ISSUE 10
Editor’s
Foreword
AfAS Conference and GA
Launch of South Africa’s Prime Telescope
What Every (Aspiring) Astronomer Needs to Know About the Universe (PART 1)
The Little Prince Stars
Prof Abebe’s Mission for AfAS
L’ASTRONOMIE Afrique
AfAS, OAD, ASSAP Outreach
NewSpace Africa Conference 2025
Inside AfNWA
African Space Agency
NRF|SAAO’s Telescopes
Careers
African Science Stars on the Move
Cosmic Clubs and Associations
African Science Stars team
Editor: Lillian Assefa
Graphic designer: Thinavhuyo Desmond Mudimeli
Contributing writers:
Dr. Meryem Guennoun
Siphokazi Vuso
Mutshidzi Mclloyd Nelwamondo
Dr. Priscilla Muheki
Prof. Sylvain Bouley
Prof. Amare Abebe Gidelew
Thembela Mantungwa
Kaoutar Saadi
Mustapha Iderawimi
Cailyn Scheepers
Prof. Jamal Mimouni
Prof. Mirjana Povic
IT and Outreach Intern: Glen Reise Malesa
GIS and Outreach Intern: Nonopha Kanise
Administration and Outreach Officer: Claudia Witbooi
Social Media Manager: Cailyn Scheepers
Project Manager: Mutshidzi Mclloyd Nelwamondo
Publisher: Madambi Rambuda
Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za
Copyright 2025 African Science Stars (Pty) Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.
African Science Stars is published by Science Stars (Pty) Ltd
African Science Stars is an initiative under the African Astronomical Society and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
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Editor’s Note
At African Science Stars, we’ve always been proud to highlight the groundbreaking work of women in science, especially within the exciting field of Space Science. Our readers have particularly enjoyed Issue 7, where we focused on the remarkable contributions of women in STEM, and it continues to be a standout edition. As we move forward, we’re excited to bring even more stories of incredible women who are shaping the future of science and space exploration in Africa.
For too long, women have been underrepresented in astronomy and STEM fields, with societal barriers holding back their careers. Yet, across the African continent, extraordinary women are breaking these barriers. These trailblazing scientists are not only expanding our knowledge of the cosmos but also lighting the way for the next generation of women in science. From satellite launches to
groundbreaking astronomical research, their work is paving the way for a brighter future for Africa in space exploration.
As a woman in science, preparing this edition holds a special meaning for me. It’s not just about sharing the stories of other remarkable women in astrophysics, but about embracing the journey we’re all on; one where our voices and contributions are celebrated, not just today, but for generations to come.
In this edition, we’re thrilled to bring you more inspiring stories from women in astrophysics, a field often seen as dominated by men. We’ve gathered insights from successful female astrophysicists who share their unique journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the paths they’ve paved toward success. These women are leading the charge in research projects that will define the future of African space science and astronomy.
This edition also celebrates the ongoing efforts of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and other key events in Africa’s scientific community.
As you read through the stories of different female astrophysists, I hope you’ll find inspiration, not just in their achievements but also in their resilience, passion, and determination. Their experiences remind us that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. Let us all continue to support, celebrate, and encourage women in astrophysics and STEM so that one day, the stars may be filled with the dreams of many more African women scientists.
That’s my dream, that’s my sister’s dream, and let’s make it a reality.
Lillian Assefa, Editor, African Science Stars
Foreword
Africa has always looked to the sky, not just with wonder, but with wisdom. Across the continent, ancient astronomers tracked celestial movements, aligning their lives with the rhythms of the universe. Today, a new generation is picking up that legacy, blending cutting-edge research with timeless curiosity. At the forefront of this renaissance are African women in astrophysics, and trailblazers who are not only rewriting the narrative of science but expanding the very boundaries of what’s possible.
These women are exploring questions as vast as the universe itself, from the origins of galaxies to the trajectories of meteors, while navigating landscapes that often lack repre-
sentation and support. Yet, they persist. They innovate. They lead.
We are proud to witness a moment in history where African women are not waiting to be included - they are defining the field. Their journeys are not just scientific; they are deeply human stories of perseverance, purpose, and power.
Let their voices remind us that brilliance knows no gender, that science, when rooted in inclu-
sion, grows stronger, and that the future of astrophysics is African and female.
To every young girl looking up at the sky and wondering if there’s a place for her in science, the answer is yes. Your story, too, is waiting to shine.
Dr. Meryem Guennoun Committee Member : African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA)
Africa Charts Its Astronomical Future: AfAS 2025 Conference Lights Up UNISA
By Thembela Mantungwa
This year’s host of the annual African Astronomical Society (AfAS) conference was the University of South Africa (UNISA). The gathering took place in Gauteng at the Emperor’s Palace. Among the esteemed guests were the principal and vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, the Department of Science Technology and Innovation chief director of astronomy, Mr. Takalani Nemaungani, the president of the European Astronomical Society, Professor Sara Lucatello, Dr. Willy Benz, president of the International Astronomi cal Union, Mr. Kevin Govender, the director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, and the AfAS president, Professor Thebe Medupe.
Professor Puleng LenkaBula welcomed the African As tronomy community to UNISA, with an expression of gratitude to the Department of Science and Innova tion for being a partner in making science a serious discipline. She also anchored astronomy as a field of study UNISA is poised to promote among their cata lytic special fields. At a gathering as big as the AfAS conference with researchers from across Africa and overseas, the networking opportunity is immense, which is why Professor LenkaBula encouraged young researchers and students not to pass up the opportunity to connect with established researchers. Hosting the AfAS conference at UNISA, “aligns with our efforts of growing capacity in astronomy and astrophysics through the establishment of space studies and the Square Kilometer catalytic niche area,” said Prof LenkaBula urged the African astronomy community to think deeply about “what makes it African and what makes the society global”. She concluded by wishing
the community well by persuading them to never lose their sense of wonder for the Universe and research.
The AfAS enjoys good relations with many societies around the globe, including the European Astronomical Society (EAS). Linked to the enduring relationship, EAS extended an open invitation to the African astronomy community to host two special sessions focusing on the Africa-Europe collaborations at their next meeting in Cork, Ireland, in July. The strength of African astronomy is rooted in the rapid development of the astronomy infrastructures within the continent. The EAS president acknowledged this feat as a great benefit to the growth and strength of the AfAS.
While Africa hosts some of the best astronomy infrastructure, the distribution is unequal. Some parts have no footprint at all, as mentioned by Professor Medupe, former AfAS president.Unsurprisingly, AfAS also considers human capacity development as a very important objective. As such, the conference began with a hackathon. The programme exposes astronomy students to data analysis and problem-solving skills useful to their career development and research. This year’s hackathon cohort had full access to the entire pipeline of machine learning, from conception to application, using the advanced South African ilifu data-intensive research cloud facility to run the hackathon challenge. In addition, there were special sessions devoted to early-career researchers and students, providing mentorship and career development resources on topics such as scientific writing, grant applications, and leveraging astronomy knowledge in interdisciplinary fields. AfAS is committed to building capacity across Africa by en-
AfAS Conference and GA 2025 group Picture
suring that the next generation of astronomers are well-equipped to lead the continent’s scientific future.
In the past three years, the science committee has disbursed several grants aimed at capacitating astronomy students as well as early career researchers across the continent. Furthermore, the committee wrote a science case worthy of approval by AfAS to refurbish the Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment (ROTSE), a multi-telescope experiment meant to observe the optical afterglow of gamma-ray bursts. The ROTSE telescope is located in Namibia and is a multi-organisational partnership. Given the challenges that some parts of the continent experience with establishing astronomy, the outreach committee somehow has a bigger reach, thus ensuring that even in the parts where there is no astronomy ,local contacts are established as well as there are astronomy engagements with learners and the public. The biggest reach to date is linked to the International Astronomical Union General Assembly with activities preceding the meeting and during the general assembly in August 2024. One of their effective strategies was the use of the cascade model, where scientists received funding to revisit their communities to talk about their astronomy careers. The African Network for Women of Astronomy (AfNWA) has also disbursed grants intended to provide much-needed support to women in astronomy. Their activities also extend to young women in schools, encouraging them to pursue careers in astronomy. Their book with African women in astronomy is a testament to the commitment the AfAS has to advancing inclusion and diversity within science, and in particular, astronomy. Naturally, none of this work would be known
or accessible without the communications committee's efforts of curating everything AfAS-related for the benefit of the African astronomy community. The committee’s objective is to share expertise from the community to build capacity for everyone and to have communities of practice within the society.
Since this meeting also signified an end to the threeyear term of the executive, the community adopted an amended constitution and thereafter elected the new executive. The newly elected AfAS president is Professor Amare Abebe Gidelew (North-West University, South Africa) deputised by Prof Yin-Zhe Ma (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Young Astronomer Representative:
*Dr. Youssef Moulane (Morocco)
General Members
*Dr Kenda Knowles (South Africa)
*Dr Joyful Elma Mdhluli (South Africa)
*Prof Patricia Ann Whitelock (South Africa)
*Dr Benedicta Woode (Ghana)
Commenting on his new role, Prof. Abebe Gidelew said, “Stepping into the role of president is not just about my leadership; it is about – together with the rest of the executive committee members guiding AfAS’s vision, nurturing curiosity in the next generation of African astronomers, and ensuring they have the tools, support, and inspiration to explore the cosmos. As president, my commitment is to foster an astronomy community where collaboration thrives beyond borders and where the pursuit of knowledge remains our guiding star”.
AfAS Team at UNISA
Meet Morocco's First Female Astrophysicist Leading Africa to the Stars
Dr.
Meryem Guennoun
By: Lillian Assefa
Meet Dr. Meryem Guennoun, Morocco’s pioneering astrophysicist. We had the chance to interview her about her journey from stargazing as a child under Moroccan skies to leading groundbreaking space research across Africa—a powerful story of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Discover how she’s inspiring a new generation of African women to reach for the stars.
Dr. Guennoun, congratulations on being designated as the Executive Officer of AfAS! How does it feel to take on this exciting leadership role, and what are you most excited about?
Thank you so much! It’s truly an honour to step into this role. I feel both humbled and energized. It’s a unique opportunity to serve the African scientific community and help create a more inclusive, dynamic space for astronomy across the continent. What excites me the most is the chance to work closely with passionate people from diverse backgrounds and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, especially women and young scientists.
You grew up in Morocco, pursued your education, and are now a leading astrophysicist. Was there a defining moment that sparked your love for science and the stars? Can you share any childhood memories that inspired you to pursue this path?
Growing up in Morocco, I was always drawn to the night sky. I vividly remember a night during a family trip
when the sky was so clear, I could see stars scattered across it. Those moments filled me with awe and curiosity. Later, as a student, I realised that the universe wasn’t just beautiful—it was full of mysteries waiting to be explored. That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the quest to find answers.
My passion actually started at a very young age, thanks to science encyclopedias. But, at the time, I didn’t know it was possible to study astronomy in Morocco, so I kind of forgot about that dream. It wasn’t until after my bachelor's degree that I accidentally discovered the master's and PhD programmes in astrophysics at the Faculty of Science in Marrakech. That moment reignited everything.
We’ve seen your name come up online, and many have referred to you as the first female astrophysicist in Morocco. Is that true? If so, that’s such an incredible milestone! How does it feel to carry that title? And on a more personal level, what does it mean to you, not just as a scientist, but as someone opening the door for others?
Yes, to the best of my knowledge, I am the first Moroccan woman to specialise in astrophysics. It’s a great responsibility, but also a beautiful one. For me, it’s not about being “the first”, it’s about making sure I’m not the last. I want to be part of a movement that creates more opportunities for others, especially young women who may have never thought this path was open to them. It means being visible, accessible, and committed to sharing knowledge.
Dr. Meryem Guennoun
Becoming an astrophysicist isn’t easy, especially as a woman in a field like this. Can you talk us through your journey? What were some of the toughest challenges you faced, and how did you keep pushing forward? Was there a turning point when you knew this was the path you were meant to take?
