African Science Stars Issue 5

ISSUE 5

See the night sky in all its splendour!

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is open again for tours in both Cape Town and Sutherland.

Cape Town

Open Nights:

When: 20:00 on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month

Where: SAAO HQ, Observatory, Cape Town

Cost: Free

Tours include a talk relating to astronomy/ physics, and a visit to the historic McClean telescope, the observatory museum and the library. On clear nights, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe through telescopes set up for the evening.

Sutherland Tours:

When: Daily, except Sundays & public holidays

Where: SAAO site, just outside Sutherland Cost: R120 (adults)

Visit the SAAO’s facilities in the Karoo! We offer both day and night tours. The site hosts our major telescopes, including SALT, the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. School tours are also available.

To book, please visit:

https://www.saao.ac.za/visitus/ Facebook: @SAAOnews

Twitter: @SAAO Instagram: @saao_astro

afas conference 2023

MeerKAT detects distant galaxy with large hydrogen atoms

MeerKAT wins Royal Astronomical Society Award

SANSA appoints new CEO

0 African destinations for star-gazing

African Science Stars

team

Editor • Nadine Sims

Graphic designer • Stacey Swartz

Contributing writers

• Duduzile Kubheka

• Dr Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana

• Fulufhelo Mukosi

• Karabo Rantwane

• Lusanda Tamesi

• Nadine Sims

• Phenyo Mathapo

• Samyukta Manikumar

• Susan Murabana

Chairman • Madambi Rambuda

Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za

Copyright 2023 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.

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+27 21 830 5240 info@sciencestars.co.za

www.africansciencestars.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THE ASTROTOURISM TREND

The theme for this edition of African Science Stars is a special one; ‘Astro-tourism’ - in Africa specifically. There is so much on offer across the continent of Africa - in terms of Astro-tourism and we explore this diversity in this edition.

Much of our African landscape remains untouched and according to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA) amongst all the continents, Africa is the continent that has the greatest undeveloped dark-sky resources.

This, coupled with the good weather makes it the perfect location for looking up at the stars, without the artificial light population. On page 19, we look at what exactly light pollution is and why it is bad for our environment.

Our cover story (page 9) explores different activities that one can do when embarking on an Astro-tourism trip, from a trip to the planetarium to a stargazing safari. Then, on page 30, we look at specific destinations in Africa for you and/ or your family to travel to for stargazing, where you can see the Milky Way galaxy in all its glory.

Tourism across the world and in Africa specifically is a booming industry, about 10.4% of global GDP and 7% of Africa's GDP is driven by the tourism sector, according to the 2019 report by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

And with that, it also presents an opportunity, especially after the devastating effect COVID-19 had on the industry, for people to generate income, on page 32 we look at ‘Howto start an Astro-tourism business’, for those interested.

Last, but not least, we briefly look at the highlights of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) conference, that took place in March 2023 at the Witwatersrand University (Johannesburg South Africa), Origin Centre, on page 16. The conference showcased many interesting and informative talks about science and outreach and aimed to create a dialogue and collaborations in the field of astronomy, both on the continent and internationally. Excitingly, the next conference will be taking place in Morocco in 2024.

If you are an outdoors person and you enjoy exploring, this edition is for you. I hope that you enjoy it, as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Nadine Sims Editor, African Science Stars

ASTRO-TOURISM IN AFRICA AND THE IAU386 SYMPOSIUM IN ETHIOPIA

The preservation of dark skies and astronomical heritage is crucial not only for observational astronomy and scientific development but also for fostering Astrotourism and advancing sustainable economic development around the world, including in Africa. Africa has a vast cultural and astronomical heritage and an unexplored dark sky, which presents an opportunity to preserve the night sky and invest in Astro-tourism as a key to economic diversification and a new approach to growth.

Africa offers unique and stunning landscapes that provide a perfect backdrop for stargazing, and it has a rich cultural heritage that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. Africa is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet, making it a great destination for combining Astro-tourism with traditional wildlife safaris. Astrotourism offers the potential to develop new markets for Africa's tourism industry.

To promote Astro-tourism in Africa, governments need to invest in infrastructure development such as developing observatories, promoting dark-sky destinations, and promoting safety and security measures. It is also important to partner and educate local communities about the benefits of Astrotourism and develop sustainable tourism practices to protect the natural environment. Training and education for locals interested in becoming Astro-tourism guides, astronomers, or other related professions could create job opportunities and help build a skilled workforce to support the industry.

Partnerships between governments, the private sector, and local communities can help to develop Astro-tourism and maximize its potential. African countries could promote their

Astro-tourism offerings through marketing and promotion campaigns targeted at both domestic and international tourists. However, light pollution poses a significant threat to the preservation of dark skies. Therefore, there is a need for both formal and informal educational approaches to create awareness of the challenge of light pollution.

To benefit more from Astro-tourism, Africa should establish a policy and strategy for African dark sky and astronomical tourism to utilise its dark sky and astronomical legacies effectively. In the African Astronomical Society's AFAS2023 conference, ‘African Dark Sky and Astro-Tourism (ADSAT) Strategy" was one of the agenda items of the special session that was discussed. It was recommended that AfAS take the lead in establishing a working group on Astro-tourism development so as to develop a continental Astro-tourism strategy in line with Africa Agenda 2063.

The IAU386 symposium in Ethiopia on ‘Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage in Boosting Astro-Tourism Around the Globe’, will be held from November 13–17, 2023, to promote Astro-tourism and dark sky preservation.

In summary, focusing investment on dark sky preservation and integrating Astro-tourism into the mainstream tourism industry could be a new way to boost GDP and achieve economic diversification in Africa.

Alemiye Mamo Yacob Regional partnership lead executive officer Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) Director, East Africa Regional Office of Astronomy for Development(EA-ROAD) AfAS Executive Committee Member

A d d i s A b a b a , E t h i o p i a h t t p s : / / i a u 3 8 6 . e s s t i . g o v . e t /

h e I A U 3 8 6 s y m p o s i u m f o c u s o n p r e s e n t i n g r e s e a r c h f i n d i n g s a n d s h a r i n g e x p e r i e n c e s t o e n h a n c e p r e s e r v a t i o n a n d u t i l i z a t i o n o f d a r k s k y , d i s c u s s i n g o n m e c h a n i s m s h o w t o b o o s t A s t r o - t o u r i s m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d a n d s t r a t e g i e s f o r u t i l i z i n g a n d i n v e s t i n g u n t a p p e d d a r k s k y r e s o u r c e a r o u n d t h e w o r l d . T h e s y m p o s i u m a l s o c o n s i s t s o f d i f f e r e n t s i d e e v e n t a c t i v i t i e s b e y o n d t h e s c i e n t i f i c d e l i b e r a t i o n s s u c h a s p u b l i c l e c t u r e s , c a p a c i t y b u i l d i n g a n d a w a r e n e s s c r e a t i o n t r a i n i n g o n ‘ D a r k s k y a n d A s t r o - t o u r i s m ’ f o r s t a k e h o l d e r s i n t h e i n d u s t r y , a s w e l l a s f o r d e c i s i o n a n d p o l i c y m a k e r s

T O P I C S O F T H E S Y M P O S I U M

D a r k S k y a n d i t s p r e s e r v a t i o n

A r t i f i c i a l L i g h t a t N i g h t ( A L A N )

A r t i f i c i a l l i g h t p o l l u t i o n a n d C i t y e x p a n s i o n

A s t r o n o m i c a l S i t e P r o t e c t i o n

G r o u n d - b a s e d A s t r o n o m y O b s e r v a t i o n

B i o - E n v i r o n m e n t a n d H u m a n H e a l t h I m p a c t o f S a t e l l i t e C o n s t e l l a t i o n s

I m p a c t o n R a d i o a s t r o n o m y

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T o u r i s m a s c u l t u r a l d i a l o g u e

E x p e r i e n c e , c h a l l e n g e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s o f A s t r ot o u r i s m

D a r k s k i e s , c u l t u r a l a s t r o n o m y , a n d a s t r o n o m i c a l h e r i t a g e

C u l t u r a l a s t r o n o m y

A r c h e o a s t r o n o m y

E t h n o a s t r o n o m y

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E d u c a t i o n , o u t r e a c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a c t i v i t i e s o f d a r k

s k i e s a n d A s t r o - t o u r i s m

P o l i c y a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n f r a m e w o r k o f d a r k a n d q u i e t s k y

