AfAS conference highlights rise of astronomy in Africa

BY LETEBELE JONES (SKAO)

March 2023 was an important month for the SKAO and its connection with astronomy on the African continent, with attendance of the annual African Astronomical Society (AfAS) conference.

The week-long hybrid event drew an audience of over 300 astronomers from around the world. It was held at The Origin Centre – a museum that focuses on human heritage in days gone by and the origins of humankind – at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

SKA-Mid Telescope Director Dr Lindsay Magnus presented on the development of the SKAO in South Africa since its establishment in 2021, and spoke to the importance of working with astronomers, engineers, and data specialists from various countries and backgrounds, emphasising the global collaboration and unity of purpose that is required over the next few years to complete construction of the SKA telescopes.

In his opening address of the conference, former National Research Foundation CEO Dr Khotso Mokhele took attendees on a walk back in time to the early days of South African astronomy, and how bold scientists were in their approaches to developing the field in the country, which is what eventually led to the bid for South Africa hosting the SKA project. He encouraged people to be “audacious” in their thinking and implementation of astronomy projects and recommended that African countries should focus on capacity building in this area to broaden the experience, open awareness and promote the benefits of astronomy on the continent.

Alongside science talks, there was also a wide variety of informative talks on outreach and its challenges, with speakers describing the innovative ways they approach education and outreach for people in communities across Africa.