The path was far from smooth. Like many women in science, I had to confront stereotypes, cultural expectations, and moments of deep self-doubt. During my PhD, there were times when I felt completely alone - I didn’t see any other women in Morocco doing what I was doing. That kind of solitude can be tough. It made me question whether I truly belonged in this field, and whether I could keep going. But I was lucky to have mentors, and especially my family, who believed in and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Their guidance reminded me that I wasn’t just doing this for myself - I was opening doors for others too. One of the most defining moments came during a meteor observation campaign at the Oukaïmeden observatory. Despite the harsh conditions, standing under the vast sky and gathering data, I felt a deep sense of purpose. It hit me that I was contributing something meaningful to science. That moment made all the struggles worth it, and it continues to drive me today.
As someone who’s carved out such a remarkable career, what advice would you give to young African girls who dream of following in your footsteps? Is there something you wish you had known or been told when you first started your career?
I would tell them: “You belong here. Your dreams are valid and your curiosity is powerful. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. I wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay to feel unsure sometimes, that confidence grows with experience. Find a community, seek mentors, and never stop asking questions.
With your new designation as the Executive Officer of AfAS, what’s the first thing you’re most excited to dive into? How do you envision making a difference for African science, especially in space research?
I’m especially excited about strengthening collaboration across African countries. There’s so much talent on the continent, and when we work together, we become unstoppable. One powerful example of this was the AfAS 2024 conference, which was held in Marrakech. It brought together researchers, students, and institutions, and created a vibrant space for sharing ideas and building partnerships.
Events like that show what’s possible when we invest in one another. I want to build on that momentum by creating more platforms where young researchers can connect, collaborate, and access the resources they need to thrive, especially in fields like space science that are still emerging in many parts of Africa. By encouraging a strong, interconnected scientific community across the continent, we can ensure that African voices are central to the global conversation in astronomy and astrophysics.
You’ve got a unique position now to impact the future of science in Africa. What do you think the future holds for African scientists, particularly women in space research? What’s one exciting change you hope to see in the next decade, and how do you plan to contribute to that change in your designated role at AfAS?
The future is incredibly bright. Across the continent, we’re already witnessing a growing number of African women stepping confidently into STEM fields, challenging old norms and bringing fresh perspectives to science and innovation. With the right support systems, mentorship, funding, and visibility, they won’t just participate in space science, they’ll lead it.
I truly believe the next groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics could very well come from African labs, universities, and observatories.
Over the next decade, I envision a future where we see more African-led space missions, research programmes and observatory networks, designed and managed by Africans, for Africa and the world. This requires more than just passion; it calls for real, sustained investment in infrastructure, scientific training, and international partnerships that respect and uplift African expertise.
As part of my leadership role, I hope to help lay the groundwork for this transformation. Whether it's advocating for policy changes, creating opportunities for young researchers, or connecting African institutions with global networks, my goal is to ensure that the next
Dr.Meryem Guennoun
generation of African scientists, especially women, have everything they need, not just to dream big, but to achieve even bigger.
For young people in Africa who look up at the stars and dream of becoming scientists, what’s the first step they can take to start their journey into the world of space?
Start with curiosity. Ask questions, read, and look for opportunities to learn, even small ones like local science clubs or online courses. Reach out to scientists or professors. Don’t be afraid to send that email. Your journey doesn’t have to start big, it just needs to start.
What do you believe is the most important thing young women need to know when they’re starting out in science, particularly in fields like astrophysics? How can they overcome the challenges and barriers that may come their way?
Know that you are enough, just as you are. You don’t need to be perfect, have all the answers, or fit into anyone else’s mold to belong in science. One of the most important things young women should remember is that curiosity, persistence, and passion are far more powerful than perfection. Science is about asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from them, so don’t be afraid to take up space, to try, to fail, and to grow.
In a field like astrophysics, where women are still underrepresented, it’s easy to feel like an outsider. Peo-
ple might question your abilities, underestimate you, or make you feel like you have to constantly prove your worth. That can be exhausting. But don’t internalise those doubts. They say more about the system than they do about you.
Build a support system, mentors, peers, friends who uplift you, challenge you, and remind you why you started. And most importantly, when the road gets tough, go back to your passion. That quiet wonder you feel when you look up at the night sky, that thrill of discovery, that’s your compass. Let it guide you, especially when it gets hard.
Also, never hesitate to ask for help or reach out to others who’ve walked this path before you. You’re not alone. And every time you push through a barrier, you’re not just moving forward for yourself, you’re opening the way for someone else too.
What’s the next big dream or project you're excited to tackle in the future, and how do you hope young African scientists can be part of this exciting journey?
One of my biggest goals is to expand meteor observation networks across Africa and integrate them with international initiatives to trace the origins of meteoroids and space rocks. It's a fascinating field that connects observational astronomy, planetary science, and data analysis, and it offers so many opportunities for students and early career researchers to get involved in meaningful, hands-on science.
As the new designated Executive Officer of the AfAS, I’m also deeply committed to fostering collaboration, increasing visibility of African research, and ensuring that young scientists, especially women, have access to the tools, networks, and mentorship they need to thrive. I want to help create structured opportunities where emerging African scientists can contribute to continental-scale projects, participate in research exchanges, and access capacity-building resources.
Ultimately, my dream is to help build a stronger, more connected African astronomy community where innovation is driven by local talent, supported by international partnerships, and rooted in a shared vision for science that benefits the entire continent. And I believe the youth will be the heart of this journey.
Finally, if you could leave one lasting piece of advice for future generations of African scientists, what would it be?
Dream boldly and build patiently. Africa needs your voice, your vision; and your science. Don’t wait for permission to shine, start where you are and keep moving forward.
Dr.Meryem Guennoun
Overcoming barriers for female astronomers in Africa
Mirjana Povic¹ ² ³
(The Chair of the African Network of Women in Astronomy – AfNWA)
¹ Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), Spain
² Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), Ethiopia
³ Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda
The gender gap in science across Africa remains significant, with women making up less than 25% of all scientists, according to the latest UN Women in Science report (2019). While there are multiple contributing factors, one of the main reasons is poverty – particularly the feminisation of poverty, which disproportionately affects girls and women. In most African countries, girls continue to be exposed to many more challenges than boys, especially girls who work and live in rural and remote areas. These include, among other things, increased workloads, including family and household duties, cultural perceptions of the role of girls and women in society where education is not always
prioritised, lack of support (both in the family and at school), restrictions on going out (e.g., after school and interacting with classmates), lack of self-confidence, and early and forced marriage. In addition, girls also face more difficulties in education due to their menstrual cycle and lack of sanitary pads, leading them to miss classes and even exams. To overcome the above, the fight against poverty in all its forms has to be the top priority for all policy and decision-makers, with a special focus on girls and women. In the short and medium term, strengthening the concept of public boarding schools for girls, where girls stay for the duration of their studies, have proven to be extremely effective in ensuring that we do not lose talented girls and that they can focus on and complete their studies.
In addition, through our activ ities carried out in Ethiopia, we learned that girls do not choose scientific fields, including physics, mainly due to a general lack of information about job opportunities, lack of support in the family and at school, and lack of role models. Furthermore, astronomy is not yet present in all countries. Almost half of African countries still lack professional astronomy development, which means that the information reaching all girls and boys about job opportuni ties in astronomy and space science is still limited. Therefore, the reinforcement of all outreach activities, the creation of new civic science societies and science clubs, the reinforcement of activities carried out by amateur astronomical societies, etc., are really important to raise awareness. In particular, initiatives focused on empowering girls living in difficult conditions through astronomy and science, such as the SciGirls in Ethiopia, the Emeja in Kenya, the Ikala STEM in Madagascar, the Thabita Girls in Morocco, etc., are essential and should be encouraged and supported.
Female students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in Africa also face difficulties. One of the main ones is the strong pressure from family and society to marry and have a family. Combining family care with research and tight scholarship schedules puts young women under severe stress. This often results in them running out of scholarships before the end of their studies, which puts them in an even more vulnerable situation, particularly single mothers. To overcome these barriers, mentoring to provide support and encouragement (e.g., through the Supernova Foundation), more facilities in work environments for students with children, more flexible scholarships for female students, and full attention and support from advisors and collaborators are essential.
Professional female astronomers in Africa also face many challenges in balancing the workload between family care and their work in science. More support and facilities are needed to overcome these barriers, such as access to kindergartens and childcare facilities in working environments, institutional support for women (and men) to take time off when needed due to family care, more stable positions for women, etc. Other major challenges come from the fact that in most African countries female astronomers work in predominantly male environments. This often leads to a lack of support, but can also lead to increased exposure to different types of abuse.
The existence of networks such as AfNWA (African Network of Women In Astronomy) and others, which bring together female astronomy professionals in Africa, is crucial to create a safe space, raise awareness of the challenges faced by women astronomers, promote solutions and struggle for social change towards true gender equity and equality in all aspects for the benefit of all.
The Women Leading in Astrophysics Stellar Minds:
By: Dr. Meryem Guennon
A
Dr. Marie Korsaga:
strophysics, once a field marked by male predominance, is now undergoing a transformative shift. Across Africa, a new generation of women scientists is not only breaking barriers but also making groundbreaking discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. These women are more than just scientists—they are pioneers, role models, and changemakers who are opening doors for the future of science on the continent.
Africa’s geographic diversity, dark skies, and growing network of observatories offer unique opportunities to explore the cosmos. But it’s the growing presence of female astrophysicists that is adding a powerful new dimension to African space science. With resilience, brilliance, and an unshakable passion for discovery, these women are writing a new chapter in Africa’s scientific journey.
Pioneering Astrophysicist from Burkina Faso
Marie Korsaga is a trailblazer in African astrophysics. In 2019, she became the first woman from Burkina Faso to earn a PhD in astrophysics, defending her thesis at the Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille in France. Her research focused on the distribution of baryonic and non-baryonic matter in spiral and irregular galaxies, an essential contribution to our understanding of galactic structure and evolution.
As one of the earliest women in this field from her country, Marie Korsaga represents a major milestone for gender representation in science across West Africa. Her journey continues to inspire young girls across the continent to dream boldly and pursue careers once thought out of reach.
Dr. Salma Sylla:
Senegal’s First Female Astronomer,
Championing the Stars and Motherhood
Hailing from Senegal, Salma Sylla holds the distinction of being Senegal’s first female astronomer, a groundbreaking achievement that has paved the way for future generations of women in science. Her academic journey took her across borders, including studies in Morocco and other countries, reflecting both her ambition and her willingness to seek knowledge wherever it could be found. Today, she serves as a board member of the African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA), where she actively works to build supportive communities for women across the continent.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Salma’s life is a powerful example of dedication and sacrifice. As a mother, she has had to make difficult personal choices to continue her work in astronomy, often balancing research with the respon-
sibilities of family life. Her path hasn’t been easy, but her resilience and grace have made her a role model not only in Senegal but throughout Africa. Salma Sylla’s story reminds us that the pursuit of science does not stand apart from life, it intertwines with it. And in doing so, it gains depth, strength, and humanity.
Overcoming Barriers with Strength and Vision
Despite their accomplishments, these women have not had smooth paths. They have had to navigate limited resources, entrenched gender biases, and underrepresentation in academic leadership. But instead of being discouraged, they have risen stronger, turning challenges into motivation and isolation into solidarity.
Their perseverance is not just a personal triumph, it’s a collective call for institutions, governments, and society to better support women in science. Their stories serve as living proof that talent knows no gender, and that curiosity, when nurtured, can transcend all boundaries.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As we look ahead, the future of African astrophysics shines bright. With leaders like Dr. Guennoun, Dr. Korsaga, and Dr. Sylla, the continent is poised to take a greater role in global space exploration and research. Their work is laying the foundation for a new era, one where African women don’t just participate in science, but lead it.
Over the next decade, we hope to see a more interconnected African research community, greater investment in scientific infrastructure, and more young women entering STEM fields with confidence and support. The seeds are already planted. What remains is for all of us, scientists, educators, policymakers, and citizens, to cultivate an environment where those seeds can flourish.
The rising stars of African astrophysics are doing more than exploring the universe. They’re redefining who gets to explore it, and what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Their light, much like the stars they study, will guide generations to come.
The SAMRC’s Vision for a Healthier South Africa
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, capacity development and technology transfer. Our work is to acquire evidence-based information to inform health policy and practice and improve the quality and health status of people in South Africa.
We are the largest local funder of health research, medical diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutics. We are pioneers in cutting-edge medical innovations focusing on genomic research, the development of novel treatment regimens, vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and developing new drugs and devices. As a custodian of health research, the SAMRC is building a healthy nation through research and innovation.