A l e m i y e M a m o Y a c o b ( M ) , E a s t A f r i c a r e g i o n a l o f f i c e o f A s t r o n o m y f o r D e v e l o p m e n t ( E A - R O A D ) a n d S p a c e S c i e n c e a n d T e c h n o l o g y I n s t i t u t e ( S S G I ) , E t h i o p i a – C h a i r M i r j a n a P o v i ć , S p a c e S c i e n c e a n d T e c h n o l o g y I n s t i t u t e ( S S G I ) a n d I n s t i t u t o d e A s t r o f í s i c a d e A n d a l u c í a ( I A A ) , S p a n i s h N a t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C o u n c i l ( C S I C ) , E t h i o p i a – C oc h a i r C o n n i e W a l k e r ( F ) , N S F ’ s N O I R L a b , U S A ( C o - c h a i r ) K a t r i e n K o l e n b e r g ( F ) , K U L e u v e n a n d U n i v e r s i t y o f A n t w e r p , B e l g i u m ( C o - c h a i r ) J o h n H e a r n s h a w ( M ) , U n i v e r s i t y o f C a n t e r b u r y , N e w Z e a l a n d C a r o l i n a O d e m a n ( F ) , U n i v e r s i t y o f W e s t e r n C a p e , S o u t h A f r i c a J a r i t a C H o l b r o o k ( F ) , U n i v e r s i t y o f E d i n b u r g h , U K T h e b e M e d u p e ( M ) , N o r t h W e s t U n i v e r s i t y , M a f i k e n g , S o u t h A f r i c a J u a n A n t o n i o B e l m o n t e A v i l e s ( M ) , I n s t i t u t o d e A s t r o f í s i c a d e C a n a r i a s ( I A C ) , S p a i n S o n a l A s g o t r a a ( F ) , I A U - O A D , S o u t h A f r i c a , N i r u j M o h a n R a m a n u j a m ( M ) , I n d i a n I n s t i t u t e o f A s t r o p h y s i c s , I n d i a P i e r o B e n v e n u t i ( M ) , U n i v e r s i t y o f P a d o v a , I t a l y Z o u h a i r B e n k h a l d o u n ( M ) , O u k a i m e d e n O b s / U n i . o f M a r r a q u e c h , M o r o c c o N o o r a l i J i w a j i ( M ) , O p e n u n i v e r s i t y o f T a n z a n i a , T a n z a n i a B o n a v e n t u r e O k e r e ( M ) , N a t i o n a l S p a c e R e s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y ( N A S R D A ) a n d W e s t A f r i c a R O A D , N i g e r i a G e o f f r e y O k e n g ’ o ( M ) , U n i v e r s i t y o f N a i r o b i a n d E a s t A f r i c a A s t r o n o m i c a l S o c i e t y ( E A A S ) , K e n y a

S C I E N T I F I C O R G A N I Z I N G C O M M I T T E E ( S O C )

ASTROTOURISM

ASTRO-TOURISM IS VISITING A SPECIFIC PLACE TO DO STAR-GAZING OR ANY ASTRONOMY/SPACE RELATED ACTIVITIES. ABOUT 10.4% OF THE GLOBAL GDP AND 7% OF AFRICA’S GDP COMES FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR, ACCORDING TO THE 2019 REPORT BY THE WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM COUNCIL (WTTC).

Africa is a perfect destination for Astrotourism due to its untouched landscapes and good weather conditions. According to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA), compared to other continents, Africa has a great dark-sky resource.

Astronomy and space are very hot topics at the moment, with the hype around the James Webb Space Telescope, the imaging of a black hole and SpaceX all making headlines. In turn, this would almost definitely contribute toward a spark of interest surrounding Astrotourism.

For instance, when SpaceX launches rockets, people flock to Cape Canaveral to watch them take off. Subsequently boosting local hospitality and small businesses in the region.

Africa is no different and we have our own big science endeavor. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory, the World’s most sensitive radio telescope, under construction in South Africa. Once built, it will have a visitors’ centre and will surely attract many Astrotourism enthusiasts.

There are also other attractions, like planetariums, of which we have quite a few across the African continent (see page 38). Or you could visit a meteorite site in Namibia or Tanzania. The options are far and wide.

When looking at Astrotourism, the obvious upside is economic growth for that specific region, as well as job creation and human capacity development.

To keep the wheel turning and making Astrotourism sustainable long-term, preservation needs to take place. Light pollution (see page 19) could potentially be a problem, but that is where the IDSA comes in, it works towards conserving and protecting dark skies and promoting responsible lighting. They also certify certain locations as Dark-Sky Places through a rigorous process.

Below we have listed a few Astrotourism activities:

PLANETARIUMS:

A planetarium is a dome-shaped room where you can sit back and watch the stars. They usually play movies and take you on a journey through the universe. The first planetarium projector was unveiled in Jena, Germany in October 1923. Making this year the centennial. At the Witwatersrand planetarium, people got to watch the moon landing in 1969. The tapes were flown down from London the next day after the landing.

METEORITE SITE:

Located in Namibia is the largest meteorite on Earth, the Hoba meteorite. It came down about 80 000 years ago and still remains in the same place, due to it being approximately 60 tons. Though not as big, you can also visit another meteorite site in Tanzania, the Mbozi meteorite, which weighs in at approximately 25 tonnes. In South Africa, you can also visit the Vredefort Dome, the crater is the largest meteorite impact site on Earth, said to have hit around 2 billion years ago.

SAFARI:

Game reserves are usually far away from the city and away from any light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing. Call ahead of time and ask if they have a star-gazing guide. A safari is also ideal for Astrophotographers to get some great shots.

OBSERVATORIES:

In South Africa, you can visit the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town and in Sutherland. Cape Town has an Open Night every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Then in Sutherland, you can visit the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), which is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

CELESTIAL EVENTS:

From eclipses to meteor showers, celestial events are a great activity to participate in. A meteor shower occurs about once a year around the same time and it happens when Earth is passing through the debris of an asteroid or a comet. It can be described as many streaks of light emanating from one point. Grab a sky guide for your region and check what is happening in the night sky in your area.

applications as well as enhancing the regulatory framework. Kenya has a long history when it comes to space related activities. In 1964 Kenya and Italy collaborated in establishing a satellite launching and tracking base in Malindi, a town on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. From 1967 - 1989 over 20 sounding rockets and 9 rockets were launched from the Malindi station base,

In May 2018 Kenya launched its first nano-satelitte into orbit from the International Space Station. The satellite, called 1KUNSPF, has a low-resolution camera on board and is a technology demonstrator, constructed by the University of Nairobi.

According to Space in Africa, as of 2022, there are approximately 50 African satellites that have been deployed in space, with Egypt being the first to send a satellite to space in 1998.

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION VISITS SANSA

BUTI MANAMELA VISITS THE SPACE AGENCY IN HERMANUS AND ENGAGES WITH STUDENTS FROM LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

By Nadine Sims

The Deputy Minister of Science and Innovation in South Africa, Buti Manamela, visited the South African Space Agency in February 2023. When he arrived, he took a tour of the new Space Weather Centre, which was opened at the beginning of November 2022.

The Space Weather Centre is a 24/7 facility that monitors space weather. Space weather is different from terrestrial weather. The weather in Space is affected mainly by the Sun and needs to be closely monitored because it can have an effect on our technology. This can then affect our GPS, possibly having serious implications when it comes to aviation, for instance. And this monitoring of Space Weather is what happens at the Hermanus facility.

The Deputy Minister then visited the fully equipped science center, where schools and individuals are able to visit. He was shown around and played with some of the equipment while getting different explanations of the various displays the facility has on offer.

He then proceeded to a classroom, which was full of students from the local Zwelihle Primary School. He sat amongst the learners while doing hands-on activities with them. They made mock satellites from paper cut-outs. They were then split into teams and tasked with building a rocket. Each team received ‘money’ and with that they had to buy the different parts for their paper rockets.

Once the rockets were built, it was time to launch and this was the part that excited everyone. One-by-one each team brought their rocket to the launch pad, to be propelled by pumping air and releasing it, triggering the paper rockets to propel skywards.

Some went far, others failed to launch or came apart mid-air. The students and everyone watching laughed and had fun watching each other's creations.

When asked about spending the day with the students, Manamela said, “This is quite good, engaging with the kids and getting to introduce them to the science world, mathematics, technology, engineering, in the simplest of ways. And I hope that from here we’ll get some of them interested in building rockets and in building satellites.”

When asked about the Space Weather Centre, he expressed his appreciation for information that we sometimes take for granted. “There is a lot of work that goes behind that information. From flights not being delayed or flights not crashing, it is all thanks to science,” he said.

WINNER OF THE CAROLINA ODMAN EARLY-CAREER AWARD 2023

By Phenyo Mathapo

An assistant professor in astrophysics at Cairo University, Al-Shaimaa Hassanin, was awarded the Carolina Odman EarlyCareer Award earlier this year. The award recognises and supports scientific achievements and contributions of women in astronomy in Africa to society. Her field of research is modelling solar eruption and understanding the physics underlying preeruption. This eruption transfers the magnetic configuration or topology from a stable to an unstable system and results in an eruption.

She states that winning this award is an honour as she met Carolina Odman Govender in 2008 in Egypt, and they kept in touch throughout the years. She fell in love with her passion for astronomy and, who she was as a person. She believes that this is the best award she will ever receive in her career. “She’s my role model. I’m very, very, very proud that my award has her name.”

Doctor Al-Shaimaa Hassanin was born in Cairo, Egypt, where she also attended her primary and secondary schooling however, she attended elementary school in Oman. For her tertiary education, she attended Cairo University, where she studied astronomy in the faculty of science, for her undergraduate and masters. She then travelled to Germany to

do her PhD at Potsdam University, which was funded through a highly competitive scholarship called DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

According to her, the benefit of studying astrophysics is that astronomy has an indirect impact on our daily lives. Her love for astronomy began at a young age when she would go camping and observe the stars in Oman, which became one of her favourite things to do. When she and her family moved back to Egypt, she would search for books and resources which further confirmed her passion even more. However, her career path has been met with some challenges, because of her environment and gender. She states that in the beginning she was criticised and undermined by the community and society in Egypt as the faculty of science is difficult and demanding. One would have to study maths and physics, which were not seen as appropriate subjects for women to study. Her maths and physics grades were very good, and her parents were supportive which encouraged her to continue to pursue her dream, amidst the external prejudices. She acknowledges the support of her parents in travelling to Nigeria and Italy to attend schools during a time when Arab women could not even travel alone in Egypt. During her time in Germany, she encountered challenges surrounding her religion as the people would tell her to return to her country and that she could not study in their country. When she began working, she realised just how male-dominated the space science industry was as most of the staff were men, pressuring her to prove herself against the stereotypes attached to women. The criticism increased after she got married and had children, as it was expected of her to stay home by societal norms, however, her parents and husband continued to support her. She highlights her husband's support during the different stages of her career. When she goes to work, her husband looks after their children, allowing her to immerse herself in her work. Through these experiences, she began to encourage other women who were experiencing similar challenges.

