CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 AfAS CONFERENCE
We warmly invite you to submit your abstract and register for the 2026 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference, scheduled for March 22–27, 2026, at the Wild View Resorts in Kasane, Botswana. This landmark event will bring together Africa’s astronomy and space science community alongside global collaborators, to create an exceptional platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Delegates can look forward to insightful discussions that bridge research, innovation, policy, and community engagement, driving forward Africa’s role in the global astronomical landscape.
This year’s conference celebrates Africa’s growing contribution to the global astronomical community, showcasing the continent’s scientific excellence and technological innovation. The program will feature thematic sessions on astronomy, engineering, and computer science, highlighting advances in instrumentation, data analysis, and multi-disciplinary research. Complementing the scientific program will be a vibrant science communication and outreach stream, designed to promote public understanding, inspire the next generation, and strengthen astronomy education across Africa.
Set in Kasane, a gateway to Chobe National Park and nestled along the Chobe River, the conference promises a unique blend of scientific and cultural immersion. Delegates will experience one of Africa’s premier wildlife and eco-tourism destinations, located at the quadripoint where Botswana meets Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and within close proximity the magnificent Victoria Falls. The setting provides a perfect backdrop for exploring astro-tourism opportunities and celebrating Botswana’s status as a dark sky destination, where the beauty of the cosmos can be appreciated in pristine night skies.
Be part of this remarkable event — share your research, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of astronomy and space science in Africa. Submit your abstract and register today to secure your place at this unforgettable gathering in Kasane, Botswana.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and all the sciences.
The workshop will feature expert speakers or trainers with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
Observations of redshifted 21-cm emission from neutral hydrogen over a wide range of radio frequencies allow us to access redshifts that encompass a vast comoving volume, including the era of dark energy. In this talk, I will present the Hydrogen Intensity Mapping and Real time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) project, on behalf of the HIRAX collaboration, which is a proposed 21cm intensity mapping experiment operating at 400-800 MHz that will measure the evolution of dark energy over the redshift range z=0.8-2.5 by using the characteristic baryonic acoustic oscillation scale as a standard ruler. The HIRAX radio telescope array will be sited in the radio-quiet Karoo astronomy reserve in South Africa, and will ultimately comprise 1024 dishes, each six metres in diameter, placed in a compact configuration. I will discuss the design and status of HIRAX and its scientific prospects. This includes dark energy constraints and interesting cosmological cross-correlations with other southern sky surveys. HIRAX will also discover a large number of pulsars and transients, including fast radio bursts (FRBs). I will describe our programme to localise these FRBs using HIRAX outriggers in African partner countries.
SALT is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere and has been in routine operations for 15 years. It is an international collaboration with eight shareholder partners based in four continents. The partnership has evolved over the years, and I will highlight current opportunities for African astronomers to become operations partners in SALT. SALT is a fully queue observed, general purpose telescope which is ideally suited for time domain or survey observations. An example of this is my program to get high resolution spectra, and determine abundances of RR Lyrae stars. This survey of variable stars has led to a rich array of studies on the calibration of RR Lyrae stars as distance indicators and the structure of our Milky Way galaxy and its nearby satellite galaxies.
The talk will provide feedback on a mapping exercise conducted to understand the landscape of astronomy engagement and outreach across Africa. This includes identifying who the role players are, where they are located, the types of activities they conduct, the challenges they face, and the success factors or lessons learned from their experience.
This work was carried out with the aim of building more connected and coordinated engagement efforts across the continent, efforts that are informed by the conditions of the countries and stakeholders involved, ensuring that interventions are flexible and context-specific. It has become evident that for outreach efforts to be truly impactful, interventions must be tailored to address the specific needs, challenges, and contexts of each region. Such initiatives should serve as context-specific responses rather than a uniform, one-size-fits-all approach.
The study received 184 responses from 30 countries across Africa and provides an overview of the experiences of these individuals, offering a glimpse into the current landscape. This allows AfAS and the broader African astronomy community to make more informed decisions and implement targeted interventions that support the advancement of astronomy on the continent, beginning at the grassroots level, where the public is meaningfully engaged in the science and its developments and given the opportunity to be included and to participate actively.
Doing science is one thing, a satisfactory thing for a researcher, but communicating science with the public is another requirement for mutual benefit of both the researcher and the people for whom the science cases present potential solutions. In this presentation, we report the potential impediments to a successful science engagement in Africa and in most African research institutions. Science outreach in Africa faces distinguishable challenges compounded by structural, cultural, and resource-based challenges. We have evaluated issues relating to insufficient budgets, inadequate STEM infrastructure, digital divide, geographical barriers and lack of policy support among other causes. We have further dwelt on proposing potential remedies that would help to achieve or strike a balance between scientific investigations and outcome communication.
Over the past year, the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Zambia, in collaboration with the Fast4Future Initiative and the Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (SAROAD), has delivered a series of innovative astronomy outreach programs to strengthen STEM engagement among young learners. These initiatives incorporated hands-on telescope assembly, virtual sky explorations using Stellarium, Celestia and other astronomy outreach tools for safe solar-viewing activities, and guided night-sky observations that brought astronomy to life for students and teachers across multiple communities. Flagship events—including the Astronomy Outreach Conference and World Space Week 2025—attracted significant participation from schools, educators, and community leaders, fostering a vibrant environment for science communication and experiential learning. The outreach activities also integrated debate competitions, science exhibitions themed “Viability of Living in Space,” and recognition awards for outstanding student achievements. These engagements not only improved scientific literacy and observational skills but also promoted teamwork, creativity, and long-term interest in space science. This paper presents the outcomes, challenges, and broader educational impact of these programs, highlighting how coordinated efforts between universities and development-oriented organisations can support inclusive STEM education and inspire the next generation of African scientists. Ultimately, the work underscores astronomy’s potential as a transformative tool for education, empowerment, and sustainable development.
In this talk, I will describe two large scale projects organised by the Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) Section of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), both of which utilise the Cascade Model as a core strategy. The first is an ongoing program where, in partnership with the Government of the Karnataka State, we are promoting astronomy and low cost hands-on activities across rural Karnataka through their 5,888 rural libraries that serve as community centres - via training workshops, activity sheets, naked eye astronomy, online talks, and in-person events. This has already shown considerable response from the rural communities.
The second is a recently concluded campaign for the 7 September 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse, where we organised training workshops for local science communicators, enabled 50,000 posters in Tamil to be put up in public places, organised multiple school talks against superstitions, and information in many languages to every school in three States, formed state-wide platforms of astronomy outreach groups, made livestreams available for national and international media, and facilitated a national information flow through press conferences.
I will discuss the strategies for both these projects, the impact they have had in terms of increased awareness of the science versus pseudo-science in these topics, and capacity building of local science communicators in the process. I will also discuss how the two projects use the Library Supervisors and local science communicators respectively in the Cascade Model framework. I will end with some learnings that might be relevant in the African context.
Communicating astronomy to underserved communities is an adventure that requires collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure its goals are achieved. In Nigeria, our project team has conducted several outreach programmes and workshops to advance astronomy development in underserved communities and achieve the SDGs. These underserved communities include the rural regions, correctional facilities (prisons), and special needs. This project adopted the cascade approach for scalability and knowledge diffusion. From 2024 to date, this project has organised seven educator training workshops and twelve outreaches. The project team has visited four correctional facilities in Enugu and Anambra States, reaching over 350 inmates. To ensure inclusivity for students with special needs, the project team has organised workshops at selected tertiary, secondary, and primary institutions. The target audience determines the learning goals, approach and workshop activities. The project lecture and hands-on activities (including tactile and Braille) are centred on the pale-blue dot, the observable universe, the birth and death of stars, solar system planets, the working principles of telescopes, stargazing, cultural astronomy, and astronomy for mental health. This initiative has reached a total of 2,450 participants with a gender ratio of 55% female and 45% male. The project impacts were assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Adopting the use of pre- and post-assessment methods, there has been a significant 50.2% increase in understanding about astronomy post workshops and outreaches. The average post-assessment of the project activities showed a 76.2% interest in STEM among participants. The overall assessment of the objectives of the project has shown 79.6% success. There is a need to cover more geopolitical regions across Nigeria. The development of astronomy in these underserved communities is vital to fostering a greater understanding of the universe and inspiring future generations of scientists.
Ethiopia possesses exceptional natural conditions for astronomical observation, including clear skies, high-altitude terrains, low light pollution, and a geographic position that enables visibility of both celestial hemispheres. These advantages uniquely position the country to promote astronomy and strengthen STEM education. However, persistent economic, political, social, and institutional challenges continue to affect educational quality and limit student engagement in scientific fields. As a result, a significant gap remains between Ethiopia’s astronomical potential and the integration of astronomy within its formal education system.
Stargazing events have emerged as effective tools for motivating and inspiring students by providing practical, hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom. Through direct observation of celestial objects, students are able to connect theoretical concepts with observable phenomena, making science more tangible and engaging. School-based astronomy clubs and initiatives such as the SciGirls program—supported by the Ethiopian Space Science Society—demonstrate particular promise in promoting gender equity by encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM pathways.
Evidence suggests that participation in stargazing activities increases students’ awareness, engagement, and confidence in STEM subjects, especially when instruction is delivered in local languages and integrates cultural perspectives that make scientific concepts relatable. These events also foster collaboration among teachers, researchers, and community organizations, extending outreach to underserved regions and strengthening family involvement in students’ scientific development.
While long-term impacts require further study, early findings indicate that stargazing initiatives contribute positively to building a scientifically literate and innovative society in Ethiopia. Future efforts should focus on sustaining and expanding inclusive astronomy programs, leveraging digital tools for broader access, and cultivating international partnerships—particularly with neighboring African countries—to organize bilateral stargazing events and share best practices. Such initiatives hold significant potential not only to enhance individual learning outcomes but also to support national goals related to scientific literacy, technological advancement, and socio-economic development.
Previous studies of galaxy formation have shown that only 10 per cent of the cosmic baryons are in stars and galaxies, while 90 per cent of them are missing. In this talk, I will present three observational studies that coherently find significant evidences of the missing baryons. The first is the cross-correlation between the kinetic Sunyaev-Zeldovich maps from Planck with the linear reconstructed velocity field. The second measurement is the cross-correlation between the thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect with gravitational lensing map and we detect the cross-correlation for 13 sigma with RCSLenS and Planck data. The third study is to stack the cosmic voids to have a direct detection of warm hot gas inside the voids. These detections coherently brings a picture of how baryons distribute in the cosmic web. But the question is, at what level we can say we have found all missing baryons? I will briefly describe the critical way to solve this problem, what new data (Simons Observatory and LSST) can bring to us.
Gravitational lensing provides a powerful probe of the global mass properties of galaxies, which are best tested using observations at extremely high angular resolution. In addition, through detailed observations of the lensed images, it is possible to place tight constraints on the nature of dark matter through measuring the abundance and properties of low mass haloes via their subtle gravitational lensing signal. Here, we first present new observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) and High Sensitivity Array (HSA) to better understand the source of so-called flux-ratio anomalies in four image gravitational lenses, which historically provided the first constraints on CDM using lensing studies. Next, we will present the analysis of the mass properties of ten massive elliptical galaxies at intermediate redshifts, by combining gravitational lensing and the sensitivity and resolving power of the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) and global Very Long Baseline Interferometry (radio VLBI). Using imaging at 25 to a few milli-arcsecond resolution, we find that complex mass models with angular structure are strongly favoured by the data. In addition, such observations are sensitive to small-scale structure either in the lens or along the line-of-sight to the background source. From such an analysis of the data from global VLBI observations, we detect of a low mass (million solar mass) dark object, whose properties are inconsistent with a dark matter halo from either cold or warm dark matter models, but may be in agreement with more exotic models, like self-interacting dark matter. Finally, we present a brief overview of future studies using a likely African VLBI facility.
This study investigates the formation of non-linear ion-acoustic solitary structures (IASSs) in magnetized plasmas consisting of inertial cold ions, superthermal electrons, and positrons. The reductive perturbation method was employed to derive the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, and the steady state solution of the KdV equation was obtained, providing a framework for exploring the solitary structures based on empirically observed ranges in space and astrophysical plasmas for various parameter such as superthermal electrons, (κe = 2, 4, 50), unperturbed positron to electron density ratio (p = np0/ne0), ion-to-electron temperature ratio (δ = Ti/Te ), electron-to-positron temperature ratio, (σ = Tp/Te ) and oblique propagation angles (θ = 0, π/10, π/4). From the expression KdV equation, the coefficient P represents the nonlinear effects, whereas Q describes the dispersive properties of the medium, together governing the formation and characteristics of solitary wave
structures in the plasma. The derived solitary wave (soliton) profile, whose functional form follows the square of the hyperbolic secant (sech2-type), reveals how these parameters modulate the amplitude, width, and polarity of electrostatic solitary waves. The numerical results show that the solution of the non-linear equation allows only compressive (positive) soliton structures to exist. The results further demonstrate that soliton properties are susceptible to plasma parameters; increasing superthermality or positron concentration leads to reduced amplitude and broadened profiles, temperature ratios (σ, δ), and obliqueness angle (θ) also significantly modulate the nonlinear and dispersive behavior of the solitary waves. Our study of IASSs provides critical information on theoretical understanding and practical technologies across various plasma applications in laboratory and astrophysical settings.
Interacting Dark Energy (IDE) models, where dark matter and dark energy interact through a non-gravitational coupling, have recently regained attention as late-time cosmic tensions persist and new datasets hint at possible dynamical dark energy and deviations from ΛCDM.
In this talk, we will present observational constraints on a broad class of linear and non-linear IDE models using some of the newest late-time datasets: DESI DR2 BAO, Pantheon+ supernovae, Cosmic Clocks, and BBN. These IDE models, each of which admits exact analytical solutions for the Hubble parameter H(z), allow us to directly explore features such as the possible direction of energy transfer, the presence of negative energy densities, and effective phantom-crossing behaviour.
We show that several IDE models provide improved fits to the combined DESI and Pantheon+ data compared to ΛCDM, even after accounting for the additional model parameters. A consistent pattern emerges across many models: the data mildly prefer a small but non-zero energy transfer in the dark sector, typically from dark matter to dark energy at early times, with a possible switch in the direction of energy transfer at later epochs. Furthermore, for all interactions considered, where possible, we find a phantom-divide crossing for the effective equation of state of dark energy, with the density of dark energy decreasing at present and at low redshift, while increasing in the past at high redshift.
However, these results must be interpreted with caution, as many models predict negative energy densities in the past or future, or exhibit early-time instabilities at the perturbation level, which may be unphysical. A complete assessment requires the inclusion of CMB and other early-universe probes, as well as a dedicated stability analysis, which will be considered in future work.
We study cosmic magnification beyond lensing in a late-time universe dominated by quintessence and cold dark matter. The cosmic magnification angular power spectrum, especially going beyond the well-known lensing effect, provides an independent avenue for investigating the properties of quintessence, and hence, dark energy. By analysing the magnification power spectrum at different redshifts, it is possible to extract new information about the large-scale imprint of dark energy, including whether we are able to disentangle different models from one another. Using three well-known quintessence models, we analyse the cosmic magnification angular power spectrum while taking relativistic corrections into account. We found that it will be difficult to distinguish between quintessence models, and quintessence from the cosmological constant, in lensing magnification angular power spectrum on large scales, at redshifts $z \,{\leq}\, 1$; whereas, when relativistic corrections are incorporated, the total magnification angular power spectrum holds the potential to distinguish between the models, at the given $z$. At $z \,{\geq}\, 3$, the lensing magnification angular power spectrum can be a reasonable approximation of the total magnification angular power spectrum. We also found that both the total relativistic and the Doppler magnification signals, respectively, surpass cosmic variance at $z \,{\leq}\, 0.5$: hence the effect may be detectable at the given $z$. On the other hand, the ISW and the time-delay magnification signals, respectively, are surpassed by cosmic variance on all scales, at epochs up to $z \,{=}\, 4.5$, with the gravitational-potential magnification signal being zero.
The redshifted 21 cm line is a powerful probe of the epoch when the first stars and galaxies were born and, consequently, reionized the intergalactic medium. In this talk I will present upper limits on the redshifted 21 cm line obtained through observations with the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array showing that the intergalacticm medium was heated above the adiabatic limit before z ~ 8. I will also present constrained on the 21 cm signal obtained from absorptioin against bright quasars, ruling out the presence of pockets of cold, neutral Hydrogen at the end of cosmic reionization.
