Astro-tourism: bridging the cosmos and communities
The dark night sky of the Karoo is a natural resource that can help to create employment opportunities particularly for youth in the area. Credit: SKAO/SARAO
BY ALMA VIVIERS (SKAO)
Dark and quiet skies as a natural resource are vital for astronomical observation, and research can generate income for communities living in often remote locations. Sadly, statistics abound about the steadily diminishing percentage of the global population who can still see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Urbanisation and the associated human activities mean more and more light is drowning out the night sky. It is well understood that to conduct ground-breaking research in astronomy, astronomers require dark and radio-quiet skies – locations free from light pollution and the interference of radio frequency signals. Consequently, observatory sites are often situated in rural areas with low industrialisation and population, far removed from urban centres and the economic opportunities they hold. The symbiotic relationship between astronomy and rural communities is where astro-tourism enters the stage. It offers a unique opportunity for these communities to harness dark and quiet skies as a natural resource to generate income. The South African National Astro-Tourism Strategy recognises this opportunity and seeks to leverage the presence of the MeerKAT and SKA-Mid telescopes to drive socio-economic growth in the surrounding Northern Cape region, which experiences high levels of unemployment and poverty. One inspiring example of the initiative in action is the Carnarvon Astro-Guides. Amy-Lee Visagie, Brandon Booysen, Chrislin de Koker, Gillian Kammies, Kaylene Malgas and Nicole Vermeulen are the first cohort of the National Research Foundation-SARAO Astro-Tourism Training Programme, presented in collaboration with the South African Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The six budding guides, recruited in March 2023 from the towns surrounding the SKA-Mid site, received training in astronomy, gaining insights into celestial phenomena, historical discoveries, and the underlying principles
NOVEMBER
2023
governing the Universe. This knowledge foundation equips them to communicate complex concepts to audiences effectively. They also received hands-on training to operate advanced telescopes, navigate the night sky, identify celestial objects, and conduct immersive guided dark sky tours. The programme also sought to foster their entrepreneurship, equipping them with skills and knowledge to operate their own astro-tourism enterprises. What sets the Carnarvon Astro-Guides’ approach to sky tours apart is their incorporation of local lore and stories about the heavens passed down for generations as part of the stargazing experience. Celebrating local knowledge systems and heritage will be continued in the future Carnarvon Science Exploratorium, a project conceived by SARAO. Within the framework of the Astro-Tourism Strategy, the vision for the Exploratorium is to create an immersive astronomy experience as part of a bigger astro-tourism route. The preliminary design concept for the experiential centre was approved in September 2023 and detailed design development is underway. Once completed, the centre will play an important part in science engagement and educational support activities in the broader region. The interweaving of science and culture underscores the vital role of astro-tourism in revitalising not just the economy but also the cultural heritage of these communities. Astro-tourism in South Africa has the potential to be more than just stargazing; it can be a powerful vehicle for socioeconomic growth, cultural preservation, and scientific education. To learn more about their work or to book a sky viewing, follow the Carnarvon Astro Guides on Facebook.
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