“You can do it, don’t let them put you down. You can be a leader. You can have your own life, you can marry, have kids, and have a successful career. It depends on you, not on them. Don’t underestimate your power as a woman. Follow your dream.” Currently, her research involves the study of the sun-earth connections, geomagnetic storms and how that kind of instability, at the solar surface, could have an impact on the strength and/or parameters of the morphology of the geomagnetic storm.

“You can do it, don’t let them put you down.

THE 3RD ANNUAL AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY CONFERENCE

The week-long hybrid African Astronomical Society (AfAS) conference kicked off on the 13th of March, hosted at the Origins Centre at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, Gauteng. With the opening keynote address delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Witwatersrand University, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi.

The week consisted of many interesting science, outreach, communication, development and education talks and sessions. With many astronomers and students from across the continent showcasing their research and what they are working on. The expected outcomes of the AfAS conference are to enhance collaborations, increase awareness and improve dialogues among different countries.

Day 1 saw a special session titled: IAU General Assembly 2024 in Cape Town - Gearing up for the GA 2024. With this being the first ever GA being held on the African continent, the audience were given updates and highlights from the subcommittees of the GA organising team. The atmosphere and excitement surrounding the event was palpable.

There was a dedicated room where participants could visit different exhibitors' stands, see the work being done and chat to them. Amongst the exhibitors was SkySkan which specialises in multi-media products to showcase and communicate science in a cutting-edge visual way. Other exhibitors included African Science Stars, Hack4Dev, Office for Astronomy Development (OAD), PanAfrican Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN), the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)

Breakthrough Listen, which works with Berkeley SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) also participated at the conference, holding a special session on the work being done and hosting a reception dinner on day 1. They also had a stand where people could interact and talk to them about their research.

An exciting talk was given by Jane Rigby who is a NASA astrophysicist and serves as the Operations Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Rigby explained that JWST peers back into time when the first galaxies were lighting up the universe. “We anticipate a long science mission with Webb,” she said. There is 20-plus years of fuel on board for cooling.

astronomy may be able to help those with mental health issues. Vertue, who has a background in social work, said that Astronomy for Mental Health is a Flagship project of the OAD. He explained that they are still exploring ways that astronomy may be able to help those affected by mental health. Getting away from the busy city and looking up at the vastness of the universe may just be able to help.

The last day kicked off with a Business Meeting of AfAS. This covered all the achievements of the 2022/23 year and the different committees spoke about how their various projects are going and their future plans.

The last item on Friday, before the closing, was the African Planetarium Association Workshop. The keynote address was by Michael McConville from the International Planetarium Society, which is celebrating the centennial of the planetarium. The first planetarium projector was unveiled in Germany in 1923 and the first planetarium opened in Munich in May, 1925. In one the rooms they even had a mobile planetarium set up.

The week-long conference didn’t end there. AfAS along with DARA Big Data and the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) hosted ~ 30 students from 9 different African countries to participate in a hackathon.

Eslam Hussein, a Data Sciencitist at IDIA explained, “We are showing students how they can go from astronomy and go and explore other data sets with these skills. They get to know how to do classification and to visualise the data.”

It was announced at this year's event that the 2024 conference will be hosted in Morrocco. Stay tuned for more details or visit the AfAS website for more information: /www.africanastronomicalsociety.org

Dominic Vertue from the OAD, who gave a talk about how

Space reflections HOW DOES LIGHT POLLUTION AFFECT STARGAZING?

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and noticed that you can't see as many stars as you used to? That is because of light pollution. When there is too much artificial light in an area, it makes it hard to see faint things in the sky, like galaxies, the stars and nebulae. In essence rendering the sky dusty as we normally put it. Its like trying to see through fog - the more fog there is, the harder it is to see things far away.

Light pollution occurs when artificial light sources, such as streetlights, billboards, and buildings, emit excessive and unnecessary light into the sky. This excess light pollution can have negative effects on not only astronomers, but also insects and people who live in areas with prominent levels of light pollution.

One of the most significant impacts of light pollution on astronomy is that it reduces the visibility of stars and other celestial objects in the night sky. This is because the artificial light causes the sky to brighten, making it more difficult to see faint objects like stars and galaxies. This can be particularly problematic for professional astronomers, who need clear and dark skies to conduct their research.

photographers to capture clear images of the night sky. Insects are also affected by light pollution. Insects, including moths and other flying insects, are attracted to light sources. This can be problematic because these insects can become disoriented and may spend hours flying around a light source instead of performing their natural behaviours. I am certain what you read above gave you an answer to the “butterfly” that has been on a merry-go around your bedroom light. This can disrupt ecosystems and lead to declines in insect populations, which can have ripple effects throughout the food chain.

People living in areas with elevated levels of light pollution may experience negative health effects. Exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythms, which can lead to sleep disturbances and other health problems. A circadian rhythm is the natural cycle of physical, mental, and behaviour changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle. An example is sleeping at night and being awake during the day. Additionally, light pollution can cause glare and make it difficult to see while driving at night.

Light pollution is a significant problem that affects astronomy, stargazing, insects, and people. To combat light pollution, individuals and communities can take steps to reduce unnecessary and excessive outdoor lighting, such as using motion sensors to activate lights only when necessary, shielding outdoor lights, and using energy-efficient bulbs. By taking these steps, we can preserve the beauty of the night sky and protect the environment and our health.

Light pollution also affects stargazing for amateur astronomers and stargazers. It can be difficult to appreciate the beauty of the night sky when it is clouded by light pollution, and it can be challenging to identify and observe stars and other objects in the sky. Additionally, light pollution can make it difficult for

MEERKAT DETECTS A DISTANT GALAXY HOLDS

LARGE HYDROGEN ATOMS

outside the local universe. This discovery was made when light from the quasar PKS 1830-211 was intercepted at 7.3 billion light years on its way to earth. Think of a quasar as a very bright and highly active supermassive black hole spewing luminous jets from around its centre.

The PKS 1830-211 quasar, located about 11.1 billion light years from earth, is one of the brightest radio sources in the sky. This is because of the extremely powerful jets from its supermassive black hole that is pointed directly toward earth. As its light travelled towards earth, it lit up the arms of another other galaxy allowing these Rydberg atoms to be observed.

Rydberg atoms are essentially atoms with an electron in a highenergy state. This means the electron has more energy than normal. Under the right conditions, radio light magnifies these atoms and they become naturally occurring lasers. Conditions to observe this have previously been impossible in distant galaxies, however, MeeKAT has made it possible. The Ryberg atoms can be used to study the physical and dynamic structure of galaxies.

Kimberly Emig, a Jansky Fellow at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) of the USA said that these atoms tell us that the interstellar gas in this new galaxy is much denser than that found in our Milky way galaxy. Interstellar gas is the gas filling the space between stars. Essentially, this interstellar gas consists of the ingredients to form stars and planets. Dense interstellar gas will have a large variety of organic molecules present.

“Such discoveries give a new way to observe our Universe and possibly study the evolution of interstellar gas in galaxies over cosmic time. They could also help us to understand how interstellar gas drives and inhibits the activity of supermassive black holes.” ~Kimberly

Emig

A little bit more about MeerKAT…

Astronomy is about expanding our knowledge and attempting to explore and understand what is beyond what we perceive. It is about understanding the nature of the universe and our place in it. You may imagine it’s not easy given the distance we are away from everything we are trying to understand. That is why we celebrate the feats made by our modern-day sophisticated technology. Here we are looking at one such feat made by our very own MeerKAT.

Perhaps accidentally, scientists discovered a gas cloud with some of the biggest hydrogen atoms in the universe known as the Rydberg atoms. This is the first discovery of such atoms

Meerkat is a 64-receptor radio telescope built in the karoo desert of South Africa. It converts electromagnetic energy (radio waves) into data that scientists can process and analyse to help us understand and perceive more of the universe. If you’ve ever wondered if the name has anything to do with the likes of Timone from the Lion King, you weren’t thinking along the edges. The telescopes were to be named KAT for Karoo Array telescope which would consist of only 20 receptors, however after the budget was increased and 64 receptors could be built, they had to change the name to ‘Meer’ for ‘more’ to show that we now have more Karoo Array Telescopes, hence MeerKAT. This is also fitting because the karoo is the natural habitat of meerkats.

