3 minute read
Bringing space science down to earth in South Africa
from Contact 14
BY ALMA VIVIERS (SKAO)
Did you know? A group of radio astronomers in Australia developed technology that helps Wi-Fi signals travel quickly and clearly. Without them, our internet would be painfully slow. This is just one of the facts shared during National Science Week in South Africa, evidencing the relevance of radio astronomy to people’s everyday lives.
The annual initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation celebrates science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (known collectively as STEMI), with various agencies and institutions in these sectors conducting outreach activities under the science week umbrella. This year’s theme, “transforming lives through evidence-based science”, focused on science literacy.
The SKA-Mid team joined the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) science engagement team, and representatives from South African National Parks and Sol Plaatje University for a whirlwind tour of the four towns surrounding the SKA-Mid site in the Northern Cape during the event from 31 July to 4 August.
The team had a three-pronged approach to the week’s engagements:
School visits sought to pique interest in careers in STEMI fields. SARAO’s School Scholarship Programme supports students to continue in maths and science at a secondary school level, with a view to supporting high-achieving students with undergraduate scholarships to the Sol Plaatje and other universities. Hendrik Malgas, park manager of the MeerKAT National Park where SKA-Mid is being built, also shared the various career opportunities that conserving the natural heritage, and maintaining dark and quiet skies holds.
The SKA-Mid and SARAO teams also used this opportunity to arrange community meetings in Brandvlei, Vanwyksvlei, Williston and Carnarvon. During these meetings, SARAO Science Engagement Manager Anton Binneman explained to residents how a project like the SKA fits into the national economic shift from an extractive resource economy to a knowledge economy. He also highlighted how fields like astronomy not only contribute to science but also everyday applications that improve lives and overall help progress the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Every evening, the Carnarvon Astro-Guides led stargazing sessions that brought to life the awe and wonders of the night sky, bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and contemporary scientific inquiry through storytelling.
“Outreach activities like those during National Science Week are not just about bringing the mysteries of space closer to home; they’re about connecting our everyday lives to the vast cosmos. They show us that science isn’t confined to laboratories and observatories; it’s part of our world, shaping our future and improving how we live,” said Binneman.
