tube assembly which shall be robotic. It has an Aluma CCD814 mounted at the OT focus. The mechanical and electronics groups at UNIZULU, NWU and UKZN would all get involved during construction. A technical support team would be established at UNIZULU who could handle any urgent matters. A suitable site for the telescope has been identified on an 800 m high hilltop, just over an hour away from UNIZULU. This site is free from light pollution.
Apartment from research, the telescope would have many benefits, such as astro-tourism, attract local and international astronomers to KZN, train students in astronomy in KZN, and increase public awareness.

Speaker: Aroonkumar Beesham (University of Zululand/Mangosuthu University of Technology)

16:00 Astronomy's Role in Addressing Local Economies and Community Engagement

Astronomy's Role in Addressing Local Economies and Community Engagement

Ruth Jebet(1)
(1)SpaceGenerationAdvisoryCouncil, 30900, Eldoret, 30100, Kenya, +254792862329

Keywords: astronomy, local economies, community engagement, socio-economic development, astrotourism

Astronomy has the potential to significantly impact local economies and foster community engagement through innovative initiatives and outreach programs. This study explores how astronomical projects, such as the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), can stimulate economic growth and enhance community involvement in rural areas.

The primary objective of this research is to analyze the socio-economic benefits derived from astronomical investments, particularly in regions with limited resources. By examining case studies from various African countries, we assess the economic impact of astronomy-related activities on local businesses, tourism, and job creation. For instance, SALT's establishment has led to a notable increase in astrotourism, transforming small towns into vibrant destinations that attract visitors and generate revenue.

Furthermore, we investigate the role of astronomy in education and skill development. Outreach programs associated with astronomical facilities provide valuable learning opportunities for local youth, promote STEM education, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.

By emphasizing collaboration among governmental agencies, educational institutions, and local communities, this study aims to develop frameworks that leverage astronomy for sustainable economic development. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating astronomy into community initiatives to foster a sense of ownership and pride while addressing socioeconomic challenges.

Speaker: Ms Ruth Jebet Kipchumba

16:15 Discussion Time

15:30 → 16:30 Science: Cosmology

Convener: Catherine Cress (UNISA)

Zoom Link

15:30 Surface pressure impact on nitrogen-dominated Super-Earth atmospheres

Speaker: Jamila Chouqar

15:45 Searching for Cosmic Inflation with the Simons Array

Since the accidental discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) in 1964-65, detailed studies of it have allowed us to measure many of the most important properties of the Universe. Cosmic Inflation, first proposed by Alan Guth in 1980, argues that between about $10^{-36}$ and $10^{-32}~{\rm s}$ after the Big Bang the Universe underwent a period of very rapid expansion, increasing its size from smaller than a proton to about the size of a marble, an increase of a factor of $\sim10^{13}$. If this happened, it would leave an imprint on the CMB in the form of B-mode polarisation, due to the gravitational waves produced by this rapid expansion. The Simons Array, operating since 2012, has succeeded in measuring the B-mode polarisation of the CMB due to the Universe's large scale structure. In this talk, we report on the progress made in detecting the component of the B-mode polarisation due to Cosmic Inflation. The Simons Array comprises three telescopes on the Chajnantor Plateau of the Atacama Desert, at an altitude of 5,200 metres, the driest place on Earth.

Speaker: Rhodri Evans (Botswana International University of Science and Technology)

16:00 Dark Energy Insights through Anisotropies in the Clustering of Post-EoR HI Distribution

In the talk I discuss a novel approach to leverage the anisotropy of the HI 21-cm signal, traditionally used to study the astrophysics of the reionization era, as a powerful diagnostic for post-reionization dark energy. These findings demonstrate that the anisotropy probe achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of approximately 10, measurable in both auto-correlation and cross-correlation with the Lyman-$\alpha$ forest across a broad range of redshifts and scales. By extracting the BAO signature imprinted on the anisotropy signal, we propose precise measurements of the angular diameter distance, $D_A(z)$, and Hubble parameter, $H(z)$. Furthermore, I present constraints on a dark energy model incorporating a negative cosmological constant alongside a quintessence scalar field, finding consistency with projections from next-generation observations like SKA-Mid. This work highlights the transformative potential of HI 21-cm anisotropy as a window into the nature of dark energy and based on our recent work on ArXiv: 2405.03195.

Speaker: Dr Chandrachud Bijay Vaswar Dash (Astrophysics Research Center, UKZN, Westville, Durban)

16:15 Verifying Cosmological Simulations: Searching for Extended HI Emission in the Fornax Cluster

Most galaxies do not evolve in isolation. Their properties are impacted by their environment. Galaxy clusters are the most massive, densest, gravitationally bound structures in the universe comprised of thousands of galaxies contained within a region of a few cubic megaparsecs. In this environment, galaxies have frequent, high-speed interactions that disrupt their outer disks. Further, as they move through the hot, intracluster medium (ICM) their gas is removed through a process called ram pressure stripping. The Fornax cluster is the most massive galaxy cluster within 20 Mpc in the southern hemisphere and so is an ideal target for studying the effect of the cluster environment on galaxies. The MeerKAT Fornax Survey (MFS) is currently mapping the HI in the cluster over 12 square degrees down to an HI column density of 10^18 atoms per
square centimetre in an attempt to detect the diffuse HI in the cluster, as well as to study the effect of the cluster environment on galaxies.