African astronomy is rising, yet its light has not reached all corners of the continent. While nations with established hubs flourish, a significant portion of the continent,nearly 80% of African countries exist on the periphery with no access to the transformative power of astronomy. This talk issues a bold call for a strategic pivot. It is time for AfAS to champion a truly pan-African vision that actively bridges this gap. The absence of a dedicated, strategic outreach budget and follow-through on past initiatives has left potential partnerships and budding interest unfulfilled. We will outline a multi-pronged strategy and identify geographic and linguistic blocs within our continent to work in priority and present a compelling, actionable framework for outreach, targeted missions, strategic seed-funding, and robust partnerships, designed to ignite astronomical interest and capacity. By empowering those "unreached" nations, we do not merely expand our community; we unlock new scientific potential, foster sustainable development through STEM, and truly fulfill the pan-African promise of AfAS. Let us ensure that the next decade of African astronomy is defined not by isolated excellence, but by intentionally inclusive, continent-wide growth. The future is bright, but only if it shines for all.
Utilizing the transformative capabilities of JWST, Euclid, and other recent ground- and space-based observatories and results, I will discuss the origins of the first stars, the emergence of early black holes, and the rapid assembly of galaxies during the first few billion years of cosmic history. By integrating deep multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy, I will present a comprehensive census of thousands of galaxies across the Epoch of Reionization and beyond (6.5 < z < 15), including new results from the Euclid Space Telescope. This includes the discovery of "Little Red Dots" (LRDs) — compact, red objects that represent a surprising population of early obscured AGN or extremely dense stellar systems. I will discuss how these populations, alongside newly identified galaxies at z > 10, reveal a complex interplay between internal star formation and hierarchical assembly. A central focus of the talk will be how we can now quantify the mass assembly in galaxies through the merger process, which our data indicates is responsible for up to 50% of the stellar mass assembly in these early systems. I will conclude by discussing the implications of these early black hole and galaxy populations for current theoretical models and what this new census reveals about the broader history of structure formation within the dominant cosmology framework.
The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PACS e-Lab) is a nonprofit, education- and research-focused platform dedicated to advancing astronomy/Space Science, citizen science, and STEM education across Africa, with the slogan “Bringing the Stars to Your Doorsteps. We run several programs, including asteroid hunting in collaboration with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), exoplanet photometry with NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, astrophotography, double-star astrometry with the Institute for Student Astronomical Research, and ISS radio contacts with astronauts through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). We also support telescope distribution in partnership with Jean-Pierre Grootaerd and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), as well as public astronomy lectures with Free AstroScience. For observations, we use 0.4-meter Las Cumbres Observatory telescopes, Slooh, and MicroObservatory. Since our founding in December 2020, PACS e-Lab has reached tens of thousands of people across 50 of Africa’s 54 countries and beyond. Our scientific contributions include the detection of over 90 asteroids, the publication of more than 15 peer-reviewed papers on double stars, exoplanets, and our citizen-science activities, and the generation of numerous exoplanet photometric light curves. We have also distributed 10 telescopes to 10 countries across Africa.
PACS e-Lab is one of a kind on the continent and is growing rapidly. During the conference, we will highlight these efforts and our achievements."
This study explores the role of joy, awe, and wonder in informal astronomy education experiences such as planetaria, public telescope viewings, and group viewings of celestial phenomena (solar eclipse). Attending a planetarium show or peering through an observatory telescope at Saturn’s rings for the first time can invoke feelings of inspiration, excitement, awe, spirituality or even disbelief. Awe, in particular, has an important role to play in learning settings as an epistemic and positive emotion (Keltner, 2023), with the power to motivate and engage learning, especially for those who may feel left out of traditional classroom settings. In addition to sparking curiosity in astronomy and science fields, emotions such as joy, wonder, and related emotions sustain human mental and physical well-being (e.g., Watkins et al. 2018). Building on and making connections to previous studies, such as the and the “Awe Experience Scale” (Yaden et al., 2019) authors have developed a mixed-methods adult and youth survey instrument to measure joy, wonder, and awe in informal astronomy experiences that includes Likert scales, emojis, and areas to draw.The creation and implementation of these survey instruments is supported by ASTRO ACCEL (an NSF-funded global network-of-networks connecting astronomy researchers and practitioners) and the International Planetarium Society’s 2026 Planetarium Education Research Fellowship. Results to date, which include some 1,500 responses from the Museum of Science Planetarium in Boston, reveal that awe is manifest emotionally (e.g. feelings of serenity or beauty) and physically (e.g. jaw dropping) across all age cohorts in planetarium and star party settings. Awe is also associated with an increased interest in science, and to a lesser extent, religion and spirituality. Further results from additional sites and analysis will allow for comparisons across demographic characteristics of country, culture, religious or spirituality, identity, gender, deepening our understanding of awe in planetarium and informal astronomy settings.
Mobile planetariums are essential in communicating astronomy with the public, students, enthusiasts, professionals, and non-professionals. In Nigeria, their role in fascinating and inspiring awe in visitors’ minds is undeniable. The West African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development, in collaboration with the project team, designed and executed mobile planetarium-based astronomy and space science educational sessions and outreaches for teachers, students, and the public. The project adopted a cross-sectional design, targeting the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. The project has thus far organised six outreaches for students of all grades, two educational sessions for teachers, and two public events. The planetarium sessions have reached out to over 750 participants and covered topics on the observable universe, types of telescopes, the mysteries of the cosmos, the solar system, exoplanets, light pollution, and cultural astronomy. Post-session activities include astronomy DIYs, visual drawing, and the documentation of cultural stories related to astronomy. The significant effect of this project among visitors and host communities was measured using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, pre- and post-assessment methods were adopted, while qualitatively, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions were used. The percentage cumulative ratio of female to male visitors was 58% and 42%, respectively. The participants’ learning outcomes and concept clarity significantly increased by 47%, while there was a 74% increased interest in STEM and related fields among students. Thematic analysis of the project showed it was fascinating and inspired awe among the participants. The general outcomes of this project showed that mobile planetariums are vital for effective astronomy and space outreach.
The "Madagascar Sous les étoiles" (Madagascar Under the Stars - MUSE) festival, coordinated by Haikintana astronomy association, is the first national astronomy festival in Madagascar, designed as a replicable model for developing scientific culture in low-resource African settings. Initially launched in 2023 as "Majunga sous les étoiles," the initiative progressively scaled its ambition, transitioning its name to MUSE as it expanded to a simultaneous multi-city program. This major expansion reached audiences in Mahajanga, Antananarivo, Antsirabe, and Antsiranana, successfully demonstrating a method for overcoming large geographical barriers that commonly restrict public engagement across the African continent.
The festival’s structure is built on strong Pan-African and international partnerships, including the African Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences (AFIPS) and the Société Astronomique de France (SAF). Crucially, MUSE relies heavily on robust local collaborations: flagship events like 'Astromania' are co-produced with the Institut Français de Madagascar (IFM) and the national network of Alliances Françaises, ensuring cultural relevance and broad accessibility by leveraging established national infrastructure.
Over three days, the program combines public observing sessions, youth workshops, community-focused debates, and high-level scientific talks featuring intervenants from France and various African nations. The model is focused on reducing inequality by providing free, direct access to telescopes and scientific information for families from peri-urban and rural environments. By successfully executing a large-scale, high-impact astronomy event across multiple distant sites through local partnerships and shared resources, MUSE offers concrete lessons for launching and sustaining similar outreach initiatives elsewhere in Africa. We present the festival’s operational framework and partnership strategy, sharing successful practices for continental astronomy development.
Over the past three years, astronomy outreach in Madagascar has expanded significantly beyond the capital Antananarivo. Led by several associations and clubs, with the support of IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach - NOC Madagascar, activities such as stargazing sessions, school visits, and public sharing events have reached a growing number of towns including Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, and Antsiranana, as well as several rural districts previously without access to astronomy programs. This decentralization has broadened public engagement, increased participation among students and educators, and strengthened local capacity for STEM education. The presentation highlights key achievements and lessons from this nationwide expansion, demonstrating how inclusive regional outreach can enhance scientific literacy across Madagascar.
Astronomy plays an important role in society by inspiring young people and children to explore the beauty of the Universe, sparking their interest in science and thereby supporting education.
In Uganda, many rural schools face challenges such as high dropout rates and poor performance in science subjects, particularly among girls. In this talk, I will share insights into how, using astronomy, we are encouraging primary school children to stay engaged in their education and progress to the next levels and helping secondary school girls develop confidence and interest in science by demystifying it, ultimately promoting STEM careers.
Through school outreach programs featuring a variety of activities and the development of a curriculum that integrates astronomical robotics challenges, students from three primary and three secondary schools have been introduced to astronomy and inspired to develop a passion for science. A positive shift in attitudes towards subjects like Science, for primary school and Physics and Mathematics for secondary school has been observed, and ongoing efforts are being encouraged to ensure these impacts are measurable.
The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), established in 2004, is a leading non-governmental organization advancing space science and technology in Ethiopia through a four-pillar model: Education, Outreach, Research Infrastructure Development, and Advocacy. ESSS builds capacity from grassroots to professional levels by expanding access to learning, delivering nationwide outreach and citizen science programs, and developing technical skills through hands-on activities. The Society played a foundational role in the establishment of the national Space Science and Geospatial Institute and continues to strengthen research capabilities by developing new facilities in partnership with universities. Through its Advocacy work, ESSS supports policymakers in integrating space science into national development agendas. This presentation outlines ESSS’s model, major achievements, challenges faced along the way and its strategic direction for sustainable capacity development in Ethiopia.
A new method for optimizing the layout of radio telescope antenna arrays will be presented. These methods are are based on the SVD of the telescope operator, and provide a flexible method for choosing optimal antenna positions. The method is applied to choosed antenna positions for the TART telescope, and this has led to the latest spiral antenna designs used in the African TART telescopes in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia.
Since 1907, a lot of valuable and important scientific research work has been done using the 30-inch Reynolds refractor at Helwan, and Kottamia 74-inch telescope in Egypt. Kottamia telescope is the only one at its size in the Middle East and the second in Africa.
In my talk, the Egyptian current observatory facilities will be presented. The talk will be somewhat technical and is related to the refurbishment of the 1.9-m Kottamia telescope which is the main telescope at the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO). The refurbishment includes both of the optical system as well as the 45-years old control system. In addition, the talk will show the upgrade implemented to the aluminizing plant which is currently running with the SIMENS Programmable Logic Control (PLC). The talk will also give enough information about the current observing instrument attached to the Cassegrain focus of the telescope which is the Kottamia Faint Object Imaging Spectro-Polarimeter (KFISP) and the problems been faced in getting the optimal performance of the instrument. The talk will additionally present the current running projects, science interests, and collaborations with the international groups. Finally, the talk will show the future plans and the progress related to the intention of the construction of a new 6.5-m telescope at Sinai Peninsula and the site testing campaign which started some months ago.
Small near-Earth asteroids (NEAs $<$ 150m) represent the most numerous yet least understood segment of potentially hazardous objects in our Solar System. Their rapid fading after discovery makes it challenging to obtain sufficient follow-up observations for characterisation studies, leaving a critical gap in our knowledge of their taxonomic distribution. We present results from a robotic follow-up program using the South African Astronomical Observatory’s Lesedi telescope. This system uses automated scripts to rapidly identify NEA discoveries reported to the Minor Planet Center (MPC) and execute follow-up observations within hours of detection. Using multi-filter photometry in the g, r, and i bands, we performed taxonomic classification of 59 small NEAs (with absoulute magnitudes H ranging from $22 \leq H < 29$ corresponding to approximates diameters of 97 - 240m and 3.8 to 9.4m respectively) assuming an albedo range of 0.05 to 0.30, representing the typical lower and upper bounds for the most common asteroid taxonomies based on photometric colours, using a trained machine-learning algorithm. Our results reveal that the composition of the small NEA population differs slightly from that of larger NEAs, suggesting size-dependent taxonomic variations relevant to impact hazard assessments. Specifically, we find an approximately 1:1 ratio between stony types (S+V+Q) and carbonaceous/metallic types (C+X), broadly consistent with earlier studies of larger NEAs. However, we identify a significantly higher fraction of X-type asteroids (almost a fourth of the observed sample) compared to previous taxonomic surveys of larger NEAs. This study provides a compositional analysis of sub-150-meter NEAs and suggests that the taxonomic distribution may vary with size, highlighting the importance of dedicated small-object characterisation programs to better understand the most abundant, and thus most likely source of Earth impactors.
The study emphasizes a switchable characteristic of narrow-band coupled resonators of a dual-band filter developed based on the reactance transformation method as a single filter structure. The filter is realized on Mercurywave 9350 multi-layer substrate. The substrate was chosen for various reasons, including its relatively constant permittivity over frequency. The designs feature a dual-path topology connected in parallel, known as transversal topology. In this topology, modifying any of the resonators negatively impact the filter's response across both frequency bands. The total number of resonators employed (eight for the dual-band filter) makes the modification of individual resonators practically unviable. As a result, a basic non-resonant transmission line pre-selection approach is employed to select the desired passband, thus preventing frequency response deterioration in the selected band while eliminating the unwanted band. This approach involves integrating a pre-selection circuit with a dual-band filter to enable band switching. The switchable filter operates between two frequency bands: 3.1 GHz to 3.3 GHz and 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz. The non-resonant pre-selection circuit was integrated on a Mercury wave substrate in the uppermost layer and comprises four Skyworks PIN diodes (SMP1345-079LF) for switching purposes. Through the reversed and forward biasing of the diodes, the non-resonant pre-selection circuit eliminates one band while selecting another (selects one passband at a time).
Keywords – Switchable filters, coupled resonators, reactance transform, dual band
MeerKLASS is a single dish HI intensity mapping survey of the MeerKAT Telescope. Probing the 21 cm signal is coupled with challenges from foregrounds and radio frequency interferences (RFI) which contaminates the data, and in turn our cosmological signal. The MeerKLASS collaboration has produced a detection of the HI cosmological signal using cross-correlations with galaxy surveys. However, low-lying RFI still remains. By removing these low lying RFI we expect to have reduced data loss due to aggressive flagging of RFI contaminants across channels to increase our S/N for an improved detection of the 21 cm signal. Low lying RFI lies below the noise measurement of single dish instruments and would require an algorithm that is able to boost the sensitivity and contrast the underlying RFI for flagging. In this presentation I will highlight the SSINS (Sky-Subtracted Incoherent Noise Spectrum) Algorithm (Wilensky et al, 2019 PASP 131 114507) that I have adapted to be applied to the MeerKLASS data to remove faint RFI signatures.
Computational methods underpin much of modern research, yet authors of these methods have not always received appropriate credit for their work, and locating reliable, reusable software can be challenging for both researchers and students. The Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL; ascl.net) addresses these issues by providing a free, curated registry of openly available software used in refereed research, with entries designed to be easily discoverable and citable. This presentation introduces the ASCL and demonstrates how to use it to find software, explore computational techniques for teaching and learning, cite research software effectively, and submit code for inclusion to increase its visibility and impact.
Located at 2765 meters in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the Oukaimeden Observatory has rapidly grown into a leading actor in African astronomy and an emerging hub for distance-learning innovation. This talk will present how the deployment of robotic telescopes, such as MOSS, TRAPPIST-North, and OWL-Net,Spectrophotometry of Variables stars, has enabled Oukaimeden to offer an open, accessible, and research-grade learning environment to students and educators worldwide.
By leveraging automated instrumentation and remote-control platforms, the observatory provides continuous access to real observational data, allowing learners to engage directly with the scientific process from any location. Through remote observing sessions, online interfaces, and project-based activities, participants gain experience in image processing, data interpretation, and modern astrophysical techniques opportunities that were previously out of reach for many institutions across Africa.
The talk will highlight the educational impact of this approach: strengthened scientific literacy, increased engagement, and the emergence of new scientific vocations in regions traditionally distant from research facilities. Importantly, this transformation is supported by international capacity-building initiatives, most notably the VLIR-UOS STELLAR project and its extension STELLAR-LINK, which have been instrumental in developing infrastructure, training educators, and fostering long-term international collaboration.