Transformation remains an integral part of building sustainable health research capacity in South Africa. As such, the SAMRC continues to address gender, racial, institutional, and geographic parity, towards strengthening our capacity to flourish in the 21st century.
Our People, Our Power: The Heart of the SAMRC
The SAMRC is driven by a dynamic and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, and public health experts committed to advancing health equity and scientific excellence across South Africa and beyond. Under the leadership of Professor Ntobeko Ntusi—an esteemed cardiologist and academic—the organisation continues to pioneer transformative research in areas such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, and maternal and child health.
Together, these dedicated support teams ensure that the SAMRC operates efficiently and effectively, underpinning its mission to advance health research and improve the quality of life for all South Africans.
Our Values
We push the boundaries between the known and the unknown to further our knowledge of human health within the prescripts of responsible (ethical) conduct of research.
The Council’s strength lies in its people. The SAMRC thrives not only because of its world-class researchers but also due to its dedicated professional support staff who ensure the organisation’s seamless operations to ‘make science possible’. These professionals across Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance and Project management, Supply Chain, Corporate and Marketing services, and Facilities Management form the backbone of the Council, enabling scientific excellence through robust administrative and operational support.
* Pioneering
* Partnering
* Excellence
* Respect
* Integrity
* Citizenship
Why join the SAMRC?
Shape Science, change Lives, and grow with us through:
STATE-OF-THE-ART LABORATORIES to conduct cutting-edge research
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED RESEARCHERS across the respective scientific disciplines
SOUND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE provides assurance that funds are well managed and directed to the required research.
AWARDED CONSECUTIVE CLEAN AUDITS by the Auditor General of South Africa
INDEPENDENT ORGANISATION WITH STRONG RELATIONS with SA Universities and other research organisations to foster collaborations
TRUSTED ABILITY TO LEAD AND MANAGE COMPLEX MULTINATIONAL PROJECTS with numerous international partners across multiple currencies and risk profiles
COLLABORATES WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS TO:
• Invest in the development of new knowledge through innovation and technology
• Develop capacity of young black scientists from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions
• Establish in-house funding hub aimed at promoting self-initiated research.
STAFF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT through study support programme offered to employees to further their studies
CONDUCT REAL AND RELEVANT RESEARCH as our research is used to inform health policy and practice and improve the quality and health status of people in South Africa.
Breaking Barriers and Reaching Stars Dr. Jamila
Chouqar’s Journey to the AfNWA-ISP 2024 Award
by Kaoutar Saadi i
Moroccan astrophysicist Dr. Jamila Chouqar was awarded the AfNWA-ISP 2024 Prof. Carolina Odman-Govender Early-Career Award for Women in Astronomy in Africa, marking a major milestone, not only in her career, but also for African women in science. As an assistant professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Dr. Chouqar has emerged as a leading figure in exoplanet research and an advocate for scientific development across the continent.
Receiving the award was both an honour and a moment of reflection for Dr. Chouqar. “It was deeply encouraging,” she says, “a sign that the work we’re doing here in Africa is being recognised and valued.” For her, this recognition goes beyond personal achievement— it’s a symbol of hope and visibility for young African scientists, especially women.
Her scientific curiosity is rooted in one of the most profound questions humanity has asked: Are we alone in the universe? This question drew her to the field of exoplanetary science, where she investigates the atmospheres of distant worlds in search of clues about their nature and habitability. What fascinates her most is not just discovering new planets, but analysing what they’re made of—whether they could sustain life, and how they might compare to our own Earth.
Her journey into this field wasn’t easy. During her PhD, she ventured into new territory—no one in her lab had previously studied exoplanet atmospheres. Undeterred, she reached out to international experts and began a pivotal collaboration with scientists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. What began as a daunting experience turned into a turning point. “At first, I doubted myself. But I quickly saw that the main difference between me and others was access—not potential.” That realisation transformed her confidence and approach to science.
Over the years, she’s continued to work with global research teams, gaining not only technical knowledge but also a deep appreciation for cross-border collaboration. “These partnerships taught me the value of openness and persistence,” she says. “They reminded me that we grow faster when we learn from others”.
As a woman in astrophysics, Dr. Chouqar has seen improvements in support and visibility, but she emphasises that real inclusion remains a work in progress. She advocates for more women in leadership roles, more resources for those balancing family and research, and better access to mentorship networks.
In Morocco, astronomy is gaining momentum—thanks in large part to the Oukaïmeden Observatory, a high-altitude research hub affiliated with her university. There, alongside the LHEPAG laboratory under the leadership of Prof. Zouhair Benkhaldoun, Moroccan researchers contribute to major global projects in planetary science, near-Earth object detection, and space weather monitoring. “It’s an exciting time for astronomy in Morocco,” she notes, “and we’re proud to be part of that evolution.”
Yet, challenges remain. Many African researchers, she says, struggle with limited infrastructure, funding, and exposure to international scientific communities. Still, she’s optimistic. “The talent is here. The motivation is here. What we need are stronger systems to support it.”
Dr. Chouqar’s earlier recognition with the AfAS PhD Prize in 2022 also played a key role in her development. “It was a turning point—it validated my work and helped open new doors.” Awards, she says, are more than symbols; they provide visibility, opportunities, and confidence to keep moving forward.
Looking to the future, Dr. Chouqar hopes to contribute not only to the scientific understanding of exoplanets but also to the growth of a scientific culture across Africa. “I want to help place African science on the global map—and inspire young researchers to believe that even with limited resources, they can make a real impact. If my story helps even one person believe that, I’ll have done something worthwhile.”
Dr Jamila Chouqar
From Africa to beyond: Africa’s First Satellite Launch Facility
By Phenyo Mathapo
Africa is on the verge of a groundbreaking milestone – launching rockets and satellites into space from its own territory!
On December 3, 2024, a new sounding rocket launch facility at the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR) in the Western Cape, near Arniston, was unveiled by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSI), Ms Nomalungelo Gina. The facility was commissioned by engineers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI). The ASRI was launched on May 3, 2024.
Strategically positioned near the southernmost tip of Africa, the launch site provides distinct advantages, such as minimal air and marine traffic, making it an attractive proposition for aerospace operations. With the commissioning of this state-of-the-art facility, UKZN has distinguished itself as the only South African university to operate a permanent suborbital rocket launch facility.
At the heart of the new facility is a sophisticated rocket gantry equipped with a state-of-the-art aiming and control system. The gantry can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and adjust 90 degrees vertically, ensuring pinpoint accuracy in any direction. This innovative design accounts for factors such as wind direction, allowing precise launches even under challenging conditions. The facility is intended to play a crucial role in advancing cutting-edge aerospace initiatives. It will be used for developing and testing cutting-edge rocket systems, cultivating essential research efforts and advancing technology in the aerospace sector.
There have already been two successful sounding rocket launches by the facility: the Phoenix-1D on December 2 and Phoenix-1E on December 4, 2024. Both the gantry and rockets performed well during the testing, with the rockets reaching altitudes of 16,6 km and 11.9 km.
The establishment of ASRI signals a significant achievement, as this is the first major aerospace infrastructure built in South Africa since its emergence of democracy. ASRI, now at the forefront of this ex-
pansion, runs one of the largest university-based aerospace research programmes in the country. Its efforts span the creation, production, and experimentation of aerospace propulsion and flight systems, suborbital and orbital launch vehicles, turbomachinery and turbopumps, novel propellants and rocket engines.
One of ASRI’s flagship initiatives is the Space Propulsion Programme. This programme develops propulsion systems for rockets and satellites, alongside testing and manufacturing facilities that aim to secure and advance South Africa’s access to space. Funded by the DSI, the programme marks a key turning point in South Africa’s aerospace technology landscape.
Africa’s journey into space innovation has come a long way. According to SPACEHUBS AFRICA, 18 African countries have launched 67 satellites to date, all of them from foreign launch pads. South Africa’s first satellite—SUNSAT—was developed by postgraduate engineering students at Stellenbosch University (SU) and launched from the United States in 1999. Another milestone came in 2013, when the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) launched ZACube-1 from Russia.
The growth of Africa’s space industry over the past 25 years has been remarkable, and this pioneering launch site sets a new standard for Africa’s aerospace ambitions. With this bold leap forward, Africa is not just reaching for the stars – it’s crafting a future where a new generation of innovators, space scientists, and engineers are inspired, and Africanfuturism is brought to life.
For more information, visit: https://ukzn.ac.za/news/asris-successful-sounding-rocket-launch-campaign-captured-on-video/
Highlights from the 2025 AfAS Conference and GA
By Siphokazi Vuso
The University of South Africa (UNISA) hosted the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference and General Assembly at Emperors Palace from 23 to 28 March 2025. The event brought together scholars, researchers, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive scientific innovation across the African continent.
Held in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation, NASA, Hackathons for Development (Hack4Dev), and other key institutions, the event marked a significant milestone in positioning astronomy as a catalyst for education, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent.
The week-long conference featured a vibrant program, including keynote addresses by world-renowned astronomers, scientific presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.
UNISA Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, highlighted the importance of the gathering.
“It demonstrates the university’s commitment to advancing the scientific agenda and optimising research through catalytic niche areas, which have proven successful. Furthermore, it highlights UNISA’s role in con-
solidating science that is both relevant and impactful on a global scale. This is exemplified by the participation of not only NASA astronomers but also those from across Africa and beyond,” she said.
Discussions during the assembly focused on the legacy of the 2024 International Astronomical Union General Assembly (IAU), updates on major projects, and strategies to continue developing Africa’s astronomy infrastructure.
The 2025 General Assembly also saw the election of new AfAS leadership and the introduction of several strategic initiatives aimed at supporting emerging researchers, expanding scientific infrastructure, and fostering greater public engagement in astronomy across Africa.
Professor James Chibueze, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at UNISA and chair of the science committee for AfAS noted the importance of the university hosting the event.
“UNISA is making significant strides in growing astronomy through the establishment of Space Study and Square Kilometer Array (SKA) catalytic niche areas. The privilege of hosting the conference is a symbol of great things to come, and being the most-attended AfAS conference ever is an indication of the astronomical community’s approval of our efforts,” he said.
BRICS Astronomy Project Coordinator at the National Research Foundation – South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO), and co-chair of the AfAS Outreach and Education Committee, Duduzile Kubheka, said that in addition to the conference’s strong scientific focus, there were vibrant exhibitions from various organisations and dynamic outreach engagements with local communities.
Duduzile Khubeka during her presentation at the AfASGA2025
“These activities were well-supported by conference participants. Notable highlights included a community visit involving the NASA team and the implementation of the #Astronomy2024 Legacy Project in partnership with schools, ambassadors, and Moipone Academy, a science centre in Thembisa,” she said.
Kubheka added, “One of the standout moments was the side session led by Citizen Science groups from across Africa. It was truly inspiring to witness the impressive range of citizen science initiatives taking place across the continent. Another highlight was the session on the Cascade Outreach Projects, which showcased the remarkable growth and progress of the initiative over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), Chief Director of Astronomy Takalani Nemaungani emphasised the long-term value of the gathering.
“The mandate of the DSTI Astronomy portfolio is to position South Africa as a vibrant global hub for astronomy sciences and facilities. Hosting international meetings such as the IAU General Assembly and AfAS helps us grow our international partnerships and collaborations. Disciplines like astronomy thrive on international collaboration,” Nemaungani said.
Cailyn and the AfAS Team at the AfAS GA2025
Prof. Mimouni visiting the AfriSS stand at the AfAS GA2025
INTERESTING FACT
DID YOU
*Dr. Marie Korsaga became Burkina Faso’s first female astronomer and was honoured with the inaugural African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) Early Career Award in 2022 for her groundbreaking research on galaxy formation and dark matter.
*Prof. Renée Kraan-Korteweg, based in South Africa, received the AfNWA Senior Award in 2022 for her extensive work on the large-scale structure of the universe and her mentorship of emerging African astronomers.
*Dr. Brenda Namumba, the first Zambian woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics, was recognised with the AfNWA-ISP Early Career Award in 2023 for her research on galaxy evolution using radio telescopes.
*Prof. Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane from Morocco, a leading planetary scientist specialising in meteorites, received the AfNWA Senior Award in 2023 for her contributions to planetary science and mentorship of young scientists.
