African Astronomical Society

The 32nd General Assembly of The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was held from 6-15 August, 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the first time the GA has been held in Africa, since the founding of the IAU in 1919. Many thanks to the joint efforts of The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), Department of Science and Innovation, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and the African Astronomical Society. Astronomy is one of the thematic priority areas of the African Outer Space Programme. The interest of the African Union in the development of astronomy in Africa can, in part, be traced to 2010, when African Heads of States and Governments endorsed South Africa's bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Join us as we reflect on the deliberations, outcomes and impact of the IAU-GA. We shall also discuss how to build on the current interests and momentum, especially for the next generation of astronomers. Leading the discussion are: - Charles Takalana, PhD (Deputy Director, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development) - James O. Chibueze (Professor, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika) - Carla Mitchell Sharpe (Africa Programme Manager, SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory) - Youssef Moulane (Research Scientist, Institute of Applied Physics, UM6P - Mohammed VI Polytechnic University) To participate in the conversation, please register here: https://lnkd.in/ep-h27Z3

SUBJECT: OUTREACH TO SCHOOLS IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS DURING THE IAU General Assembly 2024 Dear Team Leads and Participants who volunteered in the outreach efforts during the IAU-GA2024 Team leads, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for taking on this huge task of coordinating with the delegates and the schools to ensure that the activities happen and that the learners are impacted. I know at times you even had to go above and beyond what was initially discussed and expected of you to ensure the success of the programs and you showed up and made it happen. Participants and volunteers, I would also like to thank you for contributing your time, effort and dedication in engaging the learners around Cape Town and surrounding areas. I am truly so grateful because you carried me and lifted the heavy weight of this task. I have been receiving emails from the various schools expressing their gratitude