We will also discuss the operational challenges inherent to remote astronomical facilities network constraints, high-altitude maintenance, and multi-partner scheduling, and the strategies implemented to ensure reliability, accessibility, and sustainability. Finally, the presentation will outline future directions, including the expansion of the robotic telescope network, deeper integration of AI-driven educational tools, and the consolidation of Oukaimeden’s role as a pan-African center for astronomy education, capacity building, and outreach.
Astronomical research in East Africa is constrained by limited access to advanced observational facilities and structured hands-on training, posing a risk of exclusion from the global, data-rich discovery era led by big projects like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (LSST). The Sharing the Sky Programme is a two-year collaborative initiative designed to address this by empowering a cohort of researchers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The core innovation of this programme lies in its structured model: gradual short training sessions at regional centers are combined with longer periods of virtual guided practice using the global Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) network. This approach is designed to build and sustain research skills from scratch.
To date, two intensive residential workshops (Nairobi (May 2025) and Kigali (December 2025)) have provided foundational training in LCO operations and advanced data science, including Python programming. This training is coupled with continuous, priority access to LCO’s robotic telescope network, enabling participants to conduct rapid response, time-domain observations. Early outcomes indicate strong skill transformation and the development of a cohesive regional research network.
Sharing the Sky Programme provides a scalable, proven blueprint for bridging the global astronomy infrastructure gap, positioning East African researchers as active contributors to the worldwide astronomical
enterprise.
Ethiopia is currently experiencing significant political, economic, and educational challenges that have weakened the quality of schooling and limited opportunities for young learners. In this context, astronomy outreach has emerged as a meaningful tool to restore hope, spark curiosity, and strengthen STEM engagement—especially for students with minimal access to scientific resources. This presentation shares the design, implementation, and outcomes of a cascade astronomy outreach initiative delivered across four primary and two secondary schools, reaching more than 800 students from diverse communities.
Supported by a Seed Grant from 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, the program provided interactive lessons on solar astronomy, planetary science, night-sky charting, and the broader structure of the Universe. Students engaged in hands-on activities including safe solar observations, sungazing, and introductory experiments that demonstrated core astronomical principles. For secondary students, advanced topics such as spectroscopy, parallax, standard candles, Doppler shift, and cosmic expansion models were introduced to deepen scientific understanding.
Outreach programs were conducted in both urban and semi-urban settings—across public and private schools—and revealed consistently high levels of enthusiasm. Despite national challenges, students displayed strong curiosity, demonstrating that practical and inclusive astronomy education can enhance scientific comprehension, reduce stress, and inspire confidence. The initiative also established astronomy clubs, provided educational materials, and included continuous follow-up visits and invitations to subsequent outreach events to ensure sustainability.
This presentation highlights the program’s methodology, student responses, challenges, and community impact. It concludes with recommendations for scaling similar initiatives across Ethiopia and Africa, emphasizing the potential of astronomy outreach to strengthen STEM literacy and empower young people to envision a brighter, science-driven future.
Sustainable astronomy outreach in Africa requires models that multiply impact, strengthen local capacity, and ensure long-term engagement. This paper presents Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) Nigeria’s implementation of the Cascade Outreach Model, a framework designed to expand access to astronomy education through mentorship, teacher training, and community participation.
Since its inception in 2013, AWB Nigeria has effectively demonstrated how cascading knowledge, training a core group of educators who, in turn, train others, can amplify outreach impact across diverse regions. The program’s flagship initiatives, including the Girls Astronomy Camp and Schools Astronomy Outreach, integrate hands-on learning and cultural context to spark curiosity, promote gender inclusion, and bridge educational gaps between urban and underserved communities.
The model’s success lies in its adaptability: it leverages local materials, aligns with community needs, and builds on partnerships that sustain long-term impact. By empowering teachers as multipliers and local champions of astronomy, the approach fosters a continuous cycle of learning and engagement that reaches students, families, and entire communities.
Drawing on field data, participant feedback, and observed outcomes, this paper will demonstrate how the cascade model drives systemic growth in astronomy education and outreach. It will also outline strategies for scaling the model across Africa to support inclusion, diversity, and scientific literacy.
By showcasing Nigeria’s experience, the study highlights the power of educator-led outreach in transforming astronomy education, ensuring that knowledge, inspiration, and the wonder of the cosmos continue to cascade through communities across the continent.
Astronomy outreach in Sudan has grown steadily over the past decade despite significant economic and political challenges. Early efforts were led primarily by university departments and small volunteer groups, focusing on public lectures, school visits, and basic sky-watching events. These activities served not just as educational tools, but as a source of national pride and youth engagement in STEM. However, the onset of the conflict in April 2023 has severely impacted this landscape. The destruction of scientific infrastructure, the indefinite closure of universities, and the mass displacement of students and researchers have forced formal outreach activities to a near halt. However, ongoing conflicts, limited infrastructure, and shortages of equipment continue to restrict the growth of sustained, nationwide outreach programs. Despite these obstacles, Sudanese educators and volunteers remain committed to promoting astronomy as a pathway to scientific literacy and youth empowerment. This talk summarizes past achievements, assesses the critical challenges currently facing the community, and highlights the resilience of Sudanese astronomers. We aim to discuss how, even amidst conflict, astronomy continues to maintain its potential to support scientific literacy and offers hope for future development in the country.
Quasars have historically been classified into two distinct classes, radio-loud (RL) and radio-quiet (RQ), taking into account the presence and absence of relativistic radio jets, respectively. Although different attempts were made to unify these two classes, there is a long-standing open debate involving the possibility of a real physical dichotomy between RL and RQ quasars. To address this, we present new high S/N spectra of 11 extremely powerful quasars with radio to optical flux density ratio > 1000 that concomitantly cover the Mgii𝜆2800 and H𝛽 in the redshift range 0.35 < z < 1, observed at Calar Alto Observatory (Spain). We aim to quantify broad emission line differences between RL and RQ quasars by using the four dimensional eigenvector 1 (4DE1) parameter space and its Main Sequence (MS), and to check the effect of powerful radio ejection on the low ionization broad emission lines. Emission lines are analysed by doing two complementary approaches, a multicomponent non-linear fitting, and analysing the lines through parameters such as centroid shifts at different intensities, asymmetry and kurtosis indices. We found that broad emission lines show large redward asymmetry both in H𝛽 and Mgii2800A. The location of our RL sources in a UV plane looks similar to the optical one, with weak Feii emission and broad Mgii2800A. We supplement the 11 sources with large samples from previous work. Compared to RQ, our extreme RL quasars show larger median H𝛽 FWHM Feii emission, larger 𝑀BH, lower 𝐿bol/𝐿Edd, and a restricted space occupation in the optical and UV planes. The differences are more elusive when the comparison is carried out by restricting the RQ population to the region of the MS occupied by RL quasars, albeit an unbiased comparison matching 𝑀BH and 𝐿bol/𝐿Edd suggests that the most powerful RL quasars show the highest redward asymmetries in H𝛽.
One of the fundamental challenges in understanding dwarf irregular galaxies is determining how their HI structure and kinematics influence their star formation activity and dark matter distribution. The MHONGOOSE survey, using deep MeerKAT observations, provides an unprecedented opportunity to study these processes in detail. In this talk, I will present an analysis of the HI distribution, kinematics, and mass modeling of two MHONGOOSE dwarf galaxies: ESO444-G084 and [KKS2000]23. ESO444-G084 has a centrally concentrated HI profile, while [KKS2000]23 displays fragmented, high-density pockets. Using 3D kinematic modeling with PyFAT and TiRiFiC, we confirm disk-like rotation in both galaxies but find intriguing differences in their rotation curves: ESO444-G084 shows a kinematic warp and rapidly increasing rotation curve, suggesting a centrally concentrated dark matter halo, while [KKS2000]23 exhibits a more gradual rise, indicative of an extended dark matter distribution. In addition, I will discuss the gravitational stability of these galaxies using Toomre Q parameter maps and gas surface density thresholds, correlating these with H-alpha and FUV emission to explore star formation activity. ESO444-G084 appears globally stable yet supports localized star formation, whereas [KKS2000]23 is gravitationally unstable but lacks strong H-alpha emission, possibly due to turbulence, gas depletion, or past feedback. These findings provide new insights into how HI structure and kinematics shape dwarf galaxy evolution, setting the stage for future investigations with SKA and other next-generation radio surveys
Within the MIGHTEE deep continuum images, we discovered one of the rarest subpopulations of radio galaxies (RGs) called triple-double radio galaxies (TDRGs). They are characterised by three pairs of radio lobes, each pair of lobes representing an episode of nuclear activity. TDRGs are key tools to understand the duty cycle of RGs. In this work, we report the seventh known TDRG, J022248−060934. It is hosted by a field galaxy at a spectroscopic redshift of 𝑧≈ 0.94 and it has a total projected linear size of 1.5 Mpc. In total intensity, J022248−060934 has a bright core and triple-double, edge-brightened-like peaks of radio emission. The polarimetry of the source reveals an inhomogeneous hosting environment. The spectral index and curvature maps show an inverted core and a steepening of the spectrum towards the outer lobes. Such spectral features indicate current nuclear activity at the core and much older outer lobes. We also perform a spectral age study of the source, which is the first of such analyses for TDRGs. We found a lower limit for the total age of ∼18 Myr. We also derive a short inactive period between the active phases and a rapid duty cycle of 90 per cent for the first cycle of activity. Our spectral ageing analysis thus shows that the triple-double structure in TDRGs is not the product of long quiescent periods, as suggested by previous works based on kinematic ages.
Understanding the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and star formation remains a fundamental challenge in galaxy evolution studies. Radio emission in galaxies is often a complex mixture of star formation and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) activity, requiring milli-arcsecond resolution to disentangle. We present the first results from the VLBI Lockman Hole Survey, a deep wide-field observing campaign utilising the European VLBI Network (EVN) and e-MERLIN at 1.7 GHz. This survey targets 2,483 radio sources previously identified as unresolved by the International LOFAR Telescope (ILT) at 150 MHz within a 2-square-degree field.
The primary scientific goals are to trace the full life cycle of radio sources from young, compact jets to dying remnants and to quantify AGN feedback by unambiguously separating compact AGN cores from extended star-forming regions. We present the analysis of the first 18-hour observation visit, which yielded 14 high-confidence VLBI detections. Multi-frequency spectral analysis reveals a diverse population, including candidate restarted radio sources and young Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum objects.
With a projected yield of approximately 100s cm-VLBI detections upon completion, this project will constitute one of the largest deep wide-field VLBI surveys to date. These results establish a crucial benchmark for future high-resolution studies in the Southern Hemisphere, serving as a cornerstone for science cases with the African VLBI Network (AVN) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Understanding the origin and working modes of the cessation of star formation in galaxies that lead to the passively evolving population is vital in galaxy evolution studies. The environment of galaxies is a critical aspect of these investigations, as the fraction of star-forming galaxies is the lowest inside galaxy clusters. At the same time, the fraction of passive galaxies is the highest. Several physical mechanisms are responsible for quenching star formation at higher frequencies in clusters relative to the field. One of the main mechanisms is ram-pressure stripping (RPS), which occurs as galaxies fall and interact with the intracluster medium. Examples of galaxies transforming due to RPS are galaxies that exhibit long gaseous tails stripped from the galaxy disc. In this talk, I will discuss the largest sample of HI gas tails to date in diverse environments of clusters from the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey. The work to be presented attempts to study the physical conditions required to form such strongly ram-pressure-stripped galaxies, i.e., physical properties of the galaxies, infall speed and times, and physical properties of the surrounding ICM.
We present deep MeerKAT follow-up observations (16 hrs with the 32k correlator) of an extraordinary, extremely low column-density HI disk uncovered in the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS). MeerKAT reveals a vast, patchy, spiral-like structure dominated by exceptionally low column densities (10^18 – 10^20/cm^2). Despite its modest HI mass, the disk reaches an astonishing ~260 kpc—larger than Malin 1—and lies far off the established HI mass–diameter relation. The galaxy sits directly on the Galactic equator at ℓ = 325°, buried behind ~57 mag of extinction, rendering its HI disk the only observable component. The velocity field and enhanced outer dispersions point to past disturbance or large-scale gas redistribution. In this talk, we present the multi-scale morphology and kinematics from MeerKAT and explore possible formation pathways for this remarkable and puzzling low-mass HI giant.
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and MeerKAT represent some of the most ambitious radio astronomy projects ever undertaken, with large-scale SKAO science operations and data production expected to accelerate only after 2030. Preparing for the scientific opportunities of the next 50+ years therefore requires more than training the next generation of researchers; it demands strategic investment in the next next generation who will inherit and sustain these facilities far into the future.
The Development and Outreach Office at the Inter-university Institute for Data-Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) has adopted a circular model that begins by inspiring communities and identifying potential future scientists and innovators. Individuals are then provided with targeted training and opportunities to develop essential skills, particularly in data-intensive fields. As they progress, they are empowered to inspire and mentor the next cohort, completing the cycle and reinforcing a sustainable ecosystem of scientific growth.
IDIA’s infrastructure supports this approach through advanced tools, training, and collaborative initiatives. The ilifu cloud computing facility enables researchers and students to process and analyse complex astronomy and bioinformatics datasets, supporting over a thousand users globally. IDIA also leads the development of global visualisation and analysis tools such as CARTA and iDaVIE, expanding access to cutting-edge data exploration environments and strengthening data science capacity on the continent.
Preparing for the next 50+ years of astronomy requires cultivating the next next generation of scientists who will sustain and advance projects like the SKAO and MeerKAT+. This talk will highlight IDIA’s circular approach to development and outreach, ensuring long-term impact by inspiring future scientists, equipping them with critical skills, and empowering them to mentor the next cohort. Through this model, IDIA aims to create sustainable pathways for scientific growth and innovation across generations.
Human capital development is essential to prepare expertise required for the 4th industrial revolution if Africa is to participate fully. The Pan-Africa Planetary Network for Space Science and Technology follows the path set by the successful project PAPSSN (Pan-Africa Planetary and Space Science Network), hence the legacy acronym PAP2SN that will sustain the brand created in the past 5 years. PAP2SN aims to support a mobility scheme for students, academic staff and support staff among partners from Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia within the thematic field: “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)” with particular emphasis for Planetary and Space Sciences & Technology. PAP2SN aims at strengthening STEM in Africa Higher Education by promoting PSST for the sustainable growth and creation of jobs on a continent that is rapidly embracing the 4th industrial revolution. A crucial aspect of this mobility programme is to promote the standardization of PSST programmes throughout the consortium. This will, in turn, facilitate the internationalization of the partner HEIs. The PAP2SN will provide a critical venue to bridge the gap between countries with the same PSST agenda but different skills and infrastructure thereby delivering the most impactful HE in terms of economic, cultural and livelihood of the society. This project promotes a sustainable scientific and higher education strategy for developing PSST in Africa and attracts national and international funding for African research institutions through the development of new collaborations and the strengthening of existing ones.
Effectively engaging the public in astronomy is essential for fostering scientific literacy, inspiring curiosity, and building inclusive communities across Africa. However, the abstract nature of astronomical concepts and the geographic dispersion of audiences often pose significant challenges.
This presentation introduces an interactive online platform designed to bridge the gap between the African astronomical community and diverse audiences. The platform provides accessible educational resources, citizen science participation opportunities, and collaborative spaces for learners, educators, and researchers. Key features include AI-assisted content, real-time project tracking, discussion forums, and immersive digital activities, enabling users to actively contribute to astronomy initiatives regardless of location.
The platform prioritizes inclusivity, supporting learners from underserved and remote communities, and aligns with broader educational goals to reduce inequality and promote quality science education. Early testing and pilot implementations highlight its potential to foster curiosity, strengthen understanding, and build a sense of community engagement across Africa.
This talk reflects on the practical and ethical considerations of leveraging emerging technologies for science communication, emphasizing human-centered design, accessibility, and meaningful interaction. Attendees will gain insights into how digital platforms can enhance astronomy outreach, empower citizen scientists, and support sustainable public engagement strategies.
By showcasing innovative approaches to astronomy communication, this presentation demonstrates how interactive digital tools can transform public engagement, ensuring that the wonders of the cosmos are accessible, inspiring, and impactful across the African continent.