To complement the MFS, we have observed a portion of the Fornax cluster with the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) down to a similar HI column density. The GBT observations are well-suited for detecting extended, diffuse HI emission. When combined with the MeerKAT observations, we will have a more complete understanding of the HI distribution in the Fornax cluster down to faint levels of emission.

Due to MeerKAT’s advanced observational capabilities, we are able to conduct comparisons with numerical modelling of cluster environments. The TNG50 cosmological simulations have produced HI maps of Fornax-like cluster halos (A Fornax-like halo is defined as that mass enclosed within a sphere of radius R200, where R200 is defined as the radius within which the average density is 200 times the critical density of the universe) that predict to find extended HI well beyond the satellites in the halo.

The comparison will serve as a test of the TNG50 cosmological simulations.

Speaker: Nabeelah Adam (University of Cape Town)

16:30 → 17:15 Special Session: Policy and Legal Frameworks for Accelerating Growth of Astronomy and Socioeconomic Impacts

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

16:30 → 18:00 Workshop: SALT Proposal Tools in Action: A Practical Session

The session will start with a quick presentation on the available SALT proposal tools and give a short demo on how they can be used. After that, participants will take part in a practical session where they’ll develop a proposal and submit it to a test server.

Convener: Danièl Groenewald (SAAO/SALT)

17:15 → 18:00 Special Session: BLUEshift Africa: A Town Hall discussion about the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Linda Strubbe (Strubbe Educational Consulting)

18:00 → 19:00 Special Session: Shaping the Legacy of the IAU General Assembly 2024 on the African Continent

In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial piece that is often overlooked. In undergraduate studies, students build their foundation of scientific content and practices that postgraduate education relies on, and many decide whether to pursue postgraduate studies. However, there have not previously been robust studies about who is teaching astronomy in African universities and in what courses, how they teach, and what they want for developing their teaching.

In early 2025, we are launching a survey of African astronomers, lecturers, and early-career researchers across the continent to address these questions. This is a crucial step for the community to understand the landscape of teaching undergraduate astronomy across Africa, and to inform design of professional development for African astronomers.

In this Town Hall, we will: (1) share the results from our survey, (2) solicit responses and feedback from the audience, and (3) collaboratively discuss implications for the future of undergraduate astronomy education in Africa. We will invite scientists who have long-term insights and perspectives on the university astronomy education landscape in Africa.

We will also discuss the BLUEshift Africa workshop on undergraduate teaching that will have been held the weekend before the AfAS Conference begins. Outcomes of the discussions from this Town Hall will be incorporated into our report summarizing survey results that we intend to publish following the Conference.

Convener: Kevin Govender (South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)

18:00 Presentation: Outcomes of the IAU General Assembly 2024

Speakers: Charles Takalana (SAAO), Kevin Govender (South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)

18:20 Discussion: The Legacy of the IAU General Assembly 2024 and Shaping the Future of Astronomy in Africa

Speaker: Kevin Govender (South Africa Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)

19:30 → 22:30 Conference Dinner: Conference Gala Dinner

Friday, 28 March

09:00 → 15:45 AfAS General Assembly: AfAS-2025 GA

09:00 AfAS General Assembly - President's updates

• Welcome and Opening of the General Assembly Meeting
• Adoption of Agenda
• Report of the President / Achievements 2022/23-2024/25

Speaker: Naomi Asabre Frimpong (Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astro Clubs (PRAGSAC)/NAEC/Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute(GSSTI))

09:15 Report from Office of the Secretariat

Speaker: Charles Takalana (SAAO)

09:25 Financial Report & Future Funding

Speaker: Mr Yunus Manjoo

09:35 Committee Key Activities and Reports

• African Planetarium Association, (APA) – (Sally Macfarlane)
• Science (James Chibueze)
• Outreach and Education (Duduzile Kubheka & Sally Macfarlane)
• Communications (Thembela Mantungwa)
• African Network for Women in Astronomy, AfNWA – (Mirjana Pović)
• African Science Stars Astronomy Publication, ASSAP – (Madambi Rambuda)
• Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Astronomy Platform, AERAP and Fund Raising –
  (Declan Kirrane & Takalani Nemaungani)
• Membership (Youssef Moulane)

11:10 Proposed Changes to AfAS Constitution & Approval

Speaker: Prof. Patricia Whitelock

11:50 Proposed Membership Fees & Benefits

Speaker: Youssef Moulane (UM6P)

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Community Engagement on the establishment of an African Astronomy Journal

Speaker: James Chibueze (University of South Africa)

14:15 Election of AfAS Executive Committee Members

Election of AfAS Executive Committee Members
Introductory Remarks (Incoming AfAS President)

Speaker: Patrick Woudt

15:30 Conference Closing and Vote of Thanks

Speaker: Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana (University Of Kwazulu-Natal)