An artist's perspective of a quasar Adopted from NASA website

The PKS 1830-211 quasar illuminating a galaxy between it and earth. Adopted from SARAO website

MEERKAT RECEIVES A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Since MeerKAT began its full operation in 2018, it has made detailed discoveries of regions and objects in space within and beyond our galaxy. In a world where we live our lives in pursuit of more knowledge and understanding of our place in the universe, these discoveries are crucial in helping us build our story. And the MeerKAT telescope has made important data contributions allowing scientists to study more and expand our knowledge.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has recognised these achievements and awarded the MeerKat team the 2023 Group Achievement Award (A). The RAS acknowledged that in a short amount of time, MeerKAT had made significant contributions to radio astronomy.

Some of those contributions that RAS cited are MeerKAT images of the Galactic Centre region that revealed for the first time the fantastic large-scale radio bubbles around Sgr A* (Sagittarius A) and the evidence of a common origin for these bubbles. MeerKAT also tracked the radio afterglow of the first ever observed neutron star merger event and revealed powerful ejections from a stellar-mass black hole and contributed to the detection of the first afterglow from a gamma-ray burst detected by ground-based Cherenkov telescope.

Other than these contributions to Astronomy, the RAS has also acknowledged MeerKAT for supporting an intensive programme of human capital development in Africa, stress-testing the technology for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and helping to train the next generation of radio astronomers.

The SARAO website usually has opportunities to support students or scholars who are interested in or are already in the world of astronomy at certain times. These are in the form of specialised grants, workshops and skills development opportunities. If you're looking for such opportunities, keeping an eye on the website will be worth your while.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, welcomed the award to the team. He congratulated the MeerKAT team and also noted that the MeerKAT had also benefited local businesses, as the majority of materials used in construction were sourced locally, from towns near the telescope site, like Carnarvon, essentially benefiting poor communities.

MeerKAT continues to make ground-breaking discoveries, providing unprecedentedly clear data and contributing to and shaping our knowledge of the universe within which we exist, that’s something worth an award, isn’t it?

Radio bubbles around Sagittarius A detected by meerKAT From SARAO Website

Another MeerKAT discovery: Artist impression of the 76s pulsar (in magenta) compared to other more rapidly spinning sources. (c) Danielle Futselaar (artsource.nl) From SARAO.

ASTROTOURISM

Astro-tourism, or “dark night-sky tourism”, is a new travel trend that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves traveling to different destinations around the world to explore the wonders of the night sky, primarily for stargazing, observing celestial events, learning about astronomy, science, technology and space exploration. It can be a real surprise to the uninitiated just how much the sky varies from place to place.

The beauty of Astro-tourism is that it offers a unique experience that is both educational and entertaining. Unlike traditional tourism, Astro-tourism is not just about visiting popular attractions and landmarks but rather about discovering the mysteries of the Universe and our place within it. More than half of our planet’s population live in cities, where we banish darkness and light up not only our streets but also our night sky. As we do this, we are losing our direct connection with the wider Universe above us. Ironically, at the same time, our technology has revolutionised our understanding of those little lights in the sky, meaning today’s astronomers have tools that even a century ago would have seemed like magic. To observe some of these fascinating sights which we now understand so well, we must escape the light pollution we have created, and venture into the wild sky.

We live on the surface of a spinning ball, and here in Kenya we are at the centre of that ball’s rotation - straddling as it does both sides of the equator. This means that as we travel into Kenya’s dark and wild areas, almost every observable star in the entire sky is visible to us in both the northern and southern hemispheres of the celestial sphere. That sphere is bisected by an invisible line projecting outward from the equator directly above us. It is not only the sun which travels overhead here, but the Moon, planets and constellations of the Zodiac. As objects pass directly above us, we are looking through the least amount of atmospheric gas, minimizing atmospheric distortion (twinkling) and resulting in the best possible views of all the objects in our solar system. Saturn and its rings for example simply cannot be viewed any better than here at the Equator, making Kenya a favorable Astro-tourism site, and the gasps we regularly hear as we center our large telescope on it are always a joy.

Having traveled extensively around Kenya and a little into Tanzania, we have had the privilege of observing the night sky at its absolute stunning best. Electrification has been slower in Africa generally than elsewhere, which is of course a negative in terms of development and power equity, while it does have

the unintended effect of having some of the least light polluted regions anywhere on Earth. There are areas in Kenya where you can be hundreds of miles away from a street light, meaning that these places are not just wild in terms of the animals there, but also in terms of how the sky appears to be for us all on Earth before the invention of the light bulb - a mere 150 years ago. This combined with the dry climate, arguably make for some of the finest views of the sky anywhere on Earth.

My personal favorite place for Astro-tourism in Kenya is the Laikipia Region, just to the north and west of Mount Kenya. There is just something about the atmospheric conditions combined with low light pollution, dry climate and altitude, that make for stunning views of the heavens. Other great Astrotourism regions include; the Samburu land, Turkana, Tsavo and Maasai Mara parks, and even the coast can give wonderful views of the stars above the Indian Ocean in regions away from the towns and cities where light pollution is prominent.

In some of these areas during the Northern Hemisphere summer (Southern Hemisphere winter) our galaxy the Milky Way appears to cast shadows so bright as its lane of intense concentrations of stars arc overhead, guarded by the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius. Six months later you can then observe the best views of our nearest star-forming region, a vast, turbulent, dust cloud called the Orion Nebula, as it too passes overhead for us at the Equator. Astro-tourism truly is an awesome experience here, and it is a privilege for us to be able to share it with our guests.

In conclusion, Astro-tourism is an exciting and rapidly growing travel trend that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It allows visitors to explore the mysteries of the universe and learn about the history of space exploration, the galaxies, the stars and constellations. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a new and exciting travel experience, Astro-tourism is a fascinating addition to the modern safari into the wild.

Daniel Chu Owen, Creative Director, Travelling Telescope.

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY 4-DISH INTERFEROMETER

By James O. Chibueze

Some parts of the invisible components of the universe, like massive jets of radio galaxies, halos and relics of Galaxy Clusters, magnetic fields of astronomical objects, can be studied at radio wavelengths. In recent times, the field of radio astronomy has significantly expanded with the advent of new and upgrades instruments like the Atacama Large Millimetre/ submillimetre Array (ALMA), the Very Large Array (VLA), MeerKAT and the upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

MeerKAT and the part of the SKA that will be hosted in South Africa underscores the need for growing human capacity in radio astronomy and interferometry in the country and the continent at large. The Centre for Space Research, North-West University has actively trained and produced impactful MScs and PhDs for many years and has taken up the responsibility of developing a teaching interferometer that can also be used for doing research studies of bright radio sources. The interferometer consists of 4 x 3.7m radio telescopes. These are installed at the Nooitgedacht farm of the North-West University, 35 km outskirt of Potchefstroom. The site is fairly radio quiet and very sparsely populated.

The telescopes were installed in August 2022 and are undergoing commissioning and will be in full operation by 2024. Each telescope can operate at L-band and C-band, however, feeds will need to be swapped out to change from one band to another. The backend is a wideband receiver covering from 1 GHz to 18 GHz, thus allowing for future expansion of the science cases.

To underscore that this is a training instrument, I note that the telescopes were assembled by students and a student is leading the commissioning and verification of the telescopes. We have also attracted a huge number of collaborations. For example, Prof Tinus and Dr Johan of University of Pretoria are keen to develop new receivers and test/install them on our telescope and they have visited our site, the University of California, Berkeley SETI Team are collaborating with us on possible SETI high-cadence observations of SETI targets.

It is our hope that the NWU 4-dish interferometer will help bridge the knowledge gap in the country and continent in preparation for the SKA and also for the use of the current MeerKAT.

SANSA APPOINTS NEW CEO

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) welcomes their new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Humbulani Mudau, as of April 2023. His appointment follows that of Acting CEO, Andiswa Mlisa, having served for a period of one year. Mudau has over 20-years experience in the field of Space Science. Having worked at the Department of Science and Technology (DSI) as the Chief Director of Space Science and Technology prior to his appointment.

While at the Department, Mudau was responsible for the overseeing and implementation of the DSI 10-year Innovation Plan. This included the National Space Strategy and South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS) – as well as the establishment of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat. According to the press release, he holds a Masters in Satellite Remote Sensing from the University of Paris VI; a B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Management and Geospatial Sciences from University of Johannesburg; a Certificate in Remote Sensing from University of Johannesburg; and a B.Sc. Biological Sciences from University of Venda.

“He brings with him the ability to lead diverse teams, build long-term stakeholder relations, and develop policies, strategies and implement programmes that will be an asset for the young Agency,” said SANSA. His appointment comes at an exciting time for SANSA with the Space Infrastructure Hub and Matjiesfontein Deep Space Network node development projects, among other exciting initiatives on the horizon. He also has technical and management experience, particularly in Earth Observation systems, space technology development, as well as remote sensing, and geospatial applications.

According to Space in Africa, Mudau spent 17 years at the DSI, “As the Deputy Director of Space Programmes (2006-2009), Director of Space Science and Technology (2009-2010), Senior Scientific Representative and Expert for the Group on Earth Observations (2010-2012) and finally the Chief Director of Space Science and Technology (2012-2023).” In addition to his various research, development and innovation positions, he was also the project manager for South Africa’s first National Satellite Programme.

“He has played an instrumental role in engaging the Southern, Eastern and Western Africa regions as well as being on various African Union technical working groups and promises to contribute meaningfully to achieving SANSA’s mandate on the continent and globally,” SANSA noted.