Across the African continent, astronomy and space science have long inspired curiosity, creativity, and scientific ambition. Yet, translating this inspiration into real entrepreneurial activity and scalable commercial ventures remains a significant challenge.
The Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEOC), now in its 10th year, addresses this gap by functioning not only as an outreach programme but as a continental engine that transforms scientific potential into market-ready innovation.
This presentation showcases how AEOC’s five-stage innovation funnel spanning awareness and early inspiration, skills development, experimentation, incubation, and investment readiness has become a proven model for building Africa’s space entrepreneurship pipeline. By integrating community-level outreach, youth programming (AEOC Junior), partnerships with space agencies, academia, and industry, and practical business tools (Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and investor-readiness support), AEOC provides an end-to-end system that bridges astronomy-inspired curiosity with real economic opportunity.
The talk highlights practical examples from the past decade: innovators using Earth observation for agriculture, disaster risk, mining, and climate resilience; startups incubated into viable businesses; and how pan-African collaboration amplifies both reach and impact.
By positioning space science as a catalyst for economic transformation, AEOC demonstrates that continental outreach is not only about awareness, it is about designing pathways that empower African innovators to build commercially viable solutions grounded in astronomical and Earth observation data.
Abstract
As Africa advances into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), robotics education has emerged as a powerful catalyst for digital skills development, innovation, and inclusive participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This proposed Robotics Outreach and Training Programme—rooted in the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (SARAO) long-standing Robotics Schools Programme—demonstrates how hands-on robotics learning can transform opportunities for youth and educators, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Such a programme successfully equips learners with practical skills in designing, coding, and programming robots, enabling them to compete nationally and ideally. These initiatives align with national priorities by strengthening digital literacy, fostering problem-solving and creativity, and narrowing the digital divide—often using equipment that functions effectively even in low-resource, non-connected environments.
Insights gained will inform future continental efforts and may support the potential establishment of an African Robotics Network to ensure sustained mentorship and growth. Ultimately, such an initiative serves as an entry point for co-creating a robust, scalable robotics ecosystem that equips Africa’s next generation of innovators, engineers, and scientists.
The origin and impact of radio emission in radio-quiet quasars has remained ambiguous for decades, largely due to limitations of all-sky, low-resolution surveys. Leveraging new, sensitive sub-kpc–to–kpc scale radio imaging from the Quasar Feedback Survey (QFeedS), we are now resolving the structures that drive feedback at the heart of massive galaxies. Using e-MERLIN, we mapped radio emission on 10s–100s pc scales for 42 luminous (L[O III] > 10^42 erg s⁻¹; LAGN > 10^45 erg s⁻¹), mostly radio-quiet quasars at z < 0.2, detecting 37/42 and revealing a diverse range of compact radio morphologies, including weak unresolved cores, hotspots, sub-kpc jets, and irregular diffuse structures frequently missed by VLA-only imaging. Combining morphology and brightness-temperature diagnostics, 76% of these quasars host radio-AGN, significantly higher than the ∼57% identified at kpc-scales alone. Complementary new sub-arcsecond VLA imaging (1.4 and 6 GHz) of 29 lower-radio-power quasars (L1.4GHz = 10^22.6–10^23.45 W Hz⁻¹) further reveals widespread AGN-driven synchrotron activity: ∼31% show resolved structures on 0.1–10 kpc scales, ∼90% exhibit steep spectra (α ≲ −1), and ≥40% display AGN signatures inconsistent with star formation alone. Together, these ∼71 quasars span nearly five orders of magnitude in radio power. We establish that: i)compact jets and shocks are common well inside the “radio-quiet’’ regime; ii)these targets map abroad continuum of radio properties in optically-selected quasars; and iii)connect low-luminosity FR0-like AGN with the more extended radio populations, and show the diversity of radio output among radiatively-efficient quasars across several orders of magnitude in 𝐿1.4 GHz.
I will show how these new high-resolution observations, tracing feedback from ∼10 pc to ∼10 kpc scales, are transforming our understanding of quasar-driven galaxy evolution, and why sensitive, multi-scale radio imaging is essential for uncovering the true prevalence and impact of AGN feedback in the low-power radio regime.
Blazars, a subclass of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with relativistic jets aligned close to our line of sight, dominate the extragalactic gamma-ray sky and are characterised by pronounced variability across the electromagnetic spectrum. Millimetre observations are particularly valuable as they probe emission regions close to the base of the jet, where high-energy activity is thought to originate. In this study, we investigate the variability properties of the blazar 3C 279 using long-term light curves from Metsähovi at 37 GHz and from ALMA Bands 3, 6, and 7 at millimetre and sub-millimetre wavelengths. A suite of time-series analysis techniques, including the Interpolated Cross-Correlation Function (ICCF), Z-transformed Discrete Correlation Function (ZDCF), JAVELIN, and PyROA, are applied to search for inter-band time delays. The results generally indicate frequency-dependent variability behaviour consistent with opacity effects in the jet, although indications of more complex emission processes are also present. Variability amplitudes are additionally characterised using the fractional variability parameter, which shows a systematic dependence on observing frequency. These findings underscore the importance of coordinated, multi-frequency millimetre monitoring for probing jet physics in blazars and highlight the potential contribution of the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) to future long-term variability studies from the southern hemisphere.
The current ∧CDM model of hierarchical galaxy formation highlights the importance of galaxy
interactions and mergers in the evolution of galaxies. Galaxies undergo cycles of star forma-
tion and AGN activity induced by mergers and interactions as they evolve towards early-type
quiescent objects. However, this has not been observationally well supported. In this work, we
aim to go a step further in testing the connection between galaxy mergers, AGN activity, and
star formation in stellar mass-selected close galaxy pairs using unWISE data at low redshift
(z < 0.2). We selected galaxy pairs with mass ratio of 1:3 on average (major mergers) in
two volume-limited samples of mean mass log(M/M⊙) of 10.2 and 11.4 and at six projected
distance separations (0-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-250, 250-500, 500-1000 kpc using thee standard
cosmology) and two velocity differences (0-500, and 500-1000 km/s). We measured the X-ray
and radio luminosities, W1-W2 colors, and optical emission lines ratios (BPT method) to study
AGN activity, and NUV-r colors to study star formation. We compare the effect of distance and
velocity separations on AGN activity and star formation. Results indicate no significant increase
in AGN fraction (selected in X-rays, radio, infrared, and optical) and a slight suppression of star
formation as pair separation decreases. We compared these results with the Illustris TNG300
simulations and obtained similar findings. This led to the conclusion that galaxy mergers and
interactions may not be the main trigger of AGN activity and may not lead to increased star
formation contrary to previous theoretical expectations.
I describe the cosmic evolution of galaxy discs from z~6 to the present using bars as a sign post of galaxy evolution. I will describe the observations and analysis from two fundamental surveys I have led, namely COSMOS and S4G which together form the foundational datasets for the study of galactic structure from high redshifts to the local Universe. We find that galaxy disk assembly and maturity is a strong function of the galaxy mass and shapes clear signs of galaxy downsizing in the formation of structure. I will also describe the many outstanding questions in this area of research and what we need to do next in using the next generation of telescopes to solve these questions.
We present a kinematic and mass-modelling analysis of the nearby late-type galaxy NGC 45 using high-quality HI observations from the IMAGINE survey, complemented by a stellar mass profile derived from Spitzer IRAC 1 (3.6 μm) imaging. From the well-resolved HI cube, we construct a rotation curve and decompose it into stellar, gaseous, and dark matter (DM) components. Mass models are fitted using two widely adopted halo parametrisations, the Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) profile and the pseudo-isothermal (ISO) profile, exploring their parameter spaces with a Bayesian MCMC framework. Both halo models reproduce the observed rotation curve within uncertainties, and the present data do not allow a clear distinction between a cuspy (NFW) or cored (ISO) DM distribution.
The main aim of this work is to quantify how observational limitations impact the recovered galaxy dynamics and mass. By systematically degrading the spatial resolution and sensitivity of the HI cube, we isolate the effects of beam smearing and low S/N on the kinematic and mass-modelling outputs. With only approximately 3 beams across the disc, spatial resolution loss drives, systematic biases: rotation velocities are underestimated by ~15%, the inner rise is flattened by ~34%, velocity dispersions are artificially inflated by ~40%, and the gas surface density is reduced by ~21%, producing correspondingly biased DM halo parameters. Reducing the sensitivity from S/N ≈ 34 to ≈ 5 produces a different failure mode: the inner rise is flattened by ~53%, the outer rotation suppressed by ~20%, and the velocity dispersion severely underestimated (~82%), leading to 20–40% reductions in halo mass and artificially compact DM profiles. When both degradations are applied simultaneously, the biases compound, yielding large distortions in the kinematics and mass models and virial masses suppressed by up to ~75%.
These tests demonstrate that observational quality, critically governs the reliability of rotation curve decompositions.
Angular momentum is a fundamental property that shapes the evolution of disc galaxies, strongly influencing the internal mechanisms that regulate star formation. In an ideally closed system, angular momentum would be conserved; however, because galaxies continuously interact with their environments, their angular momentum content is expected to change over time. Despite extensive work, a clear correlation between the angular momentum content of disc galaxies and their environment remains uncertain.
In this talk, we examine how angular momentum varies across both observed and simulated galaxies, using samples drawn from the AMIGA catalogue and the TNG simulations. By probing a range of environments, our analysis offers new insight into the intrinsic impact of environmental processes on the angular momentum content of disc galaxies and discusses the implications of these findings for models of galaxy evolution.
Since 2012, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has supported community-driven projects that use astronomy to tackle local challenges and promote sustainable development worldwide. Through its global annual call for proposals, the OAD has funded 236 projects across 112 countries, with almost 35% of these led from Africa, spanning more than 30 African nations. These projects have demonstrated the power of astronomy as a driver for education, public engagement, community empowerment, gender inclusion in STEM, and socio-economic development.
This special session at AfAS-2026 will bring together the OAD office, African project leaders, and partners to reflect on the impact of astronomy for development initiatives across the continent. It will highlight successful African projects, explore practical lessons learned, and provide a platform for strengthening collaboration and continental networks. Importantly, the session will also include a short OAD Proposal Development Workshop, aimed at guiding potential applicants through the OAD funding process, strengthening African participation, and improving the quality and sustainability of future proposals.
The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, offering world-class capabilities for cutting-edge astronomical research. This workshop is designed for both emerging and established astronomers who want to increase their understanding of SALT’s proposal tools and gain hands-on experience using them effectively.
We will begin with a short presentation introducing the suite of SALT proposal tools, followed by a live demonstration showcasing their key features and practical applications. Participants will then move into an interactive, guided session where they will develop and submit a mock proposal using a dedicated test server.
Whether you’re preparing your first SALT proposal or looking to sharpen your technique, this workshop will equip you with practical skills and insights to strengthen your future submissions.
Cataclysmic Variables (CVs) are great laboratories to study accretion onto compact objects and accretion-related outflows under a wide range of diverse physical conditions, such as variations in mass transfer rate from the companion star, variations in magnetic field strength of the accreting white dwarf and the presence or (partial) absence of an accretion disc. In this talk I will give an overview of the impact of observations by MeerKAT and other SKA pathfinders - in the context of multi-wavelength campaigns - on the understanding of accretion and accretion-related outflow in Cataclysmic Variables. Of particular interest is the emerging population of closely related non-accreting binaries including white dwarf pulsars and (white dwarf) long period transients.
Over nearly five years, Elimisha Msichana Elimisha Jamii (EMEJA) has delivered measurable gains in girls’ education across rural Kenya and Uganda. Our volunteer network(~200 volunteers, ~80% female) has reached nearly 40,000 schoolgirls, their parents and teachers across 40 schools. We have paired (with life-long mentors) and tracked ~5,000 mentees since 2020 with biannual check-ins and targeted home visits, enabling rapid interventions for at-risk girls—resulting in 196 confirmed school re-enrolments. We have fully equipped physics labs and donated 30 computers to 5 rural secondary schools; trained ~4,500 girls in annual our Astro-STEM workshops; trained ~4,500 girls in basic computer skills; trained 120 STEM teachers on gender-sensitive instruction and practical pedagogy (now benefiting thousands of students across the region); and, provided emergency scholarships for ~30 most vulnerable girls to continue/complete secondary education.
Our annual curriculum-aligned 2-day Astro-STEM workshops &Computer literacy training combine astronomy, physics, mathematics, computers and practical experiments with mentorship and community dialogues. These activities have raised STEM confidence and aspiration amongst these girls, improved lesson quality and—reinforcing sustained learning gains.
Key impacts of the STEM workshops include:improvements in STEM engagement and grades; dramatic increase in girls choosing Physics (e.g.,1600% in one school); a rise in interest in STEM careers from 38% pre-workshop to 78% post-workshop. Additionally, our computer donations have catalysed the establishment of computer labs in these schools, allowing accredited computer studies to be offered locally and thus improving tertiary/employability prospects—previously unavailable. Headteachers are reporting higher enrolment and reduced absenteeism;participant testimony+teacher feedback underscore gains in confidence, aspirations, and classroom participation.
I will show how EMEJA’s model: modular, low-cost and community-rooted approach can be replicable across other regions in Africa. Scalable components include: (1)curriculum-aligned Astro-STEM modules adaptable to local labs; (2)lifelong mentor pairing+biannual tracking systems; (3)school-specific lab kits and shared digital resources; and (4)teacher training focused on gender-responsive, low-resource pedagogy.
Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the Universe, sitting at the crossroads between galaxy evolution and cosmology, and providing fundamental information about the composition and evolution of the Universe. This plenary talk will summarise recent results from large multi-wavelength surveys and our current understanding of cluster abundances, galaxy properties and scaling relations in clusters, as well as cluster dynamics over cosmic time, using some of the best facilities such as eROSITA in X-rays, JWST in optical/NIR, or MeerKAT in radio, among others. The talk will conclude with a summary of the main open questions and the opportunities offered by next-generation telescopes to use galaxy clusters as both cosmic probes and astrophysical laboratories.
Africa holds some of humanity’s earliest astronomical knowledge systems - from Nabta Playa and ancient star calendars to the scientific manuscripts of Timbuktu. Today, the continent is once again central to global astronomy through facilities such as MeerKAT, SALT and the emerging SKA, producing high-value data and enabling world-leading theoretical and observational research. Yet a defining question persists: where does this knowledge ultimately reside, and who is empowered by it?
This presentation follows the arc from Africa’s historic sky sciences to its contemporary astrophysics output, interrogating publication patterns, authorship dynamics, and data-governance structures that determine how African-created knowledge is stored, validated and circulated. Using bibliometric evidence and governance analyses of large-scale projects, we examine how global indexing systems, impact metrics and funding architectures confer authority on external platforms while constraining the growth of African-led journals, repositories and curricula.
The aim is not to question Africa’s participation in global science, but to expose the asymmetries that shape epistemic power - why African research often migrates outward for validation and long-term benefit. This requires engaging with decolonial analysis in a practical, non-ideological sense: examining how authority is constructed through publishing systems, data governance, and funding architectures. We then outline pathways toward knowledge sovereignty: continental repositories, open-access strategies, curriculum reform, and policy alignment that strengthens Africa’s ownership of its astronomical output.
Decolonisation in this context is not a metaphor; it means rethinking where knowledge lives, who decides its legitimacy, and how Africa can consolidate intellectual authority within its own scientific ecosystem.
Astronomy has the unique ability to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and broaden young people’s understanding of the universe. However, in Ethiopia, access to structured astronomy education remains limited, particularly for girls in public schools and boarding and female-only schools, who often have fewer opportunities to engage with STEM fields. To address these gaps, the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), in collaboration with the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Education (IAU OAE), has engaged in a nationwide initiative focused on inclusive school outreach, teacher capacity building, and localized educational resources, with special attention to girls’ participation.
Through hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities, and portable telescopes, the project brings astronomy directly into classrooms, giving students their first opportunity to observe the Moon, planets, and other celestial objects. Many visits specifically target girls’ boarding schools and female-only schools, ensuring that young women in underserved regions gain exposure to STEM role models and scientific experiences. These efforts build confidence, spark curiosity, and inspire girls to consider future pathways in science and technology.