*Dr. Mirjana Pović, originally from Serbia, has been instrumental in developing astronomy education in Ethiopia and across Africa. She received the 2019 Nature Research – Estée Lauder Inspiring Science Award for her efforts in promoting STEM among African girls.
*Dr. Patricia Whitelock, a South African astrophysicist, has significantly advanced our understanding of stellar evolution and the structure of the Milky Way. She has served as the director of the South African Astronomical Observatory and has been a mentor to many in the field.
*Susan Murabana, a Kenyan astronomer, co-founded the Travelling Telescope project to bring astronomy education to communities across Kenya. She also established the first planetarium in Nairobi and serves as a Space4Women mentor under the United Nations programme.
*Dr. Merieme Chadid, a Moroccan-French astronomer, led the installation of an astronomical observatory in Antarctica, becoming the first Moroccan and Arab woman to reach the heart of the continent. Her work focuses on stellar physics and she actively promotes science education.
*Sara Sabry, an Egyptian engineer, made history in 2022 as the first Egyptian, Arab, and African woman to travel to space, participating in Blue Origin’s NS-22 mission. She is the founder of the Deep Space Initiative, aiming to increase accessibility to space research.
*Dr. Zohra Ben Lakhdar, a Tunisian physicist, is renowned for her work in spectroscopy, studying the effects of pollutants on the environment. She received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2005 for her contributions to the field.
Launch of South Africa's Prime Telescope a Major Boost to Exoplanet Research
By: Siphokazi Vuso
The launch of the PRIME-focus Infrared Microlensing Experiment (PRIME) at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, Northern Cape, has been hailed as a significant milestone in advancing South Africa’s role in global astronomy and exoplanet research.
Launched in January this year, the 1.8-metre wide-field telescope is equipped with a state-of-the-art near-infrared (NIR) prime focus camera, enabling unprecedented NIR microlensing surveys for exoplanet discovery.
This cutting-edge facility is a collaborative effort among the National Research Foundation’s South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO), Osaka University, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, the University of Maryland and the Astrobiology Centre of Japan.
NRF Board Chairperson Professor Mosa Moshabela, who delivered the welcoming address, said the launch of the Prime Telescope marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s journey to establish itself as a global hub for multiwavelength and multi-messenger astronomy.
“This telescope will not only contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in infrared astronomy and exoplanet research but also support transformation and skills development, benefit our local communities and position our nation as a leader in frontier research,” Moshabela said.
The official launch of the PRIME Telescope was marked by a speech from Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Dr. Blade Nzimande, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Imraan Patel, Deputy Director-General for Research, Development and Support at DSTI.
In his address, he said the PRIME telescope strengthens South Africa’s role in the knowledge economy, contributing to the big data revolution through world-
class research.
“The project aligns with South Africa’s vision for astronomy to establish itself as a global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities, as outlined in the National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy adopted in 2015. Beyond its scientific impact, the project is expected to foster educational and career opportunities for young astronomers, encouraging the next generation of South African scientists to engage with frontier research. This aligns with the Department’s commitment to transformation and human capital development through the creation of opportunities for local scientists, students, and engineers to engage in frontier research,” Patel said.
He added: “This initiative not only strengthens South Africa’s global standing in astronomy but also generates socio-economic benefits, such as job creation, infrastructure development, and skills transfer in rural areas.”
Principal Investigator for PRIME, Professor Takahiro Sumi of Osaka University, said that the data collected through the telescope can be used by anyone. “This is one of the most significant benefits for the South African team. Fifty percent of the telescope time will be spent on the Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey, for searching for exoplanets and making data available to be used by anyone in the South African community,” he said.
NRF CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo said: “This is a very exciting time for astronomy. South Africa has been investing in this field for a long time, with the goal of becoming a global hub for astronomical science. We’ve taken advantage of our unique geographical location and the beautiful skies of this province. Now, we are looking at ways to enhance our existing instruments and continuously improve our capabilities. All of this requires continued investment, not just in astronomy, but in science and innovation more broadly.”
Prime Telescope
Wired for Success
Ever feel like your brain’s doing more than just keeping up? That’s because it is! From singing along to your favourite Afrobeats track and helping a friend with homework to reading a comic, you’re growing your super brain without even realising it. The truth? You’re wired for success!
Here’s what science says: the stuff we do daily, such as chatting, singing, reading, eating healthy actually builds stronger brains. Especially when you’re little, but even now as a teen. No fancy apps needed. It’s the simple everyday moments of life that matter.
Growing up, you might recall caregivers, siblings, or neighbours always telling stories or singing songs. Turns out, those fun moments are like brain fertiliser! Science shows that children who hear more words early on develop better cognitive skills. In other words, talking, singing, and reading are everyday magic tricks that build brain power. So if you had lots of love, play
How Your Brain Powers Up Every Day
and words around you when you were a toddler your brain got a mega head start! Normal activities are helping young minds to grow into great thinkers. But it’s never too late to boost it.
Here are 4 simple brain boosters anyone can try:
Talk: Speak up in any language. Conversations with your squad or explaining a TikTok trend to your gran grows your brain’s power.
Sing: That chorus you can’t stop repeating? It’s helping you memorise, express emotion, and connect.
Read: Comics. Novels. Even subtitles. Reading stretches your imagination and fills your brain with new words and fresh ideas.
Eat: Nutritious meals, especially protein-enriched food, helps your brain grow and function well. Too much alcohol shrinks your brain’s grey matter and doesn’t allow the white matter to grow properly. For teens, whose brains are growing fast, this is exacerbated so good reason to watch what you put in your body.
Africa’s Culture = Brain Fuel
Across Africa, storytelling, music and shared moments are more than fun, they also shape who we are. Think of that evening under the stars, with an elder starting a story like “Long time ago, when the animals could talk…”. These moments may seem simple, but they carry cultural superpowers. Folktales, lullabies, even WhatsApp voice notes from family, all of them teach us, and fire up our thinking and connect us as we try to understand the world.
From ancient folktales about clever hares and mighty lions to contemporary legends of sports heroes and innovators, storytelling teaches us lessons and strengthens our neural connections. Singing together, be it gospel in a church choir or chanting at a football match, synchronises our brains in rhythm and empathy.
Whether you’re in a bustling township or chilling in a rural village, the sound of laughter, music and kind voices wires your brain for empathy, creativity and strength.
There’s a popular African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” That village isn’t just about feeding or schooling a child - it’s about fuelling their minds and dreams. A child who grows up with supportive adults and a safe community is more likely to unlock their full potential. Sadly, not every young person gets these advantages. Some face challenges like hunger or lack of guidance, which can dim the sparks of their super brain. But when communities come together to put children and teens at the centre, incredible things happen. Imagine if everyone, parents, teachers, neighbours, leaders, joins hands to encourage the next generation. This is exactly the vision of initiatives like Hold My Hand. They know that young people aren’t just the future - they’re the present leaders and problem-solvers in training. By giving children healthy food, a loving environment, and opportunities to learn, we give their brains the boost to succeed against the odds. By listening to teens’ voices and involving them in community decisions, we show that their ideas matter. After all, who better to innovate solutions for tomorrow than the youth living through today’s challenges?
Hold My Hand is about making sure every child and teen has someone to walk with them. It’s about communities coming together, parents, teachers, neighbours, leaders, to help young people unlock their full potential.
Because when you feel supported, you believe in yourself. And when teens feel seen, heard, and loved, they shine!
The
Future Is You
Your voice. Your ideas. Your dreams. They matter, to your family, your community and your country. So keep talking, reading, singing, building. You’re not just growing up, you’re shaping the future.
And who knows? The next astrologist, president or game-changing artist could be… you.
www.holdmyhand.org.za #HoldMyHandSA
What Every (Aspiring) Astronomer Needs to Know About the Universe (PART 1)
Pr. Jamal Mimouni,
Univ. of Constantine 1 & CERIST, Constantine, Algeria Past President, African Astronomical Society
Abstract:
This paper adopts a “honnête homme” approach to present astronomy’s essential concepts in a minimalist yet rigorous framework. We distill the Universe’s core workings—from stellar nucleosynthesis to cosmic expansion— emphasising startling discoveries that redefine our place in the cosmos: the Big Bang’s afterglow, dark matter’s invisible scaffolding, and dark energy’s accelerating push. Key phenomena include black holes (where spacetime “breaks”), exoplanets (revealing planetary diversity), and life’s cosmic potential. By synthesizing observation and theory without technical overload, we provide a conceptual compass to modern astronomy’s most profound insights—and its enduring mysteries—for the intellectually curious. The synthesis of observational evidence and theoretical frameworks should provide a foundation for understanding modern astronomy’s major discoveries and unanswered questions.
Congratulations on choosing astronomy, a science that stretches from subatomic particles to galactic superstructures, challenging our understanding while revealing the universe’s elegant logic and inner workings. Yes, the learning curve may be steep for neophytes, and the scope of knowledge to acquire seems ever growing. However, mastery begins with clarity. Here, we distill astronomy to its fundamentals: the core principles governing celestial mechanics, the fundamental forces shaping cosmic phenomena, and those discoveries, while not shying away from exposing some of their most startling implications that continually redefine our place in the cosmos. This minimalist framework strips away complexity without sacrificing depth, providing essential directions for gradual exploration, while remaining accessible.
Yet, to serve both casual readers and dedicated enthusiasts, we have included advanced insights—particularly in paragraph conclusions—that extend beyond core concepts. If you encounter passages that assume more background than your high school studies provided, consider them optional detours on first reading.
1- The Beauty of the Universe … and its Comprehension:
Astronomy is not just a hobby; it is an exploration of the most visually captivating phenomena imaginable. The night sky has always drawn human curiosity, from the first ancient astronomers to today’s cutting-edge space telescopes. But as magnificent as stars, nebulae, and galaxies may appear, they are not mere visual wonders; they are signs of something far greater. These celestial bodies tell the story of the universe’s creation, evolution, and the laws that govern its existence.
One of the most profound aspects of astronomy is its ability to inspire both awe and deep intellectual curiosity. When we observe distant galaxies, the light from these objects is often billions of years old. What we see today is a snapshot of the past, giving us a glimpse into the origins of the universe itself. Understanding the Cosmic Composition: A Vast,
Evolving Universe
For millennia, humanity has sought to comprehend the Universe to grasp what lies beyond our reach and above our heads. Our Solar System, once thought to be the universe, is just a tiny fragment in the vast expanse of space. The Universe is filled with an incredible array of objects planets, stars, galaxies, and phenomena like black holes that, while varied, all share a common thread: they are defined by their mass. A planet is a planet because of its mass; a star, too, is classified as such because of its mass and the nuclear processes occurring within it. The boundaries between stars, planets, and other objects are not arbitrary - they depend entirely on these fundamental properties.
Gravitation, the force that binds us to the Earth and holds the Solar System together, is the overarching force that governs the universe’s structure. It molds galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and even the very fabric of spacetime itself. Understanding gravity is key to grasping how the cosmos operates, from the motions of the smallest asteroids to the sprawling, intricate structures of galaxies.
First, an aspiring astronomer must come to terms with one of the most awe-inspiring and humbling aspects
of the Universe: its scale. The size of the cosmos is so immense that it is beyond human comprehension. We live on a planet orbiting a star, which is one of about 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way, in turn, is just one of perhaps two trillion galaxies scattered across the observable Universe. These galaxies are spread out over distances so great that light— travelling at a staggering 300,000 kilometres per second—takes millions, even billions, of years to reach us. This scale is not merely a matter of vast distances but also of time. The light from the nearest star, Proxima Centauri, takes over four years to reach Earth. Some of the light we observe from distant galaxies today began its journey when our Solar System was still in its infancy. Understanding the scale of the Universe shifts our perspective, making us realise that, while we are incredibly small in the grand scheme of things, we are also remarkably capable of comprehending and exploring its vastness.
2- The Stellar World
Decoding Starlight –The Cosmic Archaeologist’s Toolkit
Light is our sole bridge to the cosmos crossing unimaginable distances to show us what once existed. Astronomers, like cosmic archaeologists, have decoded its language, revealing the universe’s secrets. Light is both a messenger and a time machine.
