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SKAO joins AfAS in Morocco
from Contact 15
BY LETEBELE JONES AND MATHIEU ISIDRO (SKAO)
For the second year running, the SKAO has taken part in the annual meeting of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), held in April in Marrakesh, Morocco – its first time being held outside South Africa.
AfAS is the pan-African society for professional astronomers. Currently funded by a grant from the South African Department of Science and Innovation, AfAS is expanding its activities to become a focal point for astronomers across Africa, and already counts about 400 members in 22 countries.
To support AfAS’ growing activities, the SKAO has agreed to provide the society with a standing sponsorship of €5,000 to help organise its annual conference, in line with the Observatory’s existing support for the European Astronomical Society.
Professional and amateur astronomers joined outreach professionals to hear about developments in astronomy on the African continent. The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity for African scientists.
In a plenary session, a number of SKAO officials shared information that gave a broad overview of the organisation, provided an updated status of construction of both SKA telescopes, and looked at the SKAO’s science goals, science operations and access for future users.
With the SKA-Mid radio telescope being built in South Africa, many African countries have a direct interest in the project and the SKAO is particularly interested in engaging with them as the Observatory grows. International relations and relationship building with African countries is high on the SKAO agenda along with building capacity on the continent.
The AfAS conference comes before the International Astronomical Union’s General Assemby, due to be held on the African continent for the first time later this year, in Cape Town.