The program also integrates lessons from the SciGirls initiative, which emphasizes gender-inclusive STEM engagement, mentorship, and practical activities that empower girls to take ownership of their learning. Teachers are introduced to practical, low-cost strategies for integrating astronomy into existing curricula, ensuring a sustainable impact beyond individual visits. Educational materials, including posters, activity guides, and learning sheets, have been translated into three major Ethiopian languages, increasing accessibility and cultural relevance for both students and educators.
By centering inclusivity, gender equity, and local adaptation, this initiative helps narrow the educational gap between public and private schools and fosters young girls’ interest in STEM. It demonstrates that focused, well-designed school outreach can transform astronomy into an inspiring, empowering, and attainable learning experience for girls across Ethiopia.
This initiative, led by Mehbuba Ahmed from the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), highlights the Advanced Ethiopian Women in Physics and Astronomy Focus Group, which empowers female students in STEM, particularly physics and astronomy in Ethiopia. SSGI focuses on space science, remote sensing, and geospatial technologies, achieving accolades and collaborations with global institutions.
The project, funded by a $1,000 grant from the American Physical Society Women in Physics Group Grant (WiP Group Grant), addresses challenges faced by female physics students in Ethiopia, such as gender biases, lack of mentors, and limited access to quality education. Proposed solutions include outreach initiatives to secure funding, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local universities to inspire young women and enhance access to educational resources.
The outreach activities included seminars on physics and astronomy at major universities, featuring presentations on computational astrophysics and stargazing sessions. Key achievements include establishing the group as a recognized student club, increasing participation from diverse backgrounds, and raising awareness about career opportunities in physics and astronomy.
To ensure sustainability and growth, the group plans strategic initiatives such as digitizing outreach programs to create an interactive platform with resources for female students, developing astronomical applications in collaboration with local STEM institutions, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations. We will seek funding from government bodies, NGOs, and private organizations that support women in STEM.
Community engagement will be fostered through public lectures, workshops, and stargazing events to garner support. A framework for monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness will be established to adapt based on feedback. These initiatives aim to create a robust support system for female students in physics and astronomy, contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.
Astronomy is the oldest science, and its influence is deeply embedded in cultural practices across Africa. In Zambia, traditional ceremonies offer a unique lens through which communities interpret the sky and integrate celestial knowledge into daily life. This study investigates Zambian cultural astronomy by engaging directly with the tribes of Zambia. By attending these events and interacting with custodians of Indigenous knowledge, we document how celestial events shape seasonal calendars, agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs, etc. The project highlights the importance of language, symbolism, and oral tradition in transmitting sky knowledge, and examines how these cultural interpretations can inform more inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to science communication and astronomy education in Zambia.
Egyptian archaeoastronomy explores the deep connection between ancient Egyptian civilization and the cosmos, revealing how celestial phenomena shaped their architectural, religious, and scientific achievements. From the earliest periods, the Egyptians observed the sky with remarkable precision, incorporating astronomical knowledge into the construction and alignment of monuments such as pyramids, temples, and ceremonial sites. Locations like Nabta Playa—often considered one of the world’s earliest astronomical observatories—demonstrate how stone arrangements were used to track the rising Sun and mark seasonal cycles essential for agriculture and ritual life.
Across Egypt, solar events governed sacred architecture: the Sun’s perpendicular illumination of temple axes, the biannual solar alignment at Abu Simbel, and the celestial symbolism embedded in the Dendera Zodiac all reflect a sophisticated understanding of the heavens. Obelisks, used as monumental shadow clocks as early as 3500 BCE, served both practical and ceremonial functions, marking hours and signaling the Sun’s daily motion.
These traditions were part of a wider ancient practice of solar measurement. Babylonian astronomers developed gnomons to track solstices and equinoxes. In 240 BCE, Eratosthenes famously calculated Earth’s circumference by comparing shadow angles in Syene and Alexandria—an experiment later repeated with high precision by Arab scholars under Caliph al-Maʾmun. By the 11th century, Al-Biruni introduced an innovative method relying on mountain height and horizon geometry to determine Earth’s radius. The use of sundials continued into Islamic architectural heritage, including examples at Al-Azhar Mosque.
Together, these lines of evidence illustrate how ancient Egyptians integrated astronomy into their worldview, engineering, and ritual practices, contributing foundational knowledge to the global history of astronomy.
Astronomy has long connected societies across East and North Africa through shared skies, cultural memory, and scientific curiosity. The historical relationship between Ethiopian and Arabian astronomy is a powerful example of this exchange, shaped by centuries of interaction along the Red Sea corridor. These connections remain visible today in the linguistic continuity of planetary nomenclature. In Amharic, the five visible planets retain names closely related to their North African and Arabic counterparts: አጣርድ (At’ard, Mercury), ዝሁራ (Zihura, Venus), መሪህ (Merih, Mars), መሽተሪ (Meshtiri, Jupiter), and ዙሐል (Zuhal, Saturn). These names demonstrate how astronomical knowledge moved across regions and how language continues to preserve scientific heritage.
Reviving and promoting this shared heritage has become an important part of science communication in Ethiopia. As public interest in astronomy grows across East Africa, culturally grounded terminology helps make the subject more relatable and accessible. The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) is actively engaging in this work, recognizing cultural astronomy as an effective bridge between communities and scientific learning.
I am leading a digital media and visual outreach project within ESSS that uses design, art, and online platforms to promote traditional planetary names. Through posters, illustrations, and creative storytelling, the initiative presents astronomy not only as a scientific discipline but as a cultural experience. This approach has proven especially effective for young audiences, who connect quickly with visually engaging and culturally familiar content.
For the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), this work highlights the importance of cultural astronomy in strengthening collaboration between East and North Africa. The shared linguistic and historical ties between these regions present opportunities for joint outreach programs, educational materials, and continent-wide engagement strategies. Ethiopia’s experience shows that even with limited resources, culturally rooted and visually creative communication can significantly expand public participation in astronomy across Africa.
The second data release (DR2) of the Indian Pulsar Timing Array (InPTA) represents a major milestone in precision pulsar timing using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). Combining seven years of simultaneous dual-band observations (300–500 MHz and 1260–1460 MHz) of 27 millisecond pulsars (MSPs), InPTA DR2 provides one of the most sensitive low-frequency datasets currently available within the International Pulsar Timing Array. The release includes sub-banded times of arrival (ToAs), high-precision dispersion measure (DM) estimates, and updated timing ephemerides. Reprocessing of the entire dataset has significantly improved the characterisation of frequency-dependent delays and DM variations, which is essential for mitigating interstellar and solar-wind-induced noise in pulsar timing. Beyond timing refinements, InPTA DR2 has enabled the identification of astrophysical “outliers” in the low-frequency DM time series. Two particularly striking cases are presented: (1) evidence of a coronal mass ejection (CME) signature detected through DM excursions in PSR J1022+1001, a pulsar lying very close to the ecliptic plane; and (2) a possible mode-changing event in PSR J2145−0750, inferred from its multi-component pulse morphology and anomalous DM behaviour. These findings illustrate the unique strength of uGMRT’s low-frequency capability in probing solar and pulsar-magnetospheric plasma processes.
This presentation will summarise the DR2 dataset, highlight improvements in timing precision and DM modelling, and discuss the astrophysical insights unlocked through InPTA’s dual-band strategy.
Stellar occultations, in which an asteroid transits across the line of sight to a background star, provide one of the most accurate ground-based methods for determining asteroid diameters, shapes, and possible companions. This study reports on a series of predicted asteroid occultation events monitored using the 1.88-m Kottamia Telescope in Egypt. High-cadence CCD imaging and photometric time-series acquisition were employed to capture the flux drop associated with each transit event. Standard calibration and differential photometry techniques were applied to extract precise light curves. The disappearance and reappearance times of the occulted star were measured with sub-second timing accuracy using GPS-synchronized recording. These chord measurements were compared with occultation prediction models and existing shape profiles from Gaia DR3 and previous occultation campaigns. The results yielded updated estimates of asteroid effective diameters, limb profiles, and, in one case, evidence of a possible non-spherical (elongated) body shape. The study demonstrates the capability of the 1.88-m Kottamia Telescope to contribute high-quality transit-based asteroid characterization and supports coordinated planetary defense and Solar System small-body research efforts.
Massive X-ray binaries are intriguing astrophysical systems that provide valuable insights into some of the most extreme physical processes in the universe. These binary systems offer a unique opportunity to study the end products of stellar evolution, specifically neutron stars and black holes. As precursors to gravitational waves and short gamma-ray bursts, massive X-ray binaries are essential for understanding a crucial stage of binary stellar evolution, helping us grasp the pathways leading to some of the most exotic and extreme astrophysical objects.
In this overview, I will discuss multiwavelength studies of massive X-ray binaries, highlighting some significant recent findings. The primary focus will be on the largest subclass of these systems, known as Be X-ray binaries. The complex interactions between the Be star’s disc and the neutron star in these systems pose intriguing research challenges. Additionally, I will provide an overview of a related class of binary systems called gamma-ray binaries, where many mysteries revolve around the unknown nature of the compact objects involved.
We present a detailed single-pulse study of the long-period pulsar PSR J2129+4119 using high-sensitivity FAST observations. Despite locating well below the traditional death line, the pulsar exhibits sustained and multi-modal emission behavior, including nulls, weak pulses, regular emission, and occasional bright pulses. The nulling fraction is measured to be $8.13\% \pm 0.51\%$, with null durations typically under four pulse periods. Fluctuation spectral analysis reveals both phase-modulated subpulse drifting and intermittent beat-like modulation. At the same time, polarization profiles show high linear polarization and stable polarization position angle (PPA) swings consistent with a near-tangential sightline geometry. Quasi-periodic microstructures are detected in 11.54% of regular pulses, with a mean periodicity and width of 4.57 ms and 4.30 ms, respectively. A well-defined scintillation arc in the secondary spectrum confirms the presence of a localized scattering screen. These results indicate that PSR J2129+4119 remains magnetospherically active and coherently emitting despite its low energy loss rate, offering key insights into pulsar emission physics near the death line.
Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are bright, millisecond radio pulses occurring at cosmological distances. The nature of these sources is still unknown. Upon localisation of the repeating FRBs, luminous compact persistent radio sources (PRSs) can be detected in some cases. Studying the PRSs may give us clues about the immediate environments of the FRBs, which in turn provides insights into the nature of the FRB sources. However, the origin of the PRSs is also unknown. This work uses the MeerKAT telescope to search for PRS candidates towards selected FRB positions localised by ASKAP and MeerTRAP. We are also working towards constructing a theoretical model of a magnetar wind nebula (MWN) to model the spectrum and frequency-dependent surface brightness profile of the PRS and the evolution of the dispersion measure and rotation measure. The proposed model is an attempt to explain the origin of faint PRSs and how they are associated with FRBs. This presentation summarises our recent progress and highlights ongoing and planned research directions.
As part of the TRAnsients And PUlsars with MeerKAT (TRAPUM) Large Survey Project, we have been using the sensitive MeerKAT telescope to search for extragalactic radio pulsars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The LMC, located about 50 kpc from Earth, is our closest galactic neighbour and an excellent environment for pulsar population studies. It has lower metallicity, enhanced star formation, and a higher density of supernova remnants and high-mass X-ray binaries per unit mass than the Milky Way, which makes it an ideal place to study neutron star formation and evolution.
With more than three times the sensitivity of the previous Murriyang 64-m LMC surveys, MeerKAT allows us to carry out much deeper searches. Before this work, only 25 radio pulsars were known in the LMC. Our survey covers 26 two-hour pointings, and each observation required handling large numbers of coherent beams and processing substantial data volumes. For every pointing we sifted through and classified millions of pulsar candidates, and using only the inner core antennas we reached a minimum flux density of 6.3 microjansky.
In my presentation, I will discuss our ongoing discoveries with MeerKAT, the challenges we faced during the search, and how continued observations of the LMC will improve our understanding of the extragalactic neutron star population and allow meaningful comparisons with the Milky Way.
Africa–Europe collaborations in astronomy have expanded significantly over the past two decades. Partnerships on large ground-based telescope infrastructure, such as SKAO, have laid the ground
for increasing collaborations targeting optical observatories, space-based projects and activities, participation in large space-science consortia, capacity-building and training programmes. The session will allow us to map the current landscape of collaborations, identify strategic opportunities and sustainable partnerships, and strengthen the mutual collaborations. The session will also facilitate to enhance the strategic partnership between EAS and AfAS.
The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach has a mission to make astronomy accessible to everyone and it does this through coordinating public engagement and astronomy science communication worldwide. The office works by connecting people globally with the Universe through inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant astronomy outreach and public engagement. Through its global network of National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs), institutional partnerships, and international programmes, the IAU OAO advances the IAU’s mission to use astronomy as a tool for education, inspiration, and societal development. Its activities span multilingual educational resources, global campaigns, training initiatives,professionalization of astronomy communication and international observances that reach diverse audiences across continents.
A prominent example of this global mission in action is the 100 Hours of Astronomy campaign, led by the IAU OAO. The 100 hours of astronomy 2025 was in partnership with the International Planetarium Society to commemorate the centenary of the modern planetarium. This worldwide coordinated initiative combined local community activation with a continuous 24-hour multilingual livestream, 24 Hours of Planetariums, designed to expand participation beyond traditional institutional networks and empower grassroots engagement. The campaign mobilised 136 community Nodes across 51 countries, resulting in 309 registered events that reached thousands of learners, educators, and first-time participants worldwide. In many cases, the campaign enabled first-time astronomy experiences in communities with limited access to scientific infrastructure.
This plenary presentation will highlight the IAU OAO’s global mission, strategic framework, and measurable impact, using the 100 Hours of Astronomy 2025 campaign as a case study in scalable, inclusive science communication. It will explore how coordinated storytelling, community-driven participation, and hybrid digital–local engagement models can democratise access to astronomy and strengthen global scientific culture. The lessons learned provide a roadmap for future large-scale outreach initiatives that connect diverse publics under one shared sky and reinforce astronomy’s role as a universal human endeavour.
Star formation is a multiscale process that links the physics of interstellar turbulence, gravity, magnetic fields, and feedback across an enormous range of spatial and temporal scales. From the fragmentation of giant molecular clouds into dense cores, to the assembly of stellar clusters and the regulation of star formation across entire galaxies, understanding how these scales connect remains a central challenge in astrophysics. In this talk, I will review recent observational and theoretical advances that illuminate how star formation efficiency, timescales, and modes vary with environment and scale. I will discuss how high-resolution observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, combined with numerical simulations, are reshaping our view of cloud structure, core collapse, and feedback-driven regulation. Finally, I will explore how local star-forming processes scale up to global star formation relations in galaxies, and highlight open questions that will be addressed by upcoming facilities and surveys.
Astronomy Outreach is one of the most effective tools at raising science and technology awareness in the general public and can be one of the important catalyst towards national change. However, the challenges in establishing new outreach efforts in an emerging country with little infrastructure in outreach is daunting. This was the case for Thailand 17 years ago before the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) was established. Recognizing this gap, NARIT went on an ambitious mission in singlehandedly investing in what eventually become one of the world's largest public engagement team in any astronomical research institution in the world. Today it has over 60 public outreach personnels on its roster, operating over 5 regional observatories for the public with extensive teacher, student and public engagement program that has serviced well over a million public annually. NARIT presents a unique case in which a top-down investment in science communication from the public sector could create a tangible improvement in public perception towards science and astronomy. Many of these challenges are those that are quite common to many emerging countries in astronomy and hopefully many of the success and shortcomings could be shared as NARIT aims to assist other emerging nation with similar goals.
The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) Flagships Ecosystem is a global framework designed to leverage astronomy’s scientific, cultural, and inspirational value to address societal challenges and promote sustainable development. Built on four interconnected pillars: Resources, Training, Implementation, and Community, the Ecosystem provides accessible materials, capacity-building opportunities, funding support, and collaborative networks that enable the scaling of effective astronomy-based interventions across diverse contexts.
Within this framework, two Flagship projects demonstrate strong relevance to African development priorities. The “Astrotourism for Development Flagship” project promotes the use of dark-sky environments, cultural heritage, and astronomy experiences to stimulate local livelihoods and sustainable tourism. The “Astronomy for Mental Health Flagship” project uses stargazing, science engagement, and community-based astronomy activities as low-cost, high-impact tools to foster mental wellbeing and social connection. Both areas align with the objectives of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) which include public engagement, skills development, and using astronomy as a driver of inclusive growth.