ASTROTOURISM: A COSMIC PERSPECTIVE FROM AN AFRICAN REFERENCE FRAME

Every now and then, a question that comes to mind is how do Africans perceive the stars, and the universe? A liberating thought that comes to mind then is that the universe is large and knowing that we are not just an integral part of this unfathomable cosmic ocean, but this unfathomable cosmic ocean lives within us. As Carl Sagan would say: “We are made of Star Stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” Is this perhaps the cosmic perspective from an African point of view?

Enter Ancient Kenya and Ancient Egypt. The Turkana ethnic group, which is a group of people from the Turkana region of modern-day Kenya built the famous Namoratunga II, otherwise known as the Kalokol Pillar Site. This is an astronomical site in Kenya and was built in 300 BC by the Turkana people. At this site, stone structures were built in such a way as to align them to 7 key start systems. These star systems were: Sirius, Orion, Saiph, Aldebaran, Bellatrix, the Pleiades and Triangulum. Remember Sirius? This is the brightest star in our night sky. But what is the cosmic perspective from the Turkana people? The word Namoratunga by the way translates into “People of stone”. The alignment of these stones marked the rising positions of bright stars and the Turkana people kept track of these.

In Ancient Egypt, these Africans were just as keen on observing the stars as their Kenyan counterparts, with their view of the cosmos documented into “diagonal star tables”. These diagonal star tables were used by the Egyptians to track time and they date back as far as 2000 BC. These diagonal star tables comprised of 40 columns with each column representing a 10-day period and each column associated with a particular star. This was a very important practice for the Egyptians as they could fix the dates for specific festival and ceremonies. They called the star Sirius, ‘the sharp one’ and kept records of the Orion Constellation too. In addition to these, they were aware of planets such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The pyramids were of paramount importance too in their quest for astronomical knowledge, using them as alignment to stars.

I intentionally used these two nations to get an insight into the cosmic perspective from an African point of view because they are credited with being some of the early pioneers of Astronomy. It does not end there either, some of the darkest regions in the world to soak in the beauty of the universe can be found in Africa. Think of the Namib Desert in Namibia, the Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. All these sites are prime destinations for planetary and stellar observations and this is made possible by the dark skies they offer.

For a more advanced look of the cosmos, one can look into the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) found in Sutherland, South Africa and the HESS Telescope in Namibia. To brag a little, SALT is the largest single optic telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The thing about the universe is that it offers you a chance to take it in, in many ways. A radio look of the universe can be offered by the Meerkat Telescope and . This is a radio telescope found in South Africa and is well in its quest for enhancing our understanding of deep continuum and leading research in pulsar timing and transient searches. Probably the hottest topic in

Radio Astronomy in current times is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and South Africa is one of the nations making part of this ground-breaking project.

It is therefore evident that a cosmic perspective from an African point of view is one that seeks belonging and an attempt to try and understand oneself, with this in conjunction with a pursuit to trying to understand the universe as a whole. I therefore believe that Africa will make a phenomenal hub of astronomical research and observations.

AFRICAN DESTINATIONS FOR STARGAZING

STARGAZING IN AFRICA IS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE THAT OFFERS BREATH-TAKING VIEWS OF THE NIGHT SKY. FROM THE DESERTS OF NAMIBIA TO THE SAVANNAS OF TANZANIA, AFRICA IS HOME TO THE BEST STARGAZING SPOTS IN THE WORLD.

THIS CONTINENT IS A TREASURE TROVE FOR AVID STARGAZERS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP PLACES TO GO STARGAZING IN AFRICA:

Botswana

The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana is one of the largest salt flats in the world and offers a unique stargazing experience. The area is located far away from any major cities or towns, which means that there is insufficient light pollution to interfere with your view of the stars. In addition, the area is home to a variety of unique wildlife species, including meerkats, brown hyenas, and wildebeests.

Gambia

Discover the magic of stargazing like never before at Tendaba Camp in Gambia! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the African night sky while being guided by expert astronomers on a stargazing tour. Do not miss this unforgettable experience, as you soak in the breath-taking view from the camp's rooftop terrace. Book your stay now and witness the enchanting stars above!

Sahara Desert, Morocco

The Sahara Desert is one of the most inhospitable places on earth, but it also offers some of the most stunning views of the night sky. With no major cities or towns nearby, the Sahara offers an unobstructed view of the stars. The best time to visit the Sahara for stargazing is during the winter months when the skies are the clearest.

Draa Valley, Morocco

Morocco's Draa Valley is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, where the skies are particularly clear. The valley is home to a number of traditional Berber villages, where visitors can stay in guesthouses and take part in stargazing activities. The lack of light pollution in this area makes it possible to see the Milky Way in all its glory.

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve located in the heart of Namibia is one of the darkest places on Earth, with extraordinarily little light pollution. The reserve is located far away from any major cities or towns, which means that there is little light pollution to interfere with your stargazing experience. In addition, the reserve offers a variety of stargazing experiences, including guided tours and astronomy lectures also providing telescopes for guests.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa: This famous national park offers incredible wildlife viewing during the day and excellent stargazing opportunities at night. The park has several lodges that offer stargazing activities.

Sutherland, Northern Cape

Located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, Sutherland is home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) – the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. This area is known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it the perfect place for stargazing. Visitors can take guided tours of the observatory, where they will learn about the universe and marvel at the stars through SALT's powerful lenses.

Tanzania Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Tanzania Serengeti National Park is a vast, private game reserve in South Africa's Kalahari Desert. The reserve is known for its incredible night skies, which are free of light pollution. Guests can take a guided stargazing tour with an astronomer or explore the night sky on their own with provided telescopes. Visitors can enjoy views of the Milky Way and even spot some of the constellations unique to the southern hemisphere.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. The mountain offers some of the most stunning views of the night sky, and it is common to see shooting stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way. If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro, be sure to spend a night at the summit to experience the breath-taking views of the stars.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei, Namibia Sossusvlei is a region in the Namib Desert known for its towering sand dunes. The region is also

home to some of the darkest skies in the world marked as an International Dark Sky (IDS), making it a popular destination for stargazing. Visitors can take a guided tour or simply lie on the sand and gaze up at the stars.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Skeleton Coast, Namibia the Skeleton Coast is a remote stretch of coastline in Namibia known for its shipwrecks and stunning landscapes. It is also a beautiful place to stargaze, with its clear night skies and lack of light pollution. Visitors can choose to stay in any of the several lodges along the coast and take a guided stargazing tour.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya the Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves, but it is also a beautiful place for stargazing. The reserve has several camps and lodges that offer stargazing tours and have telescopes for guests. Visitors can enjoy views of the night sky while listening to the sounds of the African savanna.

In conclusion, Africa offers some of the best stargazing spots in the world. From the deserts of Namibia to the savannas of Kenya, there is something for everyone. Whether you are an amateur astronomer or simply looking for a unique experience, stargazing in Africa is sure to leave you in awe of the night sky. So, pack your bags and head to Africa for an unforgettable stargazing adventure.

HOW TO START AN ASTROTOURISM BUSINESS

Tourism is a significant contributor to the African economy, with the industry generating approximately $169 billion pre-pandemic in 2018. In the same year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry supported around 24.3 million jobs in Africa. Astrotourism is a unique opportunity for Africa to diversify its tourism offerings and attract a new segment of travelers using a resource that is already readily available - a dark, starry night sky.

Astrotourism businesses come in many forms, including observatories, planetariums, and outdoor stargazing tours and setups. Indoor facilities like observatories contain telescopes, and planetariums are popular for their simulations of the night sky and celestial events. Outdoor stargazing tours, on the other hand, involve taking visitors outside to look at the stars, where they can observe the stars and planets with their eyes or with telescopes. You can extend these ideas further and get creative - any activity that involves the night sky or themes of the stars and celestial bodies could be considered Astrotourism. From stargazing on wildlife safaris, Astrotourism in wellness retreats, and dinners or drinks under the stars, there are many ways to use the stars to complement and enhance tourism offerings.

If you are considering starting an Astrotourism business in Africa, there are a few things to keep in mind. The type of astrotourism activity you offer, whether it's indoors or outdoors, will affect the equipment and skills people need. For indoor activities, such as observatories and planetariums, you often need to have telescopes, projectors, and other specialised equipment. You may also need to train staff in the skills required to operate the equipment and provide visitors with information about the night sky.

visitors with interesting facts and information. This information can be scientific in nature but can also include local cultural perspectives of the stars and planets. You will also need to have access to dark skies in a safe area and may decide on additional equipment to augment the experience like telescopes, binoculars, or star maps. Make sure to have a backup version of your activity that can be carried out indoors in case of bad weather, since the sky is not always clear. You might consider preparing a presentation or talk that can be given indoors in case going outside is not an option.

Another important factor to consider is the legal and regulatory requirements for an Astrotourism business. You may need to obtain permits and licenses from relevant authorities, such as the tourism board and local governments, so be sure to research these carefully. You will also need to comply with safety regulations and may need liability insurance to protect your business and visitors.

A critical consideration to reflect on before you start to tailor and develop your idea is the target market for your Astrotourism business. It helps to identify the type of travelers you want to attract, such as families, adventure seekers, or educational groups. If you can craft your business to target the needs and interests of people who already visit your area for other kinds of tourism activities, you have a good chance of being successful.