Figure: Our view of the universe has transformed once thought in the 1970s to be visible matter alone : we now know that mysterious dark matter and dark energy dominate 96% of its content.NASA
Astronomy is no less than the science of light. Telescopes do not just collect photons; they capture signals from the past. Every star, nebula, and galaxy we observe is a glimpse into the past. The deeper we look into space, the further back in time we see. When you view a faraway galaxy, you are not seeing its current state, but how it appeared, possibly billions of years ago.
Each beam carries encrypted stories of stellar births, deaths, and elemental alchemy. Astronomers wield spectroscopy like cosmic archaeologists brushing dust off ancient artifacts, extracting narratives written in the stars’ very essence. It is this encrypted data which enable the stars to become time capsules: Indeed, the star’s spectrum is its autobiography dark absorption lines and bright emission features act as chemical fingerprints, with hydrogen’s signature whispering of a star’s youthful fusion fires while iron peaks betray violent supernova explosions in its ancestry while. Doppler shifts read from the spectra etch the star’s motion across the cosmos into its very light.
Figure 2: The past and future of a Sun-like star. From a galactic cloud to a white dwarf.
This dissecting starlight has several great virtues: Establishing the chemical composition provides us with a star’s age; second, and enables us to reconstruct stellar genealogies by tracing elemental inheritance across generations. No less spectacular is that we map the cosmic expansion using redshift as a tape measure of the universe’s growth.
Neutrinos: Ghostly Cosmic Messengers
Beyond light (photons), neutrinos, near-massless particles streaming through matter with almost no interaction with it, carry secrets from stellar cores and supernovae. Detectors like IceCube now trace high-energy neutrinos to blazars and tidal disruption events, while future projects (Hyper-Kamiokande) aim to catch the diffuse neutrino background from all past supernovae. This ‘multi-messenger’ approach (adding gravitational waves as another messenger) is revolutionising astrophysics, as dramatically as the invention of radio astronomy, and much like adding sound to silent film.
Stars Are Element Factories and Extreme Physics Laboratories
Every star is a nuclear furnace, fusing hydrogen into helium and, in their final acts, forging heavier elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron. Without this alchemy, planets and life would not exist. Now it is this starry death that seeds New Life: When massive stars explode as supernovae, they scatter these elements into space, enrich-
ing future generations of stars and planets. The iron in your blood, the calcium in your bones, all were forged in dying stars.
Figure 3: The remnant of a supernova (Heavy star explosion) observed in 1572, notably studied by the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, lies about 13,000 lightyears away in the constellation of Cassiopeia.
Dead stars leave behind bizarre remnants. White dwarfs are Earth-sized embers of Sun-like stars. Neutron stars are so dense a teaspoon of their material weighs a billion tons. And black holes warp spacetime so severely that not even light can escape.
The Incredible Diversity of the Stellar World
The Universe is far more than a simple collection of sun-like stars varying only in mass and size. It hosts a spectacular array of stellar objects, each governed by distinct physics depending on their mass, composition, and environment. The Sun, often considered the archetypal star, is in reality a modest yellow dwarf and destined to become a white dwarf. Yet, most stars in
our galaxy are smaller, cooler red dwarfs. Yet even these familiar examples barely scratch the surface of stellar diversity.
From brown dwarfs that blur the line between star and planet, to hypergiants hundreds of times the Sun’s mass, stars occupy an extraordinary range of forms. Their life cycles, whether ending as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes, depend critically on their initial mass. Stellar physics encompasses not just classical mechanics and thermodynamics, but extreme regimes of quantum degeneracy, nuclear astrophysics, and relativistic gravity. The interstellar medium, enriched by supernovae and stellar winds, continuously recycles matter into new generations of stars, planets, and potentially even exotic objects yet to be discovered.
Figure 4: the astonishing variety and complexity of the stellar realm. Here is a view inside the Omega Centauri globular star cluster in the Milky Way, which harbours many black holes and possibly an intermediate-mass black halo at its centre.
Indeed, future discoveries, whether of quark stars, dark matter-admixed stellar objects, or entirely new classes of luminous bodies, will further expand our understanding of how matter organises itself under gravity’s relentless pull. The stellar world is not just diverse; it is a continuing revelation.
Just as stars vary wildly, so too do their planetary systems. Since the 1990s, we have discovered over 5,000 exoplanets, from scorching ‘hot Jupiters’ orbiting their stars in hours to frozen worlds drifting between galaxies. These discoveries reveal that planet formation is ubiquitous, yet outcomes depend critically on a star’s mass and composition. Our Sun’s orderly planetary system, once assumed typical, now appears to be just one of countless possible configurations.
Black Holes Are Real - and they are Weirder than You Think
Before leaving the stellar world let us ponder on a byproduct of the stellar evolution, the black hole. Once the stuff of science fiction, black holes are now confirmed realities. They are not cosmic vacuums sucking everything in, but regions of space where gravity is so intense that not even light can escape. Inside, our understanding of physics collapses.
Some are the remnants of dead stars. Others, millions or billions of times more massive, lurk at the centres of galaxies, shaping their evolution. We have even “seen” two of them now, thanks to the Event Horizon Telescope: a dark shadow against a swirling disk of light. This is proof that reality is stranger than imagination.
under gravity’s relentless pull. The stellar world is not just diverse; it is a continuing revelation.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series in our next edition, where we continue exploring the wonders of the universe!
The Little Prince Stars: A Cross-Cultural Initiative Linking Switzerland, Morocco, and France
The first edition of the “Little Prince Stars” project has just concluded its incredible journey across Morocco, bringing the wonders of astronomy to students in some of the country’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas. This unique initiative, led by a team of astrophysicists, astronomers, pilots, and science communicators from Morocco, France, and Switzerland, aimed to spark curiosity about the universe and make science more accessible to communities with limited resources.
The project travelled to cities such as Tangier, Essaouira, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Laâyoune, Tarfaya, Ouarzazate, and Zagora, where students were given the chance to engage in hands-on activities like observing the night sky through telescopes and exploring the universe through an inflatable planetarium. For many of the students, this was their first experience with astronomy in such a direct and interactive way, and it brought the stars closer than ever before.
One of the standout features of this initiative was its focus on reaching students in underserved areas. By bringing the programme to these communities, the project eliminated barriers and opened up new opportunities for students from all backgrounds. These activities not only piqued their interest in science but also encouraged them to consider fields they might not have thought about before. The initiative aimed to inspire students and demonstrate that, regardless of their origins, they each possess the potential to reach for the stars.
Another important aspect was the project’s focus on breaking barriers and empowering young girls, showing them that careers in science and astronomy are
By Kaoutar Saadi
within their reach. With a team composed largely of women scientists, this initiative served as a powerful example of female leadership in STEM, encouraging young girls to see themselves in these roles and pursue their dreams in science.
Local astronomy clubs and associations played a vital role in bringing this project to life. These groups collaborated closely with the international team, offering support and assisting with the coordination of activities and workshops. Their involvement not only increased local engagement but also ensured the sustainability of the project, helping the community take ownership of the initiative long after it ended.
An exciting part of the initiative was the exchange of letters between students in Morocco, Switzerland, and France. Students from the École cantonale de langue française in Bern wrote letters to their Moroccan counterparts, which were carried by the project team during their travels. This exchange helped foster a sense of connection and solidarity, creating lasting bonds between students from different countries. Before the project’s departure, Swiss students had the chance to explore space research at the University of Bern, learning about the latest advancements in space exploration. This experience deepened their connection to the project and allowed them to write letters to Moroccan students, further enriching the cultural exchange.
The project also paid tribute to the Aéropostale pilots, whose legendary flights inspired Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s writings. Just like these pilots ventured into the
unknown, the project encouraged students to view the sky not as a boundary but as a space full of infinite possibilities. It conveyed the message that, like the pilots of Saint-Exupéry’s tales, their own dreams could soar to great heights. The project journeyed aboard two light aircraft: a Cessna 172 RG and a Beechcraft Bonanza, continuing the adventurous spirit of Saint-Exupéry.
This initiative wasn’t just about teaching astronomy — it was about turning it into a shared adventure. One of its most magical aspects was the public observation nights, where students and local communities came together under the stars. These gatherings transformed astronomy into a hands-on, joyful experience. Telescopes were set up, eyes lit up with wonder, and conversations sparked between curious minds and passionate astronomers.
For many students, it was their very first time seeing the Moon’s craters or Saturn’s rings up close. Those nights didn’t just reveal the sky, they opened imaginations, made science feel real, and planted seeds of curiosity that could last a lifetime.
Prof. Zouhair Benkhaldoun, president of the Atlas Dark Sky Foundation, a partner of the project, shared a heartfelt reflection:
“I warmly welcome this initiative, which represents an inclusive drop of hope in an increasingly exclusive world. It is a great source of pride to see young Moroccan women astronomers at the heart of such meaningful efforts.”
The success of the project was made possible through collaboration between several key institutions and organisations, including the Center for Space and Habitability at the University of Bern, Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Atlas Dark Sky Foundation, SpaceBus Maroc, Association d’Astronomie Amateur de Marrakech and the Morocco’s National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) under the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Together, they ensured the programme reached students across the country, facilitated ex-
changes, and emphasised the importance of protecting the night sky from light pollution.
Throughout its journey, the Little Prince Stars project has done more than just spark students’ curiosity about the universe. It has also raised awareness about the importance of preserving the night sky, a crucial issue for both scientific research and cultural heritage. Light pollution is increasingly erasing our connection to the stars and hindering astronomical observations. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on experiences, this project has helped young participants understand why protecting the night sky matters and how they can actively contribute to these efforts. Beyond that, it has also opened doors for students interested in astrophysics and astronomy. Many young people dream of exploring space but are unsure how to turn that passion into a career. This project has provided them with insights into academic pathways, observational techniques, and the many opportunities available within the scientific community, whether in research, observation, or outreach.
As this first edition comes to an end, its impact is undeniable. It has ignited a deep curiosity, strengthened connections between students from Morocco, Switzerland, and France, and, most importantly, encouraged them to dream big. More than just an educational initiative, this project has inspired students to see the sky not as a limit but as a vast realm of possibilities. It has shown them that no matter where they come from, their dreams can take flight.
What remains now is more than just memories - it is a lasting legacy of curiosity, collaboration, and dreams in the making. This project has built bridges between cultures and reminded us that science is a universal language. For the students who took part, it has left behind something invaluable: the belief that they, too, can explore, discover, and contribute to the ever-expanding story of the universe.
Sophie Krummenacher During the little Prince Stars
Dr. Meriem Elyajouri
Beyond Borders, Beyond Galaxies
Prof. Abebe’s Mission for AfAS
By Lillian Assefa
In March 2025, the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) welcomed a new era of leadership with the election of Professor Amare Abebe Gidelew as its President. A distinguished academic from North-West University in South Africa, Prof. Abebe brings a passion for collaboration, capacity building, and expanding Africa’s footprint in global astronomy. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey into astronomy, his vision for AfAS, and how he plans to empower the next generation of African scientists.
1. Can you tell us about your journey into astronomy and what inspired you to pursue this field?
Looking back, I think my journey started in my primary school years. You see, my brother has always been an inspiration to me. While still at primary school, he introduced me to some fields of study one can specialise in at university, and physics was one of them, mathematics another. I developed a deep love and curiosity for these two, and I was already reading high school physics and maths during my upper primary school years. In high school, I enjoyed reading books on physics and astronomy and the biographies of giants in these fields like Newton, Einstein and others. It was amidst those readings that I stumbled upon the field of cosmology, and I decided there and then that I wanted to pursue this field. So, curiosity led me to physics and mathematics, and eventually into cosmology, where I discovered not just answers, but bigger, more beautiful questions. When I joined university, I wanted to study cosmology but soon realised there was no formal programme in Ethiopia at that time (in the 2000s) to enrol in. So in 2008, I joined the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) at the University of Cape Town, heralding my formal never-ending journey in astrophysics and cosmology.
2. What are your main priorities and vision for AfAS during your term as President?
Our core focus is building a more connected, inclusive, and impactful astronomy community across Africa. This means increasing our membership (there is strength in numbers!), investing in young talent, supporting high-quality research, strengthening partnerships across sectors, and ensuring astronomy becomes a tool for education, innovation, and societal progress.
3. How do you see the role of African astronomers in shaping the future of global astronomy?
African astronomers can bring fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to the future of astronomy. With major facilities like the SKA, HESS, and MeerKAT based on our continent, we are no longer just participating — we are helping lead. The future of astronomy will be more global and inclusive, and we think Africa will be central to that transformation.