This contribution provides an overview of how the Flagships Ecosystem can support African institutions, practitioners, and communities. Case studies from across the Global South illustrate the social, economic, and cultural benefits of astronomy when applied beyond research, including job creation, community empowerment, wellbeing support, and the preservation of cultural knowledge. Key enablers such as partnerships, local ownership, and integration with existing development priorities are also examined, alongside challenges such as resource constraints and the need for sustained capacity building.
The contribution concludes by outlining opportunities for deeper African engagement with the Flagships Ecosystem. By integrating astrotourism, mental-health initiatives, scientific capacity building, and community engagement, astronomy can serve as a practical and transformative tool that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens Africa’s broader development landscape.
BRICS Astronomy’s flagship program, the BITDN, aims not only to advance the frontiers of science but also to develop the skills of learners, researchers, and communicators across the BRICS countries and the Global South. This talk will showcase how BRICS Astronomy leverages expertise in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Big Data to contribute to the development of societies hosting astronomical facilities. It will highlight lessons learned from BRICS-wide initiatives, including data analysis projects, hackathons, science communication efforts, and Virtual Observatory training programs, as well as opportunities for the broader African community to engage and participate.
Building on our proven success of a program to prevent brain drain from Africa and create the next generation of science and engineering leaders across te continent, we now are expanding our program to multiple countries and invite people at this meeting to participate. I will describe the unique model for the partnerships in the collective and discuss how we can build these into long term sustainable R&D partnerships.
Africa’s rapidly expanding astronomy ecosystem has become a key driver of scientific excellence, technological innovation, and high-impact global partnerships. Yet to fully realise the continent’s potential—and to ensure African institutions play an influential role in shaping the future of global astronomy—there is an urgent need for coherent, forward-looking policy frameworks that empower research communities, strengthen infrastructure, and unlock long-term investment. This session will explore how national, regional, and continental policy environments can be strategically aligned to accelerate Africa’s participation in global astronomy and space science while advancing broader development objectives.
The discussion will examine the essential elements of an enabling policy environment, including: the integration of astronomy into national science, technology, and innovation strategies; sustainable funding mechanisms and capital-market instruments; regulatory frameworks to support radio-quiet zones and protect dark skies; open-data and digital-infrastructure policies; and models for strengthening African participation in international research infrastructures such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), e-VLBI networks, and global sky survey collaborations.
A special focus will be placed on the role of continental policy coordination through AfAS, the African Union, and regional economic communities, including how Africa’s science diplomacy can leverage multilateral processes such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Pact for the Future, and the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to secure long-term investment and deepen scientific cooperation. The session will also highlight the importance of community engagement, astro-tourism, and capacity development as complementary policy priorities that root astronomy in Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
By bringing together policymakers, astronomers, infrastructure leaders, and international partners, this session aims to identify actionable pathways to strengthen Africa’s scientific leadership and ensure that African astronomy contributes fully—and visibly—to global discovery, innovation, and shared human knowledge.
On the Moon Again is an international outreach initiative dedicated to bringing the wonder of the Moon to people around the world through shared, open-air observations. Launched in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing, the event has grown into a global celebration of astronomy, curiosity, and collective exploration. Each year, on a selected weekend in June or July, professional astronomers, amateur observers, educators, and volunteers set up telescopes in streets, squares, parks, schools, and villages to invite the public to look at the Moon, often for the very first time.
The initiative is built on a simple and powerful idea: making astronomy accessible to everyone. Participation is entirely free, and any group or individual can join by setting up a telescope and sharing the experience with passers-by. No prior expertise is required; the emphasis is on human connection, conversation, and the universal emotion sparked by seeing the lunar surface in detail.
Over the years, On the Moon Again has expanded. Today, hundreds of observation points are registered across more than a 60 countries, creating a unique synchronised global event bringing together more than 100,000 people every year. The initiative fosters collaboration between astronomy clubs, science centres, universities, space agencies, and local communities. It also plays an important role in science communication by encouraging discussions about the history of lunar exploration, ongoing missions, and the future of human presence on the Moon.
Beyond science, the event highlights the cultural and inspirational dimensions of the Moon. It unites diverse communities across continents through a shared sky and a shared sense of wonder. In a world often divided, On the Moon Again offers a moment of collective awe, reminding us that the Moon belongs to everyone, and that curiosity is a universal language.
We present MeerKAT HI observations of galaxies in the core of the Shapley Supercluster, one of the most massive structures in the local Universe. Our sample of HI-detected galaxies in A3558 and SC1329 allows us to examine how cold-gas content and star formation evolve in an extreme, high-density environment. Galaxies in the SSC-core lie systematically below field HI scaling relations, showing depleted gas fractions and extended depletion timescales. Despite retaining substantial HI reservoirs, many systems exhibit inefficient or suppressed star formation, indicating slow quenching driven by reduced gas accretion, tidal interactions, and weak or partial ram-pressure stripping. Disturbed HI morphologies support ongoing environmental processes. These results point to a gradual, multi-stage transformation of galaxies as they move through the densest nodes of the supercluster, extending environmental quenching studies into the supercluster regime.
Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally bound structures in the universe, hosting megaparsec-scale diffuse radio emission in the form of halos and relics. These non-thermal synchrotron sources trace shocks, turbulence, and magnetic fields in the intracluster medium, providing a unique window into particle acceleration processes and cosmic magnetism. The upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will revolutionise our ability to study these faint, extended sources, but it will also require advanced automation in data analysis. To prepare for the SKA era, statistically robust mock datasets and automated tools are essential for overcoming observational biases and enabling effective machine learning (ML) applications. As a key component of this effort, we are developing observation-based framework to generate realistic mock catalogues of cluster-scale radio emission. These catalogues will play a critical role in training automated detection algorithms and assessing biases in observational samples. This talk will present an overview of the framework and the initial results from our study.
Galaxy groups and clusters retain a fossil record of their formation history in the chemical composition of their hot intragroup and intracluster gas. Upcoming high-resolution X-ray missions, such as Athena’s X-IFU, will provide spatially resolved abundance measurements for multiple elements. In this work, I combine the cosmological hydrodynamical simulation Simba-C, which incorporates the Chem5 chemical-enrichment model, with an updated mock X-ray pipeline to predict Athena-like elemental abundances for galaxy groups and clusters.
Using the MOXHA framework, I generate synthetic Athena X-IFU observations for 150 Simba-C haloes spanning the entire group–cluster mass range. We analyse the resulting spectra with Bayesian spectral fitting using BXA+XSPEC, modelling the hot gas as an optically thin thermal plasma. This yields “observed” X-ray temperatures and elemental abundances (O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, Ar, Fe, Ni) with full posterior uncertainties, directly comparable to present and future X-ray surveys. I will present the methodology and first results on global abundance ratios and their trends with halo mass and redshift in Simba-C.
The formation and evolution of the Milky Way has been a long-standing subject of interest. Stars in the thick and thin disc components overlap in the intermediate-age regime, unlike at the extreme ends of the metallicity versus alpha-abundance spectrum, where both populations are well separated. In this study, we introduce a new technique that utilises the [Na/Fe] versus stellar age relation to separate thick and thin disc stars more effectively than current methods, thereby enabling cleaner sample selection for Galactic studies. We investigate the super-solar increase in [Na/Fe] abundances observed in Galactic Archaeology with HERMES (GALAH) data and other datasets by examining the impact of different nucleosynthetic yields. Using the OMEGA+ galactic chemical evolution code, we model sodium enrichment in the super-Solar metallicity regime with a single set of star-formation parameters, exploring how abundance trends vary with different combinations of core-collapse supernovae (CC SNe), Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) metallicity-dependent yields. Our results demonstrate that none of the tested yield tables reproduces the observed metallicity-dependent behaviour of [Na/Fe]. This finding has significant implications for Galactic studies and highlights the need for improved stellar yield prescriptions in nucleosynthesis models.
We present preliminary results from a study of 13 mini-halos (MHs), including candidate sources from the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey (MGCLS). Mini-halos are diffuse, faint radio sources typically found in relaxed galaxy clusters, with their origins attributed to either hadronic interactions or turbulent re-acceleration processes. Using \texttt{oxkat}, we reduced archival L-band MGCLS data for the sample, including J1539.5--8335, for which additional S-band and UHF-band observations. Approximately 80\% of the MHs are found in the most massive systems ($\sim6 \times 10^{14}\,M_{\odot}$). The MGCLS mini-halos occupy the previously unexplored MH regime, where the majority of clusters have mass below $5 \times 10^{14}\,M_{\odot}$, revealing a strong correlation between the 1.4\,GHz radio power of the MH and the host cluster mass that were not observed before.
This project conducts a comparative analysis of galaxies in the Fornax
main cluster and its Fornax A subcluster. Dominated by NGC 1399,
Fornax is the most massive southern hemisphere cluster within 20Mpc.
The NGC 1316 subcluster, gravitationally bound and potentially on its
first infall, exhibits intense star formation, providing a unique laboratory
to study how cluster assembly affects galaxy evolution.
The research will leverage data from the MeerKAT Fornax Survey to
analyze differences in structure and composition between dwarfs and
giants, revealing processes driven by gravitational interactions and the
intergalactic medium. Evidence of an intergalactic “wind” from
asymmetric X-ray morphology suggests a gentler environmental
mechanism influencing galaxy evolution compared to denser clusters. For
further context, galaxies from the MHONGHOOSE and PHANGSMeerKAT
surveys will be used to contrast evolutionary paths in active
versus quiescent environments.
The Turkana Basin Institute facilitated an astronomy workshop for teachers in Ileret, Northern Kenya, aided by the IAU's teacher training grant. Ileret is an isolated village in northern Kenya, with a single high school, low graduation rates, low participation of women in education, and several economic and social challenges. The training was the first of its kind in the region and systematic analysis of its effects show clear concept retention, increased knowledge, and an overall interest in the subject. Specific points in the national curriculum were identified for integration of astronomy concepts and examples, and low-cost tools were shared for use in the classroom. Analysis shows ~80% incorrect perceptions were corrected within teachers, mainly on concepts of diurnal motion, Earth-Moon system, and the Earth-Sun system. The workshop integrated cultural astronomy elements to engage teachers, many of whom had strong ties to cultural astronomy practices. We present the main learnings from this workshop, results from analysis of concept inventories administered, and the challenges of single point intervention in systems with few other opportunities in the science. We also present a thorough catalogue of points within the Kenyan National curriculum which can incorporate astronomy examples and concepts. This can be applied to most curricula in the region.
The South African national school curriculum requires teachers to teach astronomy based content( concepts and phenomenon). Many teachers enter the classroom with the same astronomy misconceptions commonly held by students, such as confusing the causes of seasons, interpreting Moon phases as Earth’s shadow, sun as the biggest star and centre of the universe, misunderstanding astronomical distances, confusing or misunderstanding sizes of planets and stars, or assuming all stars are equally distant. These misunderstandings can unintentionally be reinforced during instruction, limiting students’ ability to build accurate scientific models. This project reports on a series of professional development workshops designed to strengthen teachers’ conceptual understanding of astronomy while equipping them with strategies to identify and address misconceptions. The workshops emphasized inquiry-based learning through hands-on investigations, including physical models of Earth–Sun–Moon geometry, guided sky observation, using digital planetarium software such as Stellarium and simulation-based explorations of light, distance, and scale. Pre- and post-assessment data revealed notable improvements in teachers’ ability to recognize and correct misconceptions, as well as increased confidence in facilitating conceptual change in their classrooms. Findings suggest that professional development grounded in misconception research can significantly enhance the quality of astronomy instruction and promote deeper student understanding. The presentation will outline the workshop structure, highlight effective activities, and provide recommendations for integrating misconception-focused teaching into science curricula.
In the vision to increase the number of African astronomers and related STEM professionals, strengthening undergraduate astronomy education is a crucial (and often overlooked) piece. BLUEshift Africa is a project designed to address this need. BLUEshift’s cornerstone is two-day workshops on undergraduate astronomy teaching for early-career scientists, held at AfAS 2025 and 2026. The main workshop goals are to help participants learn to teach astronomy in more interactive and inclusive ways and to build community around university-level astronomy teaching in Africa. Workshop topics include research-based principles of teaching and learning, teaching to promote equity and inclusion, and active learning techniques such as Think-Pair-Share. We are delighted to share the results from our two years of workshops, the second of which just concluded. We will also share results from our online “Communities of Teaching” sessions with workshop alumni, and from our pilot study of undergraduate astronomy teaching around the continent.
As a geography teacher and the Chairperson for Ambassadors at the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory, and the guardian of all school astronomy clubs in Arusha region, I have witnessed how astronomy can spark curiosity, inspire learning, and foster a sense of wonder across Tanzania. This presentation highlights our national effort to promote astronomy education through the establishment and mentorship of school astronomy clubs in both primary and secondary schools, particularly in underprivileged communities.
Through these clubs, students are introduced to the wonders of the universe—observing the Moon, planets, and stars—while developing critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and scientific curiosity. Guided by trained teachers and supported by the observatory, the program integrates astronomy with geography and environmental science, helping learners connect classroom knowledge with real-world observations of the night sky, their environment, and societal challenges.
The initiative has expanded to include teacher capacity-building workshops, outreach visits, and collaborations with local and international partners, creating sustainable and inspiring opportunities for continued learning. These activities have strengthened the culture of science learning and opened new pathways for students to see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and explorers.
By sharing our experiences, achievements, and challenges, this presentation demonstrates how astronomy education can empower young minds, foster innovation, and contribute to Africa’s vision of expanding equitable access to space science for all communities and schools.
Full Stokes polarisation measurements of a sample of star-forming regions have been observed in the C-band with the Green Bank 100m telescope. Results of the polarisation properties of the detected 4.7 and 6.0 GHz excited OH masers will be reported, and what can be inferred about the magnetic fields in these regions. Besides the masers, there is also some thermal emission from some of these regions which has not been reported before.
New CCD light curves in the V, Rc, and Ic bands of the W UMa-type eclipsing binary system KAO-EGYPT J214258.21+440520.2 were obtained using the 1.88 m reflector telescope at Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO), Egypt, on September 27 and 28, 2016. Based on these observations, new times of minima and a revised ephemeris have been determined. The geometric and photometric parameters of the system were derived using Binary Maker 3.0 (BM3) and the PHOEBE program. Light curve analysis indicates that KAO-EGYPT J214258.21+440520.2 is a semi-detached binary system with an orbital period of P = 0.617898 days and a mass ratio of q = 0.5491. Based on the estimated effective temperatures of the primary (T₁ = 5830 K) and secondary (T₂ = 4820 K) components, the spectral types are classified as G2 and K3, respectively.
Keywords:
Eclipsing binary stars; W UMa-type systems; Light curve analysis; KAO-EGYPT J214258.21+440520.2; CCD photometry; Semi-detached binary.
In this presentation we are going to develops mathematical equations which explain how stellar oscillations interact with convection. The research defines essential mathematical components needed to model stellar oscillation responses to convective effects through the integration of linearized pulsation equations (momentum, continuity, and energy) with Mixing-Length Theory equations for convective energy transport and Time-Dependent Convection expressions that describe convective flux delays and turbulent pressure and kinetic energy variations. This presentation shows how to develop a single non-adiabatic framework which unites all necessary equations to study how convective processes affect stellar pulsation patterns in stars with outer convective zones. The research develops essential theoretical concepts which will help future asteroseismology studies to study convection-pulsation interactions.
Keywords: Stellar pulsation; Convection; Time-Dependent Convection; Mixing-Length Theory; Non-adiabatic modelling; Asteroseismology.
Large magnetic reconnection–driven flares are ubiquitous in young, pre-main-sequence stars, yet their impact on the chemistry of protoplanetary discs remains almost entirely unconstrained observationally. Chemical evolution at disc scales, where grains form, migrate, and assemble into future planets, is expected to respond rapidly to flare-driven X-ray, UV, and suprathermal particle irradiation. However, the stochastic nature of flares and the difficulty of coordinating simultaneous X-ray and infrared observations have so far prevented direct empirical tests.
I will show how thermo-chemical modelling with ProDiMo predicts that these flares can boost key molecular tracers (e.g. OH, CO, and CO₂) by tens to hundreds of percent on sub-day timescales, a regime uniquely accessible to JWST.
I will then present a joint Chandra+JWST program, scheduled for February 2026, designed to test these predictions by capturing, for the first time, the time-dependent chemical response of dozens of protoplanetary discs to large X-ray flares in the Orion Nebula Cluster.
By combining X-ray flare diagnostics, high-resolution infrared line variability, and forward modeling, I will present how this study will provide the first empirical constraints on flare-driven disc chemistry and ionization, with implications for disc evolution, accretion physics, and the initial chemical inventory of forming planets.
We present a multi-wavelength analysis of the massive star-forming region G345.50+0.35 using MeerKAT observations and high-resolution ALMA archival data to investigate the morphology, kinematics, and dynamical ages of gas and dust in this region. Ionized gas traced by free–free emission reveals three sources labelled A, B, and C with source C exhibiting a morphology indicative of triggered star formation. Dynamical age estimates for sources A, B, and C, 3.55 ± 0.17 × 10³ yr, 1.49 ± 0.075 × 10⁴ yr, and 2.80 ± 0.14 × 10⁴ yr, respectively, suggest that source C may have triggered the formation of the other two. The ALMA 1.3 mm dust continuum map identifies eleven dense cores (MM1–MM11), with MM1 being the dominant core and coincident with 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission. Molecular line observations reveal varying excitation conditions across the cores, with a bulk excitation temperature of 148.96 K and core masses ranging from 0.16 to 10 M⊙. H₂CO emission traces velocity gradients consistent with a rotating envelope around MM1 (1045 au) and a possible disk around MM4 (397 au). Bipolar outflows traced by ¹³CO emission are detected toward the MM1 core. The derived outflow properties, such as the outflow mass, momentum, energy, mass-loss rate, momentum flux and energy ejection rate of ¹³CO emission clearly indicate the presence of a massive protostar that is still undergoing accretion and driving outflows in its early evolutionary stage.
Interacting galaxies provide the critical mechanism for linking young massive star clusters (YMCs) and neutral hydrogen (HI): the intense starbursts they trigger form YMCs, and the subsequent stellar feedback from these clusters (e.g., stellar winds, supernovae) dramatically sculpts the surrounding HI gas. This impact of stellar feedback on the HI distribution and kinematics is a critical, yet unquantified, aspect of galaxy evolution, as current studies lack the necessary combined angular and spectral resolution. We address this gap with an unprecedented high-resolution study of nearby interacting galaxies using HST photometry and MeerKAT HI observations. Our goal is to quantify the spatial and kinematic influence of YMC stellar feedback on the HI gas in order to define any correlation between YMC formation and subsequent gas dynamics. We first use HST multiband photometry of the interacting galaxies NGC 7552 and NGC 5427 to derive the YMC ages, masses, and extinction via SED fitting. We then map HI distribution and kinematics using MeerKAT/MeerChoirs HI data to identify gas structures (e.g., shells and inflows). We cross-correlate YMC populations with these HI features, quantifying kinematic associations (e.g., searching for HI cavities and broadened velocity dispersion) to assess feedback. Initial photometric analysis confirms several thousand star cluster candidates across both galaxies, concentrated within vigorous star-forming regions. This concentrated distribution is crucial, enabling a statistical assessment of how cluster properties drive the characteristics of HI kinematic disturbances. Furthermore, preliminary analysis of the HI moment maps suggests complex gas kinematics, revealing large-scale features and regions of disturbed gas motion consistent with massive stellar energy injection. These combined HST and MeerKAT results establish the foundation for a direct kinematic-photometric comparison, promising crucial new constraints on the HI gas consumption timescale and cluster formation efficiency in dynamic environments.
This study examines astro-tourism as a strategic pathway for sustainable development among Botswana’s San communities. Building on prior work that underscores the importance of the indigenous astronomy of the San in Central Botswana—with emphasis on conservation, preservation, and documentation—this follow-up investigates how astro-tourism can be facilitated and used to benefit the San. By leveraging Botswana’s clear night skies, San Indigenous astronomy knowledge, and cultural practices such as storytelling, star-lore, rock paintings, arts and crafts, and community-led conservation, astro-tourism has the potential to diversify income streams, bolster human capital, and reinforce heritage preservation. The proposed model emphasises low environmental impact, San ownership, governance, and the integration of traditional knowledge. This research study synthesises cultural, ecological, and economic dimensions to outline a framework for a community-centred, sustainable approach to astro-tourism in the San communities of Botswana. The methodology of the study includes interviews, participatory workshops, surveys and program co-design with San communities sample in Central Botswana.
Urban light pollution is a growing concern for astronomers worldwide, and Africa is no exception. Rapid urbanization in East Africa, especially around major cities such as Nairobi, has led to increased artificial sky-glow, which hampers ground-based astronomical observations and threatens future efforts in astronomy education, outreach, and research. In this study, wewill assess the extent of light pollution in and around Nairobi using satellite-derived night-time light data, ground-based sky brightness measurements, and citizen-science observations from local amateur astronomers. We will combine these datasets to map spatial gradients of sky brightness and identify “dark-sky corridors” where conditions remain suitable for stargazing
and astronomical imaging.
The study is expected to reveal increasing light-pollution trends across all cities studied. Brightness hotspots near industrial centres, highways, and commercial zones will be identified. Dark-sky corridors suitable for astronomical observatories are anticipated within 60–150 km of major cities. The project will produce the first detailed light-pollution maps for East Africa and provide a foundation for lighting policy guidelines.
Within 50 km of central Nairobi, sky brightness has increased by over 30% in the last decade, significantly reducing the number of observable stars compared to rural locations. However, we find that certain peri-urban and rural zones — especially within 80–120 km from the city — maintain acceptable sky darkness levels. We will discuss implications for the placement of small to medium observatories, outreach activities (for example, public stargazing events), and future astronomy-education initiatives in East Africa. Finally, we propose recommendations for local policymakers, urban planners, and astronomy stakeholders on mitigating light pollution (for example, smart lighting policies, “dark-sky reserve” designation, community awareness).
By quantifying light pollution trends and identifying viable observation zones, this work aims to support the growth of astronomy in the African continent.
Keywords: Light pollution, night-sky brightness, East Africa, urbanization, astronomy outreach, dark-sky zones.
Over the last decade, significant attention has been given to air, water, and land pollution, while light pollution has often been overlooked. Light pollution is defined as the excessive, misdirected, or unnecessary use of artificial lighting at night-lighting that goes beyond basic functional needs and becomes intrusive or harmful to the natural environment. This neglect stems partly from a lack of awareness regarding the adverse effects of artificial light on ecosystems and human health, but also from limited recognition of the night sky’s potential as a valuable and unique tourism resource. Hence, due to the negative effects associated with the tourist expansion, many destinations are increasingly exploring new frontiers to increase tourism demand while safeguarding its long-term sustainability. Dark Skies has emerged as a valuable natural resource that offers unique experiences, fostering the development of Astro Tourism. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Astro Tourism concept, as well as examine the opportunities and challenges associated with its development in Namibia. Astro tourism although an emerging niche is yet an understudied area within ecotourism. Namibia is a world-class tourist destination with unforgettable clear dark skies, nonetheless, tourists aren’t still recognizing it as Astro Tourism destination. Therefore, it is pressing to develop strategies that can help in boosting its sustainable development. Methodology: Non-systematic secondary research method was used, based on the existing literature exploring the multidimensionality of Astro Tourism and its potentiality. Essentially, it is a reflexive work that uses different approaches and meanings with the aim of defining conceptual analytical dimensions and consequently creating a framework that can later be used in other studies. Results: The study points out the fact that several ‘dark spots’ exist in rural areas in Namibia and could provide unpolluted night skies, offering ideal conditions for Astro Tourism development.
South Africa is blessed with a considerable amount of geographical locations that are both free from light-pollution and are also radio-quiet. The research facilities by design are secluded and purposefully regulate the amount of people that have access to them, respectively. It is within this context that a unique blend of outreach and science engagement initiatives are undertaken to ensure that while the scientific research goes on, the public(s) are kept informed and given access to the facilities, responsibly.
The HartRAO Visitors’ Centre of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Visitors’ Centre at the Southern African Large Telescope are both uniquely positioned in a way that not only showcases astronomical developments in a curated exhibition format, but also giving the opportunity for visitors to interface with the scientific instrumentation and systems in real-time at the facilities. The impact of this contextual advantage may typically be understated, and yet it adds to the value proposition of the facility and makes the site tour experiences more meaningful.
The review seeks to unpack and foreground the similarities of how the two facilities maximise on their locations and how this works; citing advantages and aspects which may need to be improved.
This follows the path of unpacking why the visitor centres were established in the first place, how much they maximise on being at research facilities and any areas of collaboration either at research facility level or as the centres for public access.
Nuances around access and language considerations are also topical in the way in which these centres operate.
This paper explores the dissonances and synergies arising from mega astronomy infrastructure projects and their influence on rural development in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The region, particularly Kareeberg and Karoo Hoogland Local Municipalities, hosts world-class facilities such as MeerKAT and the Southern African Large Telescope, positioning it as a global astronomy hub. While these projects attract significant investment and scientific prestige, they also generate a paradox: communities expect socio-economic benefits, yet strict environmental and legislative protections—limiting activities like lighting, radio frequency emissions, and dust—constrain traditional development pathways. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and stakeholder analysis, this study examines impacts on infrastructure, employment, education, tourism, and community perceptions. Findings reveal both synergies, such as improved educational opportunities and niche tourism, and dissonances, including limited local economic integration and persistent inequality. To reconcile these tensions, the research applies the Theory of Change Framework, enriched by African Renaissance Movement Theory and Gandhian Philosophy, culminating in a new conceptual framework for leveraging mega-science projects to foster sustainable rural development. This framework offers actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to balance scientific advancement with inclusive growth in marginalised regions.
The Hammanskraal Astronomy Outreach and Science Unlimited Expo formed a two-phase programme to establish an astronomy and STEM hub in a peri-urban/rural region north of Pretoria. In April 2025, an interdisciplinary team from RATT, SARAO and local partners conducted a site survey for a low-cost TART radio interferometer at Kwalata Game Lodge and co-designed an outreach week with the Tshwane North District Department of Education. The school programme reached 11 secondary schools (general, STEM-specialised, private and rural) and introduced learners to “what astronomy is and is not”, the nature of research, different types of telescopes, MeerKAT’s data pipeline, and study and funding pathways in astronomy and engineering. These sessions were complemented by public evening events at Cliff Café and Kwalata featuring talks on MeerKAT’s social impact, Breakthrough Listen and SETI, astro-tourism, and the TART installation, alongside stargazing and community discussion.
In August 2025, the Science Unlimited Expo at Kwalata expanded this work into a multi-disciplinary science fair and formal launch of the TART telescope. Over three days, 980 learners and 22 teachers from seven schools engaged with astronomy, biodiversity, water purification, recycling and conservation exhibits, while a SARAO-hosted evening event with national astronomy leaders highlighted rural astro-tourism and careers in radio astronomy.
Across both phases, the programme combined hands-on demonstrations, career guidance, donated resources (Galileoscopes, smart TVs and educational materials) and strong partnerships with schools, game-reserve tourism and government stakeholders to position astronomy as both a scientific and socio-economic opportunity for Hammanskraal.
Future work includes rolling out additional TART sites, structured teacher support and learner ambassador programmes to build a sustainable, community-anchored astronomy network in Gauteng.
ESA’s PLATO mission will provide highly precise photometric data, necessitating equally accurate and consistent spectroscopic information to precisely characterise stars and their orbiting planets. Currently, many gas-giant exoplanet host stars in the PLATO southern prime field designated for the mission lack uniformly derived atmospheric and chemical parameters. This inconsistency in spectroscopic inferences introduce biases in stellar properties which propagate into uncertainties in their planetary companions. We perform a uniform spectroscopic analysis of 13 prime gas-giant exoplanet hosts using high-resolution optical spectra to derive their atmospheric parameters, such as Teff , log g, [Fe/H], and key velocity broadening parameters. Of the 13 stars analysed, we provide new detailed chemical abundances for seven, consequently expanding the scope of the existing dataset. The analysis also reveals notable chemical anomalies: TOI-481 in the turn-off phase shows an unusually high Lithium abundance, i.e. A(Li) ≈ 2.09, a finding that suggests a possible planet engulfment event, which contrasts with the typical Lithium depletion generally observed in planet-hosting stars. In addition, KELT-14 exhibits an elevated Mg/Si ratio of approximately 1.37, which suggests the presence of planets rich in pyroxene and olivine. Conversely, TOI-1338 displays a high C/O ratio of about 1.02, indicating a high carbon content; both of these values are significantly above those measured for the remaining stars in the sample. This study delivers a homogeneous spectroscopic and chemical-abundance dataset for gas-giant exoplanet hosts, providing essential reference parameters for the up-coming asteroseismic modelling and enhancing the accuracy of both stellar and planetary inferences.
This research offers a stochastic framework for the stellar helium burning network (SHBN), combining Itô stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with multiplicative white noise to approximate turbulence and quantum fluctuations in stellar interiors. We construct a semi-analytical power series solution linked with stochastic correction via the exponential Itô factor, confirming findings against Runge-Kutta integration. Simulations reveal distinct nucleosynthetic regimes: under low noise intensity (σ=0.01–0.04), abundance dispersion emerges without yield suppression, matching observed heterogeneity in quiescent stellar phases (e.g., RGB/AGB stars) while maintaining baryon conservation (< 2% fluctuation); at moderate noise (σ=0.1), efficient nucleosynthesis yields final abundances of (4He=0.0597), (12C=0.0101), (16O=0.0160), and (20Ne=0.0982) while exhibiting stochastic phenomena like burst-like synthesis; however, high noise (σ ≥ 0.5) catastrophically suppresses yields abundances fall below 0.003 at σ=0.5 and collapse to ∼10⁻⁷ at σ=1.0, emulating nucleosynthesis quenching in extreme turbulence (e.g., supernova progenitors). Crucially, the carbon-to-oxygen ratio stays consistent (C/O≈0.634) throughout all σ levels, explaining narrow spectroscopic distributions despite absolute yield fluctuation. These results establish noise as a core physical process essential for reconstructing nucleosynthesis under thermal/turbulent instabilities and for understanding abundance distributions throughout stellar history.
We investigate the periodic variability of 6.7 GHz class II methanol masers in the high-mass star-forming region G174.20-0.08 using multi-epoch observations from the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). These masers trace dynamic processes near massive protostars. Our analysis reveals repeating flux variations, possibly linked to accretion bursts, binary motion, or disk instabilities. The study enhances our understanding of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) and demonstrates the value of long-term monitoring in time-domain radio astronomy.
We present high-resolution S-band (3.1GHz) radio continuum observations of eleven massive young stellar objects (MYSOs), most of which exhibited extended emission in the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey conducted at 1.3GHz. The improved angular resolution of ∼3.1" at 3.1GHz enabled the detection of all the jets with many resolved in to multiple components, allowing detailed analysis of their fluxes, angular sizes, morphologies, and spectral indices. Over 75% of the components are spatially resolved in our observations. The spectral indices, derived from this data and previous observations, span a wide range from 𝛼 ≃−1.5 to +2.2, suggesting a mix of optically thin and thick thermal emission, as well as non-thermal synchrotron radiation. Notably, non-thermal components are prevalent, detected in∼82% of the sources. Morphological characteristics of the sources reveal evidence of both monopolar and bipolar jets, jet bending, precession, and complex multi-component structures, indicative of the dynamic environments of massive star formation.
Star formation is a multi-scale process which is regulated by many different environmental factors. Gravity, global and local gas dynamics, radiation and feedback processes, turbulence and magnetic fields all play a role in regulating star formation rates and the resulting star population. We attempt to further constrain the ‘star formation recipe’ by determining how the large-scale dynamics of a galaxy affect the local star formation using magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations.
We model 16 different galaxies with the 3D moving-mesh code AREPO, including stellar feedback, live radiative transfer, non-equilibrium chemistry (including H2, H, H+, CO and C+) and magnetic fields. We do not impose an external galactic potential, instead allowing galactic structures to emerge self-consistently from initial conditions based on the PHANGS survey. Star formation is simulated with a sub-grid module which forms ‘star particles’ with photoionising and supernova feedback mechanisms.