Astrotourism is a growing trend in the travel industry, and Africa presents a unique opportunity to develop Astrotourism businesses with low existing competition and an abundance of dark skies. Whether you choose to operate an observatory, planetarium, or stargazing tour, it's essential to consider the type of activity you offer, equipment and skills people need, legal and regulatory requirements, and your target market. By doing so, you can create an exciting and profitable Astrotourism business that showcases the beauty of the African night sky.

The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism reported that Astrotourism has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an estimated 20 million people participating in stargazing activities each year. As more people seek unique and immersive travel experiences, Astrotourism is likely to continue to grow in popularity, particularly in places like Africa that have pristine dark skies.

For outdoor activities like stargazing tours, you will need staff who are knowledgeable about the night sky and can provide

If you would like more information about Astrotourism, or resources and support for an Astrotourism business, email info@astro4dev.org

AU SUMMIT AFRICAN SPACE AGENCY UPDATE

Back in 2018, the African Union (AU) put out a bid to find the most suitable country to host the African Space Agency (AfSA). Egypt won this bid and was declared the host in 2019 for political and technical competence. This year, in January the organisation was established and Egypt and The AU signed an agreement.

The AfSA facilities in Egypt, Cairo

In 2016, at the 26th AU summit, the African Space Policy and Strategy framework was adopted to ensure that the mandate of the AU - 2063 is actualised and that an appropriate organisation for promoting space activities in Africa is established. Such an organisation is the AfSA.

Hosted in Cairo, Egypt, the organisation is to be the centre of all space activities in Africa including collaboration with other countries. This year on January 24th, the Space agency was declared fully operational.

Its creation responds to the conviction of most African leaders that space-based applications are key to accelerating the development and prosperity of their respective countries and, step by step, they have brought the African Space Agency into being. The aim is to acquire technologies and build infrastructure to improve, for example, the management of water, marine and terrestrial natural resources, agriculture and the environment.

The responsibilities assigned to the Agency also include coordinating the development of a "critical mass of African capabilities in space science, technology and innovation through education and training programmes". It is an extension of the African Space Strategy, which aims to "attract students to postgraduate programmes focused on achieving an indigenous space sector in the changing socio-economic landscape".

A tribute to

..

Prof. Carolina Odman

Message from AfNWA Board

Science and Technology Forum presented Professor Ödman with the Communication Award for her innovative ways of communicating science, engineering, and technology. Indeed, she has initiated many projects that have had significant impact in their communities.

Carolina was a unique soul and an extraordinary person who meant so much to all of us who had the chance and privilege to meet her and work with her. Through her passion and true love for astronomy, the world that surrounds us, and humanity, Carolina inspired constantly so many of us and she left on us an everlasting list of true values to be followed in our life and work.

Professor Carolina Ödman was one of the founding members of the African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA). Her death is a great loss to AfNWA and to the entire scientific astronomical community.

The announcement of Carolina’s death in November 2022 came as a great shock to the entire astronomy community even though it was expected. She had been fighting pancreatic cancer for 5 years. Despite her battle with this disease, through her generosity and passion for her work, she continued to serve her community and family, to go to work, to participate in awareness activities and training, and to constantly inspire all of us. She had such a wide circle of influence, and her loss was felt deeply across both the African and international astronomy communities.

Carolina was involved in many activities for the development of astronomy from the grassroots upwards. In addition to her professional duties (as an Associate Professor in Astrophysics at the University of the Western Cape and the Associate Director for Development and Outreach at the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy), Carolina has been very active in programmes of outreach of astronomy and science in general, considering that science is one of the key mechanisms for addressing the challenges of society. To this end, she led a global programme called the Universe Awareness, which uses astronomy to inspire young people, and was building a programme for science education in African languages. All this brought her several recognitions: in 2018 she received the Special Executive Committee Award for Astronomy, Development, and Education from the International Astronomical Union. In 2021, the National

Carolina was a founding member of AfNWA-AfAS and a serving member of the AfNWA board. She has been a powerful force in our community, advocating for the representation of women in science and industry, and working towards empowering minorities in our society. For AfNWA, she was one of the vital persons. She was the first to give the virtual trainings that we organised for bringing more skills to our young people; she took the principal coordination of AfNWA communication with the public, for giving more visibility to AfNWA activities; she played a key role in launching the very first Awards for Women in Astronomy in Africa, for giving recognition and more visibility to the work that young and senior women astronomers in Africa are doing and for inspiring through them many others; and she participated in drafting the AfNWA recommendations for future policies and strategies for improving the status of women in science.

We, at AfNWA, are grateful for her immense contribution to our society and continue to be guided by her life’s work in making our world a better place through astronomy and science. Carolina was a joy to work with, and she held us all to high standards. She is the embodiment of Nelson Mandela’s well known phrase “It always seems impossible until it’s done!". We take strength from her ever-optimistic outlook, even in the face of cancer, and we commit to channel this unique energy in our future endeavours.

As a sign of recognition of her contribution to AfNWA, the Early Research Career Award, which will be given every year to young women in astronomy in Africa for their science achievements and their contribution to society, has been renamed into “Prof. Carolina Ödman Early Career Award”. Carolina will be deeply missed in the AfNWA community, but she will forever be our inspiring star and our source of kindness, optimism, motivation, and strength.

We acknowledge the enormous support of Kevin, Xavier, Cyprian, and family during Carolina’s life, and we transmit our love and support to them and to all friends and colleagues.

Application opens: 3 April 2023

Application deadline: 11 July 2023

Funding outcome: 22 December 2023

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Further information: www.daad.org.za/nrf

Application: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) award Master's and Doctoral Scholarships to South African citizens including permanent residents for postgraduate studies at public South African Universities.

Benefits of the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship (upon application):

*can only be awarded if the necessary financial means are available

Fully funded scholarship for postgraduate studies in South Africa

Mobility grant for a short-term research visit of 3 - 6 months to Germany

Participation in one of six interdisciplinary summer schools on offer in Germany

NRF-DAAD Scholarship

Fri, 5 May, 12:00-14:00 SAST

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Djibouti Spaceport A First in Africa

Africa is set to have its first-ever spaceport after the billion-dollar deal between China and Djibouti, a small country located in the Horn of Africa.

By Phenyo Mathapo

President Ismail Omar Guelleh, of Djibouti, announced a $1 billion partnership with Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) regarding the development of a rocket and satellite launch site in the northern region of Obock, earlier this year.

In January, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between HKATG, Touchroad International Holdings Group and the Djibouti government to confirm the construction and operation of an international commercial spaceport. It is set to have three rocket testing pads and seven satellite launch pads. The Djibouti government will provide a minimum of 10 sq. km of land and a term of co-management of 30 years. The spaceport is to take five years to complete.

This project will be used to transport materials needed for the development of aerospace sites, and construction will include a highway to ensure the safety of those materials, a port facility, and a power grid.

The construction of the spaceport marks a major expansion for China and its connection to Djibouti. This project is determined to grow the economy of the Djibouti nation and enhance its status. It is believed that satellite communication is crucial to bridge the connectivity gap in the continent.

There have been attempts at small-scale launches in Africa, such as the Italian-operated Luigi Broglio Space Centre (San Marco) in Malindi, Kenya, however, the continent was without a launch site.

Djibouti is located on the Gulf of Aden at the entrance of the Red Sea. This location is significant as almost 30% of global container traffic travel through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with more than $1 trillion worth of goods.

There has recently been an increase in the collaboration in space between China and many African countries. The value of the space and satellite industry in Africa has increased to more than, $19.6 billion as 14 countries have launched 52 satellites into space in 2022. Six of these satellites were built by China and one by the US.

In 2022 Djibouti announced that its space programme was working on the launch of two satellites called Djibouti 1A and Djibouti 1B. By sending ten engineers to the University Space Centre of Montpellier to learn about small satellite development, these projects would facilitate human capacity development.

HKATG vowed to make this a fair deal where both parties win, thus promoting cooperation with Djibouti. This technological project will be the first orbital spaceport in Africa, positioning the continent in the global space race. Djibouti holds strategic significance as it accommodates the United States’ largest military base in Africa, as well as military bases of countries such as Italy, Japan, France and China.

Satellites are ideal as they assist with predicting natural disasters, meteorology, droughts and managing agricultural seedlings. They also provide security by acting as surveillance systems in the case of a terrorist attack.

Following a visit to China by Djibouti experts, a formal contract signing is set to occur in April or May 2023.

For more information visit: https://parabolicarc.com/2023/01/26/allabout-that-spaceport-china-wants-to-build-in-djibouti-where/ https://africanews.space/would-spaceport-development-be-a-rewardingendeavour-for-djibouti/

AFRICA’S FIRST WORLD SCIENCE FORUM

By Phenyo Mathapo

South Africa made history by hosting the first-ever World Science Forum in Africa from 6-9 December, 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The theme of the Forum was, ‘Science for Social Justice’, and on the day of the opening, researchers and scientists from around the globe gathered in the exhibition hall to showcase their work and its relation to the theme. African Science Stars Mag had a stall situated near organisations such as AFAS, SAAO, OAD and SKAO, thus creating an ‘astronomy corner’.

There were talks held throughout the Forum, such as the 'Science Freedom and the RRING Community Working with UNESCO on the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researches (NRFSAASTA)’, which discussed scientific freedom of research by viewing case studies from South Africa, Serbia, Ireland and France. As well as the ‘Advancing Africa’s Astronomy Agenda’ talk, where the speakers discussed how astronomy could assist the continent of Africa, followed by an insightful Q and A session. During this discussion, someone stated: "... So that we don't do to astronomy what we did to mining."