4. What are some of the key achievements AfAS has made recently that you are most proud of?
Our Seed Research Grants programme has been providing support for our early-career researchers. We have also seen tremendous growth in our outreach efforts, connecting thousands of learners to science through local initiatives. We are strengthening our governance and regional representation, ensuring AfAS
Prof Abebe at the North-West University
truly reflects the diversity of African astronomy. We have organised successful annual conferences and co-organised the IAU GA 2024. These are all great success stories for AfAS, especially given its relatively young age.
5. What challenges do African scientists, especially young astronomers, face today, and how is AfAS working to support them?
Funding, limited access to state-of-the-art equipment (facilities) or mentors, and geographic isolation are still real challenges. AfAS responds through capacity-building workshops, travel support, research grants, and facilitating international collaborations. We also advocate for better policy support from governments and regional bodies.
6. How important is collaboration across African countries in the field of astronomy and space science?
It is absolutely essential! Astronomy thrives on collaboration—whether it’s sharing data, infrastructure, or expertise. When African countries work together, we amplify our resources and speak with a stronger voice globally. Future projects like the SKA will make it almost impossible to do impactful research without collaborating with others: other scientists, other countries.
7. What advice would you give to young students in Africa who aspire to careers in astronomy and astrophsics?
Wonder! As Socrates once said, discovery begins with wonder. Ask big questions. Seek out mentors and communities that will support you. The path may not always be straightforward, but your passion and persistence can take you further than you imagine. And don’t forget—your story matters in the future of science.
8. Are there any major projects, initiatives, or partnerships you would like to highlight for the coming year?
Yes, we are going to work hard on increasing the membership base, enhancing our Education and Outreach activities, exploring more mentorship programmes, and exploring deeper ties with astronomy and space science agencies across the continent. Expect more cross-disciplinary collaborations too. We should also expect closure on the idea of introducing an African journal of astronomy.
9. How does AfAS plan to promote gender equity and support more women in astronomy in Africa?
We plan to take a multi-pronged approach: offering mentorship, spotlighting women leaders, promoting family-friendly work environments when possible, and challenging stereotypes through public engagement. As an AfAS sub-committee, the African Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) working group plays a key role in shaping these efforts and ensuring they are sustainable.
10. In what ways can the general public and young learners get more involved with AfAS’s mission?
Start by joining local astronomy clubs, attending public talks, or participating in citizen science projects. We also share resources and opportunities through our website and social media. Anyone with curiosity and wonder is welcome—we want astronomy to be a shared African journey.
11. What are some of the biggest barriers women face in entering and advancing in astronomy, and how can organisations like AfAS help address these challenges? Bias—both conscious and unconscious—along with lack of mentorship and representation, can discourage women. AfAS addresses this by creating supportive networks like AfNWA, advocating for institutional change, and making sure women’s voices are heard in policy and leadership spaces.
12. Can you share a message of encouragement for young African girls who are passionate about science and dream of becoming astronomers?
Astronomy needs you. Your curiosity, your ideas, and your dreams are powerful—and needed. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Keep wondering and asking questions, keep showing up, and know that a whole community is cheering you on.
Prof Abebe at the North West
The webzine L’Astronomie Afrique celebrates its fifth anniversary soon!
The webzine is the first French-language magazine devoted to African astronomy, accessible free of charge and open to all.
By Prof. Sylvain Bouley
The idea of creating L’Astronomie Afrique came from an informal discussion during a mission to Senegal in September 2020. This mission, part of NASA’s Lucy mission, brought together African, Belgian and French astronomers. At the time, it was clear that there was no French-language support in Africa for introducing the general public to astronomy. So the Association Sénégalaise pour la Promotion de l’Astronomie (ASPA) and the Société Astronomique de France decided to create this quarterly magazine in partnership with astronomers from the African Astronomical Society (AFAS), the African Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences (AFIPS) and the Société Francaise d’Astronomie et d’Astrophysique (SF2A).
Hubert Reeves, who sponsored the magazine in 2020, said: “L’Astronomie Afrique is a great opportunity to promote astronomical activity in the African community and to enable young people to find careers
in this field that we love so much”. The magazine is produced every three months by an editorial board made up of astronomers from seven countries (Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, France, Madagascar, Morocco and Tunisia). Half the articles are devoted to African astronomical news, the other half to international news. For international news, we have partnered with the magazine l’Astronomie, published by the Société Astronomique de France since 1882. This webzine gives the public the opportunity to find out about the research work carried out by African researchers, as well as discovering the major African observatories, the various space projects and the many astronomical associations that are developing across the continent. Planetary ephemerides are also available every month, thanks to a collaboration with the Temps Espace laboratory at Paris Observatory.
The webzine is complemented every month by the Ciel d’Afrique
radio feature on Radio France Internationale’s (RFI) Autour de la Question programme. This monthly column recalls the major astronomical events not to be missed, and gives observing tips. Thanks to this collaboration with RFI, a quarterly competition has been set up to win an astronomical telescope donated by the Belgian association SSVI. As a result, more than 18 telescopes have been donated throughout Africa, helping to set up numerous astronomy clubs.
Today, over 20,000 people regularly visit the magazine website. The editorial board hopes to continue growing and is regularly looking for new article writers. L’Astronomie Afrique belongs to all African enthusiasts on the continent and has as its sole philosophy: “The sky is the biggest screen, all you have to do is look up.”
Rédacteur en chef de l’Astronomie Afrique
More information on: https://lastronomieafrique.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lastronomieafrique https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/ciel-d-afrique/
Advancing Astronomy in Tanzania: An AfAS, OAD & ASSAP Multifaceted Academic Outreach Mission
Jamal Mimouni, CERIST & AfAS
Mission Overview
From 29 January to 9 February 2025, the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), and ASSAP (African Science Stars Astronomy Project) carried out an extensive outreach mission across Tanzania lead by Prof. J.Mimouni, an AfAS past president. The initiative was conducted at the request of Dr. Noorali Jiwaji, Tanzania’s National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) for astronomy, and Elineema Nassari, the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) whose leadership were instrumental in organising and facilitating the mission, ensuring its alignment with Tanzania’s scientific and educational priorities.
Unlike previous AfAS outreach efforts, which often focused on countries with minimal astronomy infrastructure, this mission targeted Tanzania—a nation with existing but underdeveloped astronomy engagement. Despite past initiatives, such as the 2021 Dodoma Astronomy Conference, astronomy remains absent from most university curricula, with only optional astrophys-
ics courses at the Open University and the University of Dodoma—courses that see low enrollment due to a lack of foundational astronomy education. We note that AfAS/OAD carried out similar missions in the past few years as part of their efforts to support and grow astronomy in different African countries.
Key Activities and Impact
The mission adopted a multi-pronged strategy, seamlessly integrating public engagement, teacher training, academic lobbying, and policy advocacy across four key regions of Tanzania.
Arusha & Kilimanjaro Region (29 Jan – 1 Feb): University Engagement & Teacher Training
The mission commenced at Mwenge Catholic University, where a comprehensive lecture introduced over 150 students and faculty members to astronomy’s fundamental principles and its interdisciplinary connections with physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The AfAS team participated to an intensive Teacher Training Program (TTP), delivering some 14 hours of specialized instruction to 15 science and geography teachers covering core astronomical concepts and hands on applications.
Dar es Salaam (2–4 Feb): Academic Development & Policy Dialogues
In Tanzania’s commercial capital, the focus shifted to institutional engagement. The University of Dar es Salaam and Open University of Tanzania hosted detailed discussions about curriculum development, emphasising the need for structured astronomy programmes within existing degree pathways. These academic exchanges were complemented by strategic meetings with COSTECH, Tanzania’s premier science policy body, where conversations centred on astronomy’s technological applications and the potential development of a Kilimanjaro-region radio telescope project.
Dodoma (4–6 Feb): STEM Advocacy & Government Engagement
The political capital hosted two significant engagements. At the University of Dodoma, the mission team
-A well rounded TTP program… and a working visit to the Meru observatory
-At Mwenge Catholic University, Arusha
-From left: Dr Stanely Mwanga, Prof Jefta Sunzu from College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS). In the middle: Science Prof. Pendo Kasoga, Director of Research, Publications and Consultancy. At right: Dr. Jiwaji Noorali from Open University. At Dar es Salaam University & The Open University
At each stop, distributing several copies of AfAS’s African Science Stars magazine, including during the visit to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
delivered specialised lectures and conducted faculty meetings that highlighted astronomy’s growing importance in STEM education. These academic activities were paired with a high-level presentation at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, where the discussion focused on astronomy’s economic potential and its role in national development strategies.
Zanzibar (7–8 Feb): Curriculum Integration & Public Outreach
The final leg of the mission saw the team engage with the University of Zanzibar’s leadership, exploring concrete pathways for introducing astronomy into the university’s curriculum. This institutional dialogue was accompanied by a well-attended public lecture that sparked interest among students and researchers alike, creating momentum for future astronomical initiatives in the archipelago.
Through this regionally segmented approach, the mission successfully addressed multiple dimensions of astronomical development - from grassroots education to policy formulation - while maintaining flexibility to accommodate local priorities and institutional contexts.
The team of Tanzanian astronomers lead by Dr. Jiwaji Noorali meeting with Dr. Florent Mtuka and his assistant from COSTECH.
At the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Technology.
Acknowledgments
This mission’s success was made possible thanks to the efforts of Dr. Noorali Jiwaji (NOC) and Elineema Nassari (NAEC), who provided critical logistical and organisational support. Additional gratitude goes to Madambi Rambuda from ASSAP to have largely funded the mission and also promote African Science Stars magazine and OAD for partial funding. We also acknowledge the support of the Algeria’s Sirius Astronomy Association for providing a healthy amount of high-quality educational materials, including large astronomical posters, and Mike Simmons’ eclipse glasses initiative for educational materials.
Moving forward, AfAS woud like to replicate this model of expanding horizons in astronomy and science education in general in other African nations, ensuring astronomy becomes a cornerstone of scientific development across the continent.
Enthusiastic student and faculty members, mainly from the physics department. At the center of the picture on the left is Dr Adriano Mwandola, head of the physics department. and to whom a large number of astronomical posters were offered (Gift from the Sirius Astronomy Association).
NewSpace Africa Conference 2025: Empowering Africa’s Space Economy
By Lillian Assefa
I had the privilege of attending the NewSpace Africa Conference 2025, held from April 21 to 24 at the Egyptian Space Agency’s headquarters in Cairo. Nestled in the northern part of Africa, Cairo was a vibrant host for this groundbreaking event that gathered over 500 delegates from 64 countries. I was eager to speak with attendees, asking, “What exactly is NewSpace, and how do you see it shaping the African continent?” Responses varied, but they all pointed to one common idea: NewSpace is an exciting and transformative phase in space exploration, with Africa poised to become a major player.
What Is NewSpace?
The term “New Space” refers to the emerging private sector-driven space industry. It encompasses various aspects, such as space technology development, satellite services, space tourism, and asteroid mining, among others. NewSpace is often seen as a shift from the traditional space endeavors spearheaded by government agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Instead, it’s driven by the proactive involvement of private companies and entrepreneurs, aiming to innovate and market new solutions in space exploration.
At the conference, NewSpace was presented not just as a technological revolution, but also a philosophical shift, where the conventional and rigid space programs gave way to an agile and competitive space economy. The rise of venture capital investments in space companies signals that space exploration is no longer solely the realm of governmental entities but
has opened to commercial possibilities and partnerships across continents.
The Highlights of NewSpace Africa Conference 2025
The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 focused on empowering Africa’s economy through space-driven innovation, and this theme resonated throughout the four-day event. The conference featured key moments that marked significant milestones for Africa’s space ambitions.
1. Inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA)
The inaugural event of the conference was the official launch of the African Space Agency, a monumental step for the continent. The formation of AfSA signals Africa’s intent to establish unified governance over space activities, enabling the continent to participate in and shape the global space economy. As space becomes a key element in driving economic growth, AfSA’s establishment positions Africa to take a coordinated, strategic role in shaping space policy, fostering collaboration, and overseeing major space initiatives across African nations.
This event marked the beginning of a new era for Africa’s space sector, where innovation and intercontinental partnerships are expected to thrive under a single, unified body. The AfSA will play a pivotal role in creating regional collaborations, which will help Africa become a more influential force in the global space market.
2. Launch of the EUR 100 Million Africa-EU Space Partnership
Another highlight of the event was the launch of the
Lillian Assefa at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2025
EUR 100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership. This partnership is designed to promote sustainable development by fostering technological advancements and strengthening collaboration between Europe and Africa. Through this partnership, both continents aim to advance their space capabilities and create equitable, lasting global partnerships. The funding will go toward facilitating access to space data, strengthening space infrastructures, and improving satellite technologies that can address issues such as climate change, agriculture, and urban planning in Africa. The partnership is a crucial step toward ensuring Africa’s sustainable development and its ability to leverage space technologies to solve pressing challenges.
3. Bilateral Agreements and International Participation
The conference served as a platform for numerous international collaborations and bilateral agreements. Space agencies from countries such as the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, and Tunisia came together to forge partnerships aimed at strengthening satellite infrastructure, improving Earth observation capabilities, and enhancing digital connectivity across the continent.
For instance, the UAE Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt to enhance space-based environmental monitoring and promote innovation across Africa. These partnerships are critical in developing Africa’s digital and satellite infrastructure, which will benefit sectors ranging from telecommunications to disaster management.
4. Global Conversations on Space Diplomacy and Governance
One of the defining features of the conference was its focus on the political and diplomatic aspects of space activities. The NewSpace Africa Conference brought together high-level African government officials, diplomats, and international representatives to discuss the governance of space, space security, and policy development.
Notably, African heads of space agencies and ministers participated in dynamic panels discussing the legal frameworks required for space exploration, the regulation of commercial space activities, and the creation of spaceports on the continent. These sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration and governance in Africa’s journey toward becoming a leading space player.
5. Space Technologies and Future Prospects
The conference explored a wide array of space technologies, from satellite communications to Earth observation systems. One key focus was the development of spaceports on the African continent. With increased space traffic and the rising demand for satellite services, building spaceports in strategic locations will be crucial in ensuring Africa can take full advantage of the growing space economy.
The panelists also discussed the challenges of regulating the growing number of commercial space ventures, including space tourism and mega-constellations. The latter, in particular, raised concerns about the monopolisation of orbital and spectrum resources, which could hinder Africa’s ability to access space. John P. Janka, Chief Officer of Global Government Affairs at Viasat, highlighted the risks posed by unchecked mega-constellations and stressed the need for equitable access to space for all nations.
Conclusion
The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 confirmed the continent’s growing determination to integrate space-driven innovation into its economic development strategies. With the inauguration of the African Space Agency and the launch of significant partnerships like the Africa-EU Space Programme, Africa is poised to become a vital player in the global space economy.
By fostering international collaborations and addressing key issues such as space governance, technology access, and environmental sustainability, the conference paved the way for a future where space technologies help solve critical problems in Africa. This year’s event will undoubtedly serve as a landmark moment for the continent’s space industry, one that will shape the trajectory of Africa’s growth and development for decades to come.
As I left the conference, it became clear: Africa is no longer a bystander in the global space race. It is now an active participant, leading with innovation and determination to shape the future of space exploration. The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 was a powerful testament to the continent’s space ambitions, and I am excited to see how these new collaborations and initiatives will continue to evolve.
21 years 2004-2025
milestone in the university’s history, which can trace its roots back to 1907.
DIT was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and Sultan Technikon. In 2004 DIT changed its name to DUT after its transition from a “Technikon” to a full-fledged university of technology, emphasising both practical and academic excellence. Currently, DUT is proudly guided by the inspirational ENVSION2030 strategy, where “people-centred and engaged” and “innovative and entrepreneurial” is DNA of the university.
This year marks the 21st anniversary since the Durban Institute of Technology was renamed and rebranded as the Durban University of Technology (DUT). It was a memorable moment, reinforcing the commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research and community engagement. The 21-year celebration marks a significant milestone in the university’s history, which can trace its roots back to 1907.
gold colour, often associated with achievement and high standards, reflects DUT’s commitment to the creativity and innovation that shapes adaptive graduates who transform,” elaborated Ms Mchunu.
legacy and pursuit of excellence over the past 21 years. The use of the gold colour, often associated with achievement and high standards, reflects DUT’s commitment to the creativity and innovation that shapes adaptive graduates who transform,” elaborated Ms Mchunu.
DUT is proud to unveil the DUT 21 logo to highlight the university’s 21-year celebration, while looking ahead to unlock the greater potential opportunities for the future.
The DUT 21 logo is accompanied by its slogan, ‘Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence’ which highlights the university’s remarkable journey since its name change. It serves as a powerful reminder to DUT’scontribution to education, innovation and societal development through research that
DIT was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. In 2004 DIT changed its name to DUT after its transition from a “Technikon” to a full-fledged university of technology, emphasising both practical and academic excellence. Currently, DUT is proudly guided by the inspirational ENVSION2030 strategy, where “people-centred and engaged” and “innovative and entrepreneurial” is the DNA of the university.
unpack concept and meaning behind the DUT 21 year celebratory logo, Ms Noluthando Mchunu, Manager of the DUT Design Studio said: is a bold symbol of the DUT legacy, innovation and future. As DUT celebrates this 21-year milestone, we found it fitting to design a logo identity which symbolises growth, maturity and excellence.”
21 years
2004-2025
“Central to the design is the number 21 where the 1 was creatively integrated to resemble a key.This design choice was deeply symbolic as receiving a key on your 21st birthday was a traditional emblem of coming of age, signifying independence, responsibility and new opportunities. The key element underscores the university’s prestige legacy and pursuit of excellence over the past 21 years.The use of the gold colour, often associated with achievement and high standards, reflects DUT’s commitment to the creativity and innovation that shapes adaptive graduates who transform,” elaborated Ms Mchunu.
DUT calls upon its staff and students to join the 21 year celebrations and help unlock the future together. For more information on the DUT
The DUT 21 logo is accompanied by its slogan, ‘Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence’ which highlights the university’s remarkable journey since its name change. It serves as a powerful reminder to DUT’scontribution to education, innovation and societal development through research that drives real-world solutions.
The DUT 21 logo is accompanied by its slogan, ‘Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence’ which highlights the university’s remarkable journey since its name change. It serves as a powerful reminder to DUT’scontribution to education, innovation and societal development through research that drives real-world solutions.
DUT calls upon its staff and students to join the 21 year celebrations and help unlock the future together. For more information on the DUT 21 logo, please kindly click on the video:
DUT is proud to unveil the DUT 21 logo to highlight the university’s 21-year celebration, while looking ahead to unlock the greater potential and opportunities for the future.
To unpack concept and meaning behind the DUT 21 year celebratory logo, Ms Noluthando Mchunu, Manager of the DUT Design Studio said: “It is a bold symbol of the DUT legacy, innovation and future. As DUT celebrates this 21-year milestone, we found it fitting to design a logo identity which symbolises growth, maturity and excellence.”
revealed that the concept was built on the success of the award-winning 2024 graduation campaign, so the Design Studio has decided to continue using the key motif, representing both this achievement and the symbolic 21st birthday key.
“Central to the design is the number 21 where the 1 was creatively integrated to resemble a key.This design choice was deeply symbolic as receiving a key on your 21st birthday was a traditional emblem of coming of age, signifying independence, responsibility and new opportunities. The key element underscores the university’s prestige legacy and pursuit of excellence over the past 21 years.The use of the gold colour, often associated with achievement and high standards, reflects DUT’s commitment to the creativity and innovation that shapes adaptive graduates who transform,” elaborated Ms Mchunu.
The DUT 21 logo is accompanied by its slogan, ‘Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence’ which highlights the university’s remarkable journey since its name change. It serves as a powerful reminder to DUT’scontribution to education, innovation and societal development through research that drives real-world solutions.
She revealed that the concept was built on the success of the award-winning 2024 graduation campaign, so the Design Studio has decided to continue using the key motif, representing both this achievement and the symbolic 21st birthday key.
DUT calls upon its staff and students to join the 21 year celebrations and help unlock the future together. For more information on the DUT 21 logo, please kindly click on the video:
dut 21 year celebration
DUT calls upon its staff and students to join the 21 year celebrations and help unlock the future together. For more information on the DUT 21 logo, please kindly click on the video:
This year marks the 21st anniversary since the Durban Institute of Technology was renamed and rebranded as the Durban University of Technology (DUT). It was a memorable moment, reinforcing the commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research and
“Central to the design is the number 21 where the 1 was creatively integrated to resemble a key.This design choice was deeply symbolic as receiving a key on your 21st birthday was a traditional emblem of coming of age, signifying independence, responsibility and new
Inside AFWNA: A Chronicle of Empowerment
By Dr. Priscilla Muheki
The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is not only a committee of the African Astronomical Society but undoubtedly an embodiment of empowerment and growth for the women in Astronomy on the African continent. Established in 2020, by a small but focused and enthusiastic group of women: Prof. Mirjana Povic (who dedicated her Inspiring Science award from Nature to start the initiative and an ardent advocate for equality and equity in science), Prof. Vanessa McBride (at the time deputy director of the Office of Astronomy for Development and who is passionate about the value that science and astronomy can bring to Africa), the late Prof. Carolina Ödman Govender (then at the University of the Western Cape and who was a tireless champion of astronomy and humanity), Prof. Somaya Saad (who is very passionate about mentoring girls and women into astronomy and science through outreach activities in Egypt), Prof Nana Ama Browne-Klutse (a Ghanaian climatologist and promoter of science careers among girls in Ghana) and myself as a PhD student at the time but a great enthusiast of promoting science careers among girls and women in Uganda. Along the way, we adopted more hands and minds in order to better our service and drive further the efforts of achieving the aims of the initiative. These were Ms Salma Sylla Mbaye from Senegal, Dr Naomi Asabre Frimpong from Ghana and
Since the inception of this great community, a lot has been done, including: organising trainings for students and other community members on different concepts, producing videos that can be used during outreach, supporting outreach activities with seed grants, recognising excellent women in astronomy in Africa through the AfNWA awards not to mention but a few and now more recently, the AfNWA story book.
At the mere sight of this book, I can’t help but be proud of how far we have come! A collection of orig-
inal, beautiful, diverse yet relatable experiences, the AfNWA story book is a beacon of hope to the reader. This iconic piece of work was intentionally launched at the XXXII International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly (GA) 2024, the first GA to be hosted in Africa in the 100 years of existence of the IAU. We wanted to show to the whole world that Africa has great, intelligent, resilient and inspirational astronomers who have stood the test of time, as expressed in the stories and experiences shared, and emerged successful. These women bring colour to astronomy through their significant contributions to discoveries and science, mentorship, community service and development, teaching and, training the next generation of great astronomers and scientists. In addition to that, we thought these stories would act as a source of inspiration and empowerment to the younger generations and society as a whole not only in Africa but to the whole world. We at AfNWA believe like Ruth Bader Ginsburg that as society sees what women can be and do, and as girls and women see what women can be and do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we will all be better off for it.
As the main editor of this inaugural edition, I couldn’t be more inspired and humbled to see this dream come to reality. Of course it did not come without challenges but as always we didn’t let them ruin our moment to shine, because we are women and nothing can bring us down!
We hope this will not be the only edition produced, as there were several outstanding professional female astronomers who, for various reasons, were unable to share their stories this time but are eager to contribute in the future. We also have many upcoming astronomers whose journeys we’d love to learn from and showcase to the world. For these reasons, watch out for the next epic edition of the AfNWA story book.
The African Space Agency: Uniting the Continent’s Outer Space Ambitions
By: Mustapha Iderawumi
Since the launch of Egypt’s Nilesat 101 in 1998 and South Africa’s Sunsat in 1999, Africa’s journey into space has evolved from isolated national projects into a burgeoning continental endeavour. Today, 19 African nations boast some form of space programme, with pioneers like Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa leading the charge. They are followed by rapidly advancing countries, such as Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, and emerging entrants, including Mauritius, Rwanda, Libya, Gabon, and Senegal. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 25, reflecting Africa’s accelerating engagement with space technology.
Yet, as individual nations forge ahead, a critical question arises: Why establish a continental body like the African Space Agency (AfSA)? The answer lies in coordination, efficiency, and collective ambition. AfSA’s mandate is to integrate national, regional, and continental space efforts, eliminating redundancies and streamlining the African space ecosystem. As the official coordinating institution, it will implement the African Space Policy and Strategy, ensuring cohesive progress toward shared objectives.
Beyond internal harmonisation, AfSA will serve as Africa’s primary interface for international space collaboration, particularly with Europe and other global partners. As enshrined in the African Space Agency Act, the agency’s core mission is to enhance Africa’s space capabilities, guaranteeing equitable access to space-derived data, services, and products, essential tools for sustainable development, disaster manage-
ment, and climate resilience.
Laying the Continental Foundation
The groundwork for AfSA was laid in January 2016 during the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, where heads of state adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy. This landmark framework positioned space technology as a catalyst for the AU’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
The African Space Agency Act followed in 2017, establishing the legal bedrock for continental space governance. It outlined strategic priorities, including satellite development, space science education, and global partnerships, while paving the way for AfSA’s eventual establishment.
Governance and the Road Ahead
A pivotal component of AfSA’s structure is the African Space Council, inaugurated during the 37th AU Assembly. Comprising 10 members, two from each of Africa’s five regions, the Council ensures inclusive oversight, reflecting the continent’s diversity in decision-making.
Officially launched on April 20, 2025, AfSA is now positioned to commence administrative operations, staffing, leadership appointments, and functional structuring, with full operationalisation expected in the coming months.
African space Agency
Inaugural Ceremony of the African Space Agency
Eyes on the Sky: NRF|SAAO’s Telescopes and the Next Generation of Discovery
By Thembela Mantungwa
The South Africa Astronomical Observatory is the facility of the National Research Foundation and a national centre for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. Its main function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics by providing an excellent facility to scientists. At this year’s African Astronomical Society conference, the NRF|SAAO director, Dr. Rosalind Skelton shared with the African astronomy community the variety of telescopes hosted and owned by the NRF|SAAO and different research focus areas within the facility. Since choosing the site in the early 1970s, its dark skies potential and conducive weather for astronomy, have not changed much in recent years and this adds to the uniqueness of the Sutherland site together with its astro-tourism offering.
At the time the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) was commissioned in 2005, there were some challenges, which were later, resolved resulting in the relaunch of science operations in 2011. Since then, its instrumentation has undergone further refurbishment over the years to improve its science output, as well as adding new science instruments. Among the new additions to instrumentation is the NIRWALS - a Near-Infrared spectrograph, the laser frequency comb used for studying planets around other stars. In the past, it was the norm for astronomers to go to Sutherland every week, but with the advancement of technology and innovative ways to utilise time efficiently, there is an intense focus on making most of the Observatory’s telescopes remotely operated or robotic. For instance, the Lesedi telescope is fully incorporated into the Intelligent Observatory for rapid response to asteroid
alerts, and this has made it easy for a Master’s student who recently finished her research to receive data from this telescope. With the Intelligent Observatory, the telescope is also able to do follow-up observations on transients and time-domain astronomy, which is currently a big topic.
The NRF|SAAO research focus areas include transient and time-domain astronomy using most of the telescopes in Sutherland for follow-up studies and looking at their variable characterisation. Locally, the astronomy community has a keen interest in a variety of astrophysical objects, including their transient behaviour, cataclysmic variables, and near-earth objects. The queue-scheduling spectroscopic ability of the SALT makes it ideal for follow-ups. Galaxy evolution is also another research area that has a huge uptake among local astronomers; there is a variety of instruments available to them making it a multi-wavelength endeavour. The Observatory’s instrumentation department develops astronomical instruments and researches the best ways to optimise them. Their skills are in detector technology, building the Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) and cryostats and associated electronics. The instrumentation department also services other National Research Foundation facilities like the iThemba Labs and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.
The NRF|SAAO is also exceedingly involved in the teaching and supervision of the next generation of astronomers, in particular with the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP). During their time at the Observatory, students are encouraged to get involved in many projects to help them improve their skills in preparation for their research as well as the workforce.
NRF | SAAO’s Optical Telescopes
Careers Among the Stars: Top Opportunities and Institutions in Astronomy and STEM Across Africa
By Mutshidzi Mclloyd Nelwamondo
The sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. Across Africa, a new generation of scientists is shaping the future of space science. With investments in infrastructure, education, and international collaborations, African countries are offering growing career opportunities in astronomy, astrophysics, and STEM-related fields. This two-page feature highlights the top institutions across the continent and the exciting career paths they support.
Explore Career Pathways in Space Science
• Telescope Operators & Technicians
– Operate and maintain advanced telescopes across observatories.
• Astrophysics Researchers
Analyse cosmic data, model celestial phenomena, and publish findings.
• Instrumentation Engineers
Build, test, and optimise astronomical equipment.
• Data Scientists & Machine-Learning Specialists
Handle large datasets in astronomy and develop predictive models.
• Outreach Coordinators
Engage the public through science communication and education programmes..
• Satellite Systems Engineers Design, test, and manage space-based technologies
Scholarships & Internships to Launch Your Journey
• NASSP (South Africa & partners) – Bursaries for Honours and MSc studies in astrophysics and space science.
• SKA South Africa – Funding and internships for STEM students in radio astronomy and engineering.
• AfNWA – Grants and mentorship for African women in astronomy.
• SANSA – Internships and training in space weather and satellite data.
• PAPSSN – Mobility and research programmes across African universities.
Top African Universities in Astrophysics and Astronomy
Several universities across Africa are leading the charge in space science education and research. They offer postgraduate programmes, collaborate on major international projects like the SKA, and operate observatories that contribute to global scientific discoveries. Below is a list of notable institutions across the continent:
• University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa – www.uct.ac.za – Home to the Astronomy Department and involved in the SKA.
• Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), Morocco – www.uca.ma – Known for the Oukaimeden Observatory and planetary sciences research.
• University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria – www.uniport.edu.ng – Collaborates with NASRDA on astrophysics research.
• Cairo University, Egypt – cu.edu.eg – Offers programmes in solar physics, cosmology, and astronomy education.
• University of Nairobi, Kenya – www.uonbi.ac.ke – Focuses on astronomy and geospatial science research.
• University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana – www.ucc.edu.gh – Partners with SARAO, hosts the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory.
• Addis Ababa University (AAU) & SSGI, Ethiopia – www.aau.edu.et / ssgi.gov.et – Key space research and postgraduate training centres.
• Makerere University, Uganda – www.mak.ac.ug – Known for satellite research and physics education.
• University of Sfax, Tunisia – uss.rnu.tn – Collaborates in planetary science and optics research.
• University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon – www.uy1.uninet.cm – Active in cosmology and theoretical physics.
• USTHB, Algeria – www.usthb.dz – Offers strong astrophysics, space science, and geophysics programmes.
• BIUST, Botswana – www.biust.ac.bw – Works on radio astronomy and is part of the African VLBI Network (AVN).
Final Thoughts: Africa’s Place Among the Stars
From the deserts of Namibia to the mountains of Morocco, Africa is becoming a serious player in global astronomy. With world-class universities, collaborative networks, and growing infrastructure, students and professionals alike can find abundant opportunities to pursue their passion for the cosmos. Your journey into the stars starts here, in Africa.
Students from the University of Liège captured at the Oukaimden Observatory of Cadi Ayyad University
African Science Stars on the Move
AfAS General Assembly
Our team attended the AfAS General Assembly at Emperors Palace hosted by UNISA, where thought-provoking discussions, inspiring school outreach, and engaging field trips deepened our connection to Africa’s scientific potential.
Lillian at NewSpace Africa
Lillian Assefa, our editor, took part in the inaugural NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo, hosted by the Egyptian Space Agency. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how space-driven innovation can propel Africa’s economic growth.
Planetary Defense Conference
African Science Stars joined global experts at the Planetary Defense Conference in Stellenbosch, organised by SANSA, to explore strategies for protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts. The conference highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation in planetary defense, while emphasising Africa’s vital role in advancing space science and ensuring planetary safety.
Science Forum
At the Science Forum, African Science Stars showcased our magazine, sparking plenty of interest. We engaged in discussions with key players, including the Science Diplomacy Center for Africa (SFDCA), highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration. The event also featured impressive robotics displays that captivated all in attendance.
Tanzania Outreach Event
African Science Stars, alongside our long-time partners at the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), held an insightful outreach event in Tanzania. The excitement and curiosity surrounding the exploration of the cosmos and its potential to shape Africa’s future were palpable!
Past president of AfAS, Jamal Mimouni, is captured delivering a thought-provoking lecture, inspiring the audience to reach for the stars. Another image shows the sharing of the African Science Stars magazine with our Tanzanian astronomy friends, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Cosmic Clubs and Associations You Should Know About
By Kaoutar Saadi
Astronomy has a special way of bringing people together — it sparks curiosity, inspires wonder, and connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Across Africa, this passion for the stars is growing stronger every day. From student-led university clubs to national associations and grassroots initiatives, astronomy and astrophysics communities are lighting up the continent. Here are the best African clubs and associations in this field, each playing a unique role in promoting science, education, and public engagement across the continen
Morocco – Association d’Astronomie Amateur de Marrakech (3AM)
Website: https://marrakech-astro.uca.ma
Description: 3AM organises astrophotography workshops, astrophysics events, and the Astronomy Festival of Marrakech. In collaboration with Oukaimeden Observatory, it aims to foster public interest in astronomy by spreading knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics across Morocco through engaging educational activities.
Algeria – Association Suhail D’astronomie
Address: Association.suhail@gmail.com
Description: Promoting astrophysics education and scientific activities within the university, and public community.
Tunisia – Société Astronomique de Tunisie (SAT)
Website: https://www.sat.tn/
Description: A non-profit organisation aiming to unite amateur and professional astronomers in Tunisia and promote astronomical knowledge.
Egypt – Astronomy Club – Ain Shams University
Website: https://maaan.net/voluntary_activities/astronomy-club-ain-shams/
Description: A student-run club established in 2015, offering public science sessions, workshops, and stargazing events to engage the community in astronomy.
Libya – Polaris Astronomy Club
Adresse: PAC@roayaastro.ly
Description: A club that organises sessions aimed at raising awareness about astronomy and STEM topics, targeting both university students and the general public in Libya.
Ghana – Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI)
Website: https://gssti.org/
Description: Operating under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, GSSTI focuses on research and development in space science and technology for national development.
Nigeria – Space Clubs Nigeria
Website: https://spaceclubs.org/
Description: An initiative aimed at establishing space clubs in schools to empower students with knowledge in astronomy and space science.
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Association Ivoirienne d’Astronomie (AIA)
website:Association Ivoirienne d’Astronomie | Facebook
Description: Comprising students and researchers, AIA aims to promote science and contribute to national development through astronomy-related activities.
Ethiopia – Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS)
Website: https://www.ethiosss.org/
Description: A leading organisation in Ethiopia that promotes space science and technology through education, research, and public outreach. ESSS supports the development of astronomy and space science in the country and has played a key role in establishing the Entoto Observatory and Ethiopia’s space programmes.
South Africa-Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA)
Website: https://assa.saao.ac.za/
Description: A society of amateur and professional astronomers offering meetings, public outreach, and observation programs nationwide.
Madagascar-Malagasy Astronomical Society
Website: https://malagasyastro.wixsite.com/mass
Description: Founded in 2016, MASS is a non-profit organisation led by young astronomers and students. It promotes astronomy education and public engagement across Madagascar. MASS organises national astronomy meetings, outreach events, and works in collaboration with international institutions. It is also the official IAU adhering body for Madagascar.
Cosmic Connection - Crossword Cosmic Connection
4. What science thrives on
7. Tool used to observe distant celestial objects
12. Known as the “Mother of Hubble”
13. An intentional twist: a word inspired by “Star” and “Run”
15. Everything that exists, from stars to space-time
16. A powerful stellar explosion
17. Invisible substance that holds galaxies together
19. Another word for the universe
21. A massive system of stars, dust, and gas bound by gravity
1. A scientist who studies space
2. Discovered the first radio pulsars
3. Space telescope that changed our view of the cosmos
5. Light spread out by wavelength
6. The force that keeps us grounded and planets in orbit
8. A colorful cloud of gas and dust in space
9. Provided strong evidence for dark matter
10. An icy space object with a tail
11. Where astronomers study the skies
14. The heart of scientific progress
18. A planet outside our solar system
20. Proposed that