To find how star formation varies in different conditions, we zoom into distinct galactic environments, such as in the spiral arms, in the central molecular zone and in the outer galaxy, with an improved ‘zoom-in’ method which allows us to follow a region as it evolves within the wider galaxy. This method increases the resolution in a chosen region while retaining the rest of the galaxy at the original resolution to capture the effect of large-scale dynamics on small-scale star formation.
By zooming in to multiple regions of our 16 galaxy models, we will analyse how star formation varies as a function of environmental parameters such as the gas surface density, magnetic field strength, orbital timescale, local free-fall time and dynamical equilibrium pressure.
Zeeman splitting observed from maser line profiles, enables the line-of-sight magnetic field magnitude to be ascertained. And the maser’s linear polarization position angle provides the magnetic field orientation in the reference-frame perpendicular to the observer. This detail, together with changing maser linear and circular polarization, has facilitated the creation of model where we are able to describe the magnitude, orientation and variation of the magnetic field impacting the masering region. The presentation will describe the observed polarization, the model and the inferred magnetic field. How the magnetic field relates to known and generally assumed magnetic field properties of star-forming regions will be discussed.
This session is dedicated to discuss the Africa-based journal of astronomy and astrophysics, its survey, and its current status and the path forward. The session will consist of the review of the Survey conducted in 2025, and possible choices of the publisher and the journal ownership, and the detailed financial plan. All members of AfAS, as well as the interested audience in the future Africa-based astronomy journal, are welcome to participate.
Radio astronomy is reaching a point where discovery is limited less by telescope sensitivity than by the intelligence of the systems interpreting the data. As MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array produce data at unprecedented scale and complexity, machine learning is no longer an optional technique but a scientific instrument in its own right. This keynote argues that code and trained models now sit alongside antennas and correlators as core components of discovery. Embedded within calibration, radio-frequency interference mitigation, source detection, and survey validation, machine-learning systems shape scientific outcomes and encode assumptions that must be understood, tested, and trusted. By integrating physical insight, uncertainty, and interpretability into automated pipelines, radio astronomy can ensure that intelligent models extend—not replace—scientific reasoning, enabling scalable, transparent, and transformative discovery.
In September 2025, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) coordinated Nigeria’s first physical Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact event for Nigerian Schools, enabling students from selected schools in the FCT (Nigeria's capital city) to speak directly with an astronaut aboard the ISS. The project, supported by the ARISS Telebridge network in South Africa, demonstrated how space communication can inspire young people and make astronomy education more inclusive.
During the live contact, students participated in question-and-answer sessions with the astronaut, on discussions about life and science aboard the ISS, enabling short learning activities that connected classroom science to real-world space technology. Collaboration among schools, media partners, and the ARISS community helped create a shared sense of achievement and curiosity.
This presentation aims to share lessons from coordinating the ARISS contact in a resource-limited environment, highlighting how partnerships amongst internal NASRDA staff, creativity, and community engagement can drive participation in astronomy. It also explores NASRDA’s plan for post-contact outreach, including school visits for space awareness campaign, encouraging tour to the NASRDA museum on-site, possible hands-on learning and demonstrations, and finding ways to use AI tools to make space communication more interactive and accessible. The ARISS contact represents a step toward democratising astronomy communication in Nigeria and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) Citizen Science Project (CSP) has successfully developed a structured national model for public engagement in astronomy. The CSP functions as an open research and learning initiative, engaging high school and university students, amateur astronomers, and the general public in established global scientific programs, including the International Asteroid Search Campaign and Zooniverse. This strategic effort significantly enhances scientific literacy and practical research participation across Ethiopia. The CSP maintains robust international partnerships with organizations such as Shadow the Scientist (StS), Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO), and the Pan African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-LAB). These collaborations are instrumental in providing participants with hands-on experience using remote telescopes and advanced data analysis tools. The project has already yielded significant scientific outcomes, notably the identification of asteroid 2023 SY20 through a collaborative survey with the PACS e-LAB, and the confirmed observation of supernova SN2025qpk in the UGC 11622 galaxy using LCO resources. These achievements by student participants underscore that impactful scientific contributions result from coordinated public involvement, supported by professional networks and accessible infrastructure. The presentation will thoroughly detail the CSP’s foundational structure, methodological framework, and scientific outputs. Furthermore, it will present the core lessons and practical challenges encountered in establishing this national citizen science model, alongside the key resource and structural gaps identified for scaling activities within Ethiopia. This analysis will offer direct, valuable insights for other emerging national programs.
The advancement of astronomy education in Africa requires innovative models that bridge rigorous scientific knowledge with the lived realities and cultural contexts of local communities. This presentation showcases the experience of the Al-Azhar Global Center for Islamic Astronomy and Space Sciences, a leading institution that successfully integrates academic astronomy, applied astronomical practice, and community-oriented education.
The Center offers a unique educational framework where scientific training—covering celestial mechanics, observational methods, and timekeeping—is directly linked to practical applications such as Hilal prediction, lunar calendar calculations, and public astronomical awareness. This approach enables learners, educators, and community stakeholders to understand astronomy not only as an academic discipline but also as a relevant and trusted tool in daily life.
The talk will highlight the Center’s strategies for:
Developing astronomy curricula that combine scientific accuracy with cultural relevance
Enhancing public understanding of astronomical concepts through outreach, workshops, and media engagement
Training educators, scholars, and students to interpret astronomical phenomena with both scientific rigor and community sensitivity
Building institutional trust that supports broader astronomy literacy across Africa
By presenting this model, the contribution aligns with the AfAS goals of strengthening astronomy education, expanding science communication, and fostering inclusive pathways for astronomical learning throughout the continent. The Al-Azhar experience provides a replicable framework for African institutions seeking to integrate astronomy into societal development, cultural education, and public engagement.
Astronomy education is for all irrespective of gender, race, societal status, conditions or special need, etc. Incidentally, the level of engagement in inclusive astronomy across most countries in Africa particularly in Nigeria is very poor. To effectively address this challenge, a multi-modal strategic approach that is hinged on: compassion, capacity building through hands-on activities and effective communication needs to be adopted. In light of the above, we present the result of the evaluation of astro-based prisoner’s reformation programs executed in Nigeria over a three-year period. Astro-prison is an innovative program aimed at educating, inspiring and preparing inmates in Custodial Centres for a better life post-incarceration. Over the past two series across five (5) Custodial Centres in South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria; astro-prison has successfully delivered various skills aimed at boosting the human capacity of over five hundred (500) inmates. Explicitly, the project leveraged on astro-based capacity building workshops, free medical, legal and psychological services as well as motivational expositions so as to achieve strategic value re-orientation in post-incarceration lives of these inmates. With the measured impact of astro-prison on the targeted inmates of these Custodial Centres through post-project evaluations, some of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are aimed at achieving: zero hunger, good health/wellbeing, peace, justice and strong institutions have been actualized. In this work, Astronomy has proven to be strategic for inmates’ value reformation across the targeted Correctional Centres; while strategic partnership and post-project evaluation have also proven to be indispensable for the project’s success and sustainability. Thus, there is need for Astro-prison to be institutionalized, scaled-up and used as a strategic tool for inmates’ character reformation and value re-orientation throughout Nigeria and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
In Ethiopia, the dream of exploring space is no longer reserved for scientists; it is being shared with children and youth, inspiring the next generation of scientists. The Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) leads this effort through the Ethio Space Kids Club, a dynamic initiative where young learners engage with astronomy, rocket science, UAV technology, remote sensing, GIS and geodesy in interactive and hands-on ways. The program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering participants exposure to real-world applications of space science and opportunities to meet researchers and experts who demonstrate what is possible within Ethiopia’s growing space sector. Through these experiences, the learners not only learn scientific concepts but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills essential for future careers in STEM fields.
The club also draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s rich astronomical heritage, introducing children to traditional knowledge of the stars and constellations while connecting it to modern scientific exploration. This fusion of culture and science helps young learners see themselves as part of a long tradition of observation, curiosity, and discovery, fostering a sense of pride in their heritage while nurturing a forward-looking vision. By providing a supportive and collaborative environment, the club allows like-minded children and youth to connect, exchange ideas, and inspire each other, cultivating a community built on curiosity, creativity, and shared purpose.
By identifying and nurturing talent early, SSGI is helping to ensure that Ethiopia’s space ambitions are carried forward by a generation of curious, innovative, and future-ready scientists who will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s contribution to the global space community. Through initiatives like the Ethio Space Kids Club, the Institute is creating a foundation where Ethiopia’s youth are not only participants in the space sector but active drivers of its growth, innovation, and international presence.
The “Go Africa, Astronomers’ Anthem” was created to celebrate Africa’s growing achievements in astronomy and to inspire the next generation of scientists across the continent. Commissioned as the first-ever official anthem for an International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly and performed at the historic XXXII Assembly, the first held on African soil, the piece blends multiple African languages, musical traditions, and cultural motifs to embody a message of unity and scientific pride. Produced in collaboration with LSE Records, the anthem combines multilingual lyricism, world-pop rhythms, and dynamic vocal arrangements to promote public engagement and support STEM outreach. This paper examines the anthem’s conceptualization, composition, and production process, and evaluates its effectiveness as an innovative, culturally grounded model for science communication in Africa.
Globular clusters are among the most well-studied objects in astronomy (Renaud, 2018). The continued study thereof will likely reveal key insights into the spatial, dynamical and chemical properties of galaxies (particularly the Milky Way), stellar formation and evolution, as well as assist in applying constraints on dark matter and initial mass function models.
My Master’s project was centred on using machine learning (ML) algorithms to detect and characterise the kinematic properties of globular clusters (GCs) within the Milky Way (MW). The GCs were searched in regions residing away from the Galactic disc, described by $|b|>20^\circ$ and $l \in (0^\circ,220^\circ)$. The techniques used in our study are inspired by the OCfinder framework (Castro-Ginard et al, 2022; Hunt & Reffert, 2024).
In our study, a robust clustering algorithm, HDBSCAN, was applied to 5-D astrometric data (l, b, parallax, proper motion in RA and DEC), to detect spatial overdensities. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained using colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of synthetic clusters to identify the isochrone pattern of true clusters. The CNN was then applied to the CMDs of the detected overdensities to distinguish real clusters from statistical overdensities. All the astrometric and photometric data was sourced from the Gaia mission's most recent data release, DR3. The main aims of the research were as follows: i) derive globular cluster properties that are in agreement with those reported by Vasiliev & Baumgardt (2021); ii) if possible, detect other stellar cluster types, streams, or moving groups within our search field.
Of the 28 known GCs residing in our search region, 23 were recovered. We found 6 possible GC candidates, 2 of which are likely to be components of the Sagittarius stream. We also managed to recover, by serendipity, 2 dwarf spheroidal galaxies, Draco and Ursa Minor I.
Telescopes such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and Vera C. Rubin Observatory (LSSRT) will produce more data than astronomers can analyse manually. Machine learning, being data-driven, is increasingly being applied in astronomy. Unsupervised machine learning, in particular, is a powerful approach for finding patterns and anomalies automatically, but struggles with high-dimensional data like images. We explore an approach for reducing the dimensionality of the data, called representation learning. We also present novel model-independent methods for measuring the utility of these representations for supervised learning.
Simultaneous detections of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) by the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) instruments are crucial for understanding the full spectral evolution of relativistic jets. Addressing the delay in official catalog releases, we developed a scalable machine learning pipeline to identify coincident events in real-time. By performing a systematic cross-match of available catalog data, we generated a labeled dataset of approximately 220 coincident candidates. We extract a comprehensive set of features for classification, including temporal offsets, spectral hardness ratios, fluence/flux comparisons, peak energy ($E_{peak}$), and duration. These features serve as inputs for machine learning classification models, which are trained to distinguish between physical associations and random spatial coincidences. We report on the feature importance distributions, demonstrating that specific spectral signatures are highly predictive of high-energy emission. This framework allows for the extension of the confirmed GRB catalog beyond August 2022, providing a tool for the immediate classification of the latest bursts.
Astronomical seeing refers to the clarity and sharpness of celestial observations, governed largely by atmospheric turbulence influenced by dust, humidity, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Poor seeing conditions distort images, degrade measurement accuracy, and lead to inefficient use of valuable telescope time. These atmospheric fluctuations also critically affect geodetic systems such as Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR), which require stable, well characterized atmospheric paths to achieve millimeter-level precision. Traditionally, seeing is measured using instruments such as Differential Image Motion Monitors (DIMMs), which while accurate, are costly and operationally demanding, limiting their accessibility across many astronomical and geodetic sites.
This study investigates a cost-effective, data-driven alternative for estimating and forecasting seeing by integrating all-sky camera imagery and Cloud Sensor measurements collected at the SARAO Hartebeesthoek site. The project is currently in an early development phase and has completed the initial CRISP-DM (Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) stages, including business understanding, data understanding, and data preparation. Exploratory analysis reveals meaningful atmospheric features relevant to both astronomical seeing and the stability of laser-ranging signals. Initial baseline models such as Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest, XGBoost, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks demonstrate promising capability in capturing nonlinear and temporal relationships between environmental conditions and observed seeing.
Although model refinement and validation are ongoing, anticipated outcomes include real-time or short-term seeing predictions that improve observational scheduling, reduce wasted operator time, and enhance data quality for both astronomical and geodetic applications. By leveraging existing, lower-cost instrumentation, this framework offers a scalable and practical solution that can be extended to additional observatory sites across Africa.
This project highlights the potential of machine learning to strengthen observational and geodetic capabilities while promoting cost-effective innovation across African facilities.
Keywords: Astronomical Seeing, Atmospheric Turbulence, Machine Learning, Data-Driven Prediction, SLR/LLR, Geodetic Applications
We introduce OJALA (Optimizing J-PAS Astronomy for Large-scale Analysis), a Transformer-based foundation model specifically designed to analyze narrow-band photometry from the Javalambre Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS). The model is pre-trained on synthetic photometry derived from 19.6 million spectra from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). Leveraging DESI value-added catalogs, OJALA is trained to predict stellar masses and photometric redshifts for galaxies, equivalent widths (EWs) of emission lines, and black hole masses for quasars. Additionally, it estimates stellar parameters, including effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity ([Fe/H]), and alpha-enhancement ([α/Fe]).
A key advantage of our approach is its unified architecture, which performs classification and regression tasks simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized pipelines and significantly accelerates inference compared to traditional techniques. Furthermore, the Transformer architecture naturally handles incomplete data, facilitating the integration of multi-wavelength datasets. We also introduce a domain adaptation framework to bridge the gap between simulated J-PAS fluxes and real observations—a crucial step for future foundation models trained on hybrid datasets.
We demonstrate that OJALA's embeddings can be fine-tuned with minimal training to predict physical properties not seen during pre-training. Finally, beyond standard predictive tasks, we illustrate the model's versatility in performing similarity searches, which we leverage to generate galaxy segmentation maps for resolved galaxies in J-PAS.
Hyperspectral satellite missions create opportunities for plant health monitoring from space. The German Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is a spaceborne hyperspectral mission that provides dense spectral coverage for each ground pixel. This study proposes to use EnMAP data for plant pest and disease detection, an application area that remains largely unexplored. Previous remote sensing work has focused mainly on land-cover mapping, change detection, and assessment of crop or forest canopy condition. Higher spectral resolution has improved these tasks, but plant pathogen detection from satellites is still challenging. At the same time, advances in computer vision, particularly deep learning, now allow more powerful classification of complex hyperspectral signals. We propose a comparative study of three deep learning approaches for satellite-based crop and pathogen detection: convolutional neural networks (CNNs), Vision Transformers (ViTs), and hybrid CNN–ViT models. The planned study area is in the northeastern region of Botswana and covers approximately 450 km² of agricultural land. EnMAP Level-2A data (surface reflectance) will be used. The EnMAP-Box plugin in QGIS will handle data import and conversion from HDF5 to GeoTIFF. The same plugin will be used to set up classification experiments and manage training and validation workflows. Model performance will be evaluated using standard metrics. Overall accuracy, the Kappa coefficient, and the F1-score will provide complementary views of classification quality. These metrics will be used to compare CNN, ViT, and CNN–ViT models.