President Cyril Ramaphosa was at the exhibition hall where he took a tour of the various stalls and engaged with a few scientists, researchers and media present on the first day. The opening ceremony was held later that evening, where he gave a keynote address and proposed 5 questions to the audience about the future usage of science to better the conditions of humanity

regarding poverty, injustices and inequalities. Other speakers included the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bonginkosi Nzimande and the Assistant DirectorGeneral of Natural Science from UNESCO, Shamila NairBedouelle among others. Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan was present and was a speaker at several of the talks on the second day.

The Forum also provided some entertainment, such as the 360-degree camera where one could record a video of themselves on a stage podium and receive it via message and a science experiment involving colourful tubes used to make music. There were also stalls which gave individuals a virtual reality experience, and all the stalls gave out free goodies such as USBs, pens, notebooks, tote bags and bottles. Each day ended with a networking event in the form of an opening reception, a delegates' party and a gala dinner.

On the last day, the exhibition hall was open to the public and welcomed curious high school students interested in the sciences. They took a tour around the exhibition hall and picked up a few copies of African Science Stars magazine.

Tertiary institutions such as UNISA, UCT, WITS, UP, UWC and UKZN were exhibiting. Various stalls also promoted funding and opportunities to study abroad, funding for innovative projects and bursaries.

For more information visit: https://worldscienceforum.org/

THE VAST CONTINENT PLANETARIUMS IN AFRICA

Africa is a vast continent with a rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and breath-taking landscapes. But did you know that Africa is also home to some of the most exciting planetariums in the world? These planetariums offer an immersive experience of the universe, where visitors can learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies in a fun and inter active way. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best planetariums in Africa, in alphabetical order.

ALGERIA

Planetarium de Ghardaia, Ghardaia is located on Avenue Emir Abdelkader in the city centre. The planetarium offers educational shows and presentations on astronomy, space exploration, and the natural sciences. It also has a telescope for observing celestial objects. For more information go to their website or call +213 78 18 12 189

The second planetarium is the planetarium of Algiers, Algeria Located in the capital city of Algeria, the Planetarium of Algiers is one of the largest planetariums in Africa. The planetarium offers a range of shows and presentations that cover topics such as the solar system, stars, and galaxies. The planetarium also has a 360-degree projection system that provides visitors with an immersive experience. To experience more exhilarating and fun visits go to www.craag.dz

EGYPT

The Planetarium of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt

The Planetarium of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the

largest planetariums in Africa. Located in Alexandria, Egypt, it offers visitors a chance to explore the universe through its cutting-edge technology. The planetarium has a 20-meter dome that can seat up to 600 people. The Planetarium of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers a variety of shows, including “From Earth to the Universe,” which takes visitors on a journey from our planet to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. For more information you can call +20 3 483 9999

The second planetarium in Egypt is the Planetarium Science Centre - Located in Cairo, this planetarium was founded in 1998 and is one of the largest planetariums in the Middle East. It has a 21-meter dome screen and offers shows on topics such as the solar system, stars and constellations, and space exploration. For more information go to https://www.bibalex.org

KENYA

The Nairobi Planetarium is an out-of-this-world experience located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. Its immersive domeshaped screen transports visitors into the vast depths of space with high-resolution images of celestial objects accompanied by narration and music. Explore the solar system, constellations, black holes, and the Big Bang theory in their public shows and stargazing sessions. The museum's exhibits offer a glimpse into the universe's history, while the planetarium's research in astronomy and space science helps advance our knowledge of the cosmos. A visit to the Kenya Planetarium promises a fun and educational adventure for everyone, from families to schools and aspiring astronomers. If you would like to know more about the Nairobi planetarium, please go to their website www.travellingtelescope.co.uk

SOUTH AFRICA

Iziko Planetarium at the Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town

The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, Cape Town, South Africa

The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is one of the most popular planetariums in Africa. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, it offers visitors a chance to explore the universe in 3D. The planetarium has a 15-meter dome that can seat up to 360 people, making it ideal for group tours and educational trips. The Iziko Planetarium offers a variety of shows, including “Rising Star,” which explores a South African astronomy journey. https://www.iziko.org.za

Johannesburg Planetarium at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

The Wits Planetarium, South Africa Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Johannesburg Wits is one of the most popular planetariums in Africa. With a state-of-the-art projector, the planetarium offers a stunning view of the night sky, and visitors can enjoy a range of shows and presentations that cover everything from astronomy to space exploration. The planetarium also hosts regular stargazing events, where visitors can observe the stars and planets through telescopes. This planetarium is currently under construction. For more information visit www. planetarium.co.za

Sutherland Planetarium

The Sutherland Planetarium is a remarkable facility run by the South African Astronomical Observatory. Visitors can experience interactive and educational programs on astronomy and space, and explore the southern hemisphere's constellations, planets in our solar system, and cutting-edge astrophysics research. The planetarium's advanced digital projection system offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors to the depths of space and back. Stargazing events are held regularly, giving visitors a chance to observe the sky through the observatory's telescopes while learning about the science behind what they're seeing. Whether you're a space enthusiast or seeking an educational outing, the Sutherland Planetarium is a must-visit destination. For more information visit www.sutherlandplanetarium.co.za

TUNISIA

The Tunis Planetarium, Tunis, Tunisia

The Tunis Planetarium is one of the newest planetariums in Africa. Located in Tunis, Tunisia, it offers visitors a chance to explore the universe through its immersive digital projection system. The planetarium has a 15-meter dome that can seat up to 180 people. The Tunis Planetarium offers a variety of shows, including “The Immersive Universe,” which takes visitors on a journey through the cosmos. To know more about this planetarium, visit www.cst.rnu.tn

These planetariums are great places to learn about astronomy, space science, and the universe in general. They offer a range of programs and shows that are suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.

COSMOLOGY ON SAFARI 2023

From the 6th to 10th of March 2023, UKZN’s Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC) hosted Cosmology on Safari (Cosmo Safari) for the fourth time at the ANEW hotel in Hluluwe, KZN. This bi-annual conference focuses on the interplay between cosmological models and data, with emphasis on the challenges that remain in cosmology. The first Cosmo Safari was hosted at the Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Hluhluwe and was the brainchild of Prof. Sievers (ARC’s honorary Professor, currently based at McGill University in Canada) and Prof. Moodley (current ARC director). The vision was to have a meeting that would gather an audience of international, well-established Cosmologists and students in the field in a venue that would give the attendees a truly South African experience.

The conference programme covered a range of topics, including theoretical perspectives on dark matter, dark energy, gravitational theories and gravitational waves, and the early universe, including inflation and primordial physics. Observational probes, including cosmic microwave background experiments, large-scale structure surveys, 21cm intensity mapping and global measurements, galaxy clusters, gravitational lensing, supernovae, and baryon acoustic oscillations. Scientists leading in their respective fields were invited to give a broad overview of the current status in theoretical and observational cosmology. The invited speakers included, Martin Kunz (Geneva), Suzanne Staggs (Princeton), Stefan Taubenberger (Max-Planck-Institut für

Astrophysik), and Michelle Lochner (UWC) (more speakers are listed on the conference website). The programme was also balanced with fun social activities such as game drives, quiz night, and karaoke evenings. The combination of high-quality science talks and social events left a lasting impression on the attendees.

"Cosmology on Safari - 2023 has a unique blend of Science and Wildlife experience, where we get to see the research in cutting-edge cosmology from the experts and drive through the game reserves to witness the wild animals (especially the Big 5) at their habitats. This week-long conference gave me a chance to present my PhD work and discuss it with the field experts to get their insights. The sessions were well organized, with equally academic and non-academic activities like presentations, karaoke nights, bush braai, night game drives, pub quizzes, and birding breakfast. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique conference experience and had a wonderful time, which gave me new perspectives in research." These are some of the comments by Ajith Sampath (a PhD student at UKZN).

Closing the conference, Prof. Yin Zhe Ma shared with the audience a timeline of the breakthroughs in Cosmology and how new physics is needed to complete the picture of the cosmological evolution of the universe. In his view, the new physics might emerge from the studies of CMB/Large Scale Structure (LSS) neutrino masses, direct detection of dark matter, and the physics of the Epoch of Reionization.

ACROSS

DOWN

4) Location of the Boyden Observatory

5) Country hosting a 32 meter radio telescope for visits and outreach 8) Looking at the stars with the naked eye or through small telescopes 11) Modern astronomical institution in Egypt

Country in which you can find Mt Meru

Visit this country and can enjoy a good visit at Mt Entoto Observatory

1) Privately owned observatory in the Western Cape designed for public access

2) Ancient knowledge still transmitted orally

3) Namoratuga is located in this country

6) Digital planetarium in Bloemfontein

7) Oldest and largest planetarium in Cape Town

8) Town where SALT and other optical telescopes are located

9) Radio telescope in Carnarvon designed to detect the first stars and galaxies

10) Gathering of people watching stars

12) Ancient stone-based observatory in Egypt 13) National Park in Kenya that offers stargazing

WITS PLANETARIUM GOES DIGITAL

WITS PLANETARIUM: A CENTRE FOR FUTURE RESEARCH TO PIQUE INTEREST AND FORM OPINIONS

The Wits Origins Centre in Wits University recently hosted the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) third annual conference, attracting astronomers from across Africa. While the atmosphere was charged with conflicting emotions, a melancholic soundtrack filled the room, creating a heart-warming atmosphere. Attendees were treated to a talk on the highly anticipated technological upgrade to the Wits Planetarium dome. This digital transformation, which requires a multi-millionrand investment, will put the planetarium into the digital age, enhancing the experience of visitors and supporting scientific research, artificial intelligence, and digital arts. This is a partnership between Anglo American and the Wits University. Mr Constant Volschenk, a long-serving planetarium supervisor, spoke passionately about his love for the planetarium. Despite the challenges that come with his job, Mr Volschenk has always found comfort in the sight of the star projector, often taking walks to the planetarium to lift his spirits. He even admitted to hugging the 93-year-old masterpiece when he was feeling down. Sadly, the beloved star projector will soon be replaced as the dome undergoes its digital transformation.

This technological facelift is more than just an upgrade; it represents a significant moment in the growth and development of the Wits Planetarium. By embracing innovative technology, the planetarium will offer a modern and dynamic experience to its visitors, while also supporting academic research and advancing scientific knowledge.

The new digital dome is built in phases where phase one

and two will be the expansion of operational offices, seminar rooms, and meeting spaces, this is set to create a space for multi-disciplinary research teams to interact with data and digital dome show experts.

The final phase of the project will create a centre for research, featuring an open-plan office space and a creative studio, among other advantages. This space will allow the Wits team to develop science engagement digital content on-site, furthering their reputation as leaders in the field of science communication. The integration of the Wits planetarium with the Wits Football Stadium and the creation of a media viewing deck and rooftop event space will also add to the planetarium's unique and innovative offerings.

Wits planetarium is poised for significant growth and development with its upcoming digital transformation. By combining cutting-edge technology with the planetarium's rich history, the new space will provide a unique and innovative experience for visitors and academics alike, furthering the planetarium's reputation as a leader in the field of science education and research.

“How to say goodbye; a farewell to a star projector or the end of an era,” said the planetarium supervisor, Mr Constant Volschenk.

African Science Stars on the move!

THE ETHIOPIAN SPACE SCIENCE SOCIETY 18TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The African Science Stars team arrived in Ethiopia and attended the 18th Ethiopian Space Science Society’s General Assembly at the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology. The two-day event kicked off with a keynote address from the Chairman of African Science Stars magazine. The General Assembly included many sessions, including a Youth Session, where the magazine was distributed to participants

THE AFRICAN UNION

The team visited the African Union headquarter buildings and got to explore the grounds. The African Union is a continentalwide organisation that consists of 55 member countries.

VISIT TO THE SPACE SCIENCE AND GEOSPATIAL INSTITUTE

The African Science Stars team was invited to Ethiopia by the Space Science and Geospatial Institute and were invited to visit their offices. That is where the Chairman of the magazine met with the Deputy Director. The team were given a tour of the space weather section, where space weather is monitored and the Ethio Spacekids Club, where kids come and engage in different space-related activities.

THE ETHIOPIAN SCIENCE MUSEUM

Located in central Addis Ababa, the Science Museum is situated in a building that was inaugurated in October 2022. The building is vast and there are many exhibitions to see. As you walk to the top of the building you get a 360-degree view of the city.

EUROPE DAY

Europe Day is an annual celebration in Ethiopia, commemorating the first move towards the creation of what has today become the European Union. The team attended an event where there was music, traditional Ethiopian dancing, good food and even telescopes, so participants could do stargazing.

THE ABREHOT LIBRARY

Officially opened in January 2022, the new Abrehot library is the biggest library in Ethiopia. The library now holds African Science Stars magazines for visitors to enjoy and read at their pleasure.

THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT

The team attended the Back-to-School event in Addis Ababa, at the Abrehot library. The exhibition was a two-day event, where students and parents came and visited the expo stand and walked away with a copy of African Science Stars magazine.

ENTOTO OBSERVATORY

Located in Mount Entoto, close to Addis Ababa, the observatory officially began operations in 2012 and is still currently under construction. visited and got to see the different instruments.

THE ETEGE MENEN GIRLS’ BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL

The team visited the Etege Menen Girl’s Boarding Secondary School where magazines were distributed to the students. The students are passionate about space science and astronomy, and also have a Space Club that was established in 2012 (Ethiopian calendar), that currently has 20 members.

LET US HELP A GRADUATE GET A JOB!

NRF|SARAO has a job for everyone and if you cannot find what you are looking for you can always register your CV on their website. These jobs vary from being long term contract to permanent positions. Key requirement for the below jobs:

Qualifications:

• B.Tech/B.Sc. (Comp Sci) with 5+ years

• B.Eng./B.Sc. Hons (Comp Sci) with 4+ years

• M.Eng/M.Eng/M.Sc. (Comp Sci) with 3+ years

• PhD with 2+ years

• Engineering (with a software focus) or related field

SOFTWARE ENGINEER AND SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER

The software Engineers are part of a development team building the MeerKAT, MeerKAT Extension, African VLBI Network (AVN) and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) telescopes.

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date: 05 May 2023

Duties

• Writing the software that controls and monitors the telescope

• Research and evaluate requirements for the existing or new software applications

• Develop, assess and maintain software solutions to meet the requirements.

• Guide and work with Junior software engineer to accomplish their tasks.

• The job requires a candidate who can work well in a collaborative environment while also being able to work independently.

• The ability to thrive in a collaborative environment

• Be capable of working independently; strong troubleshooting skills; a willingness to self-train and up-skill independently; effective written and verbal communication skills.

• A solid understanding and experience in implementing project management and system engineering principles.

• Familiarity with test-driven development and integration testing techniques.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess relevant experience, including:

• Working in a software engineering environment, preferably in an engineering development project environment

with a strong focus on software;

• Programming experience in Python or C/C++, and the ability to develop, test, deploy, commission, release, and support large-scale projects using these anguages;

• Technical knowledge of Linux operating systems, with experience in system administration being advantageous;

• Technical expertise in architecture design and development of large software projects, with experience in control and monitoring being beneficial;

• Experience in programming in Python, prototyping and development, including testing, deployment and support.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Programme Managers are responsible for overseeing all projects within a programme and must possess the ability to monitor and manage all aspects of the programme under their supervision.

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date: 09 May 2023

Duties:

• Programme Managers must have significant expertise and exercise independent professional responsibility and discretion in managing their specific programme.

• Ensuring effective execution of projects within their programs, from inception to fully functional handover to operations.

• Ensuring effective execution of projects within their programs, from inception to fully functional handover to operations.

• Ensure that all program documentation is complete, up-to-date, and readily accessible to project team members and stakeholders.

• Responsible for appointing and managing engineering consultants and other specialist consultants as needed.

Key Requirements:

• Btech (Eng.) with 13+years relevant experience

• B.Eng. with 9+ years relevant experience

• M.Eng with 7+ years relevant experience

• Ph. D (Eng.) with 5+ years relevant experience

• With either PMP (or equivalent) or Pr Eng or MBA

The ideal candidate for this position should possess relevant experience, including:

• Working on science-related projects;

• A proven record of delivering large projects;

• Experience in Systems Engineering/ Product development processes;

• Experience in Configuration Management and Maintenance of Product Configuration;

• Knowledge of production processes relevant to their functional area;

• Experience in developing and implementing operational plans;

• Project management skills.

SENIOR SHEQ OFFICER

A SHEQ Officer is responsible for ensuring that an organisation complies with health, safety, environmental and quality regulations and standards. They develop and implement policies and procedures to promote a safe and healthy workplace, reduce the organisation's environmental impact, and ensure that products and services meet quality standards.

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date: 05 May 2023

Key Requirements: Qualifications:

• National Diploma in a relevant field such as Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental or Quality;

• Professional Construction Health & Safety agent (PrCHSA) registration with SACPCMP;

• NEBOCSH certification preferred;

• Valid Driver’s License.

Experience:

• At least 8 years’ experience as a SHEQ Officer, with 3 years in a supervisory/ management capacity, preferably in an engineering project, operations, construction, infrastructure, design, and development environment;

• Competency in auditing and implementing ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001;

• Computer literate in MS Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

Experience required for this role includes:

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and OHSAS 18001 and related training

• Managing health, safety and environment (HSE) during project development, construction and operation phases.

• Knowledge of Environmental Laws and Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its Regulations.

• Incident management and investigation using systemized tools, as well as HSE auditing techniques.

• Risk management, including identification and implementation of measures to eliminate, reduce and control risks.

This article does not contain all the job listings.

The website can be a useful resource for locating training programs geared towards recent graduates.

For additional details and instructions on how to apply, please visit the source www.ess.nrf.ac.za

Origins Centre Origins Centre

Origins Centre is a world-class museum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The museum provides visitors with an experience of Africa’s extraordinary, rich and complex heritage, with exhibits that take visitors on a journey through the African pastcelebrating indigenous innovation, art and culture.

Guests can enjoy a range of offerings from temporary exhibitions, workshops and lectures to augmented reality experiences, guided tours and interactive family activities. The museum offers unique event spaces for conferences, dinners, awards ceremonies and workshops.

Follow us on Social Media

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@originscentre wits

www.wits.ac.za/origins

bookings.origins@wits.ac.za; +27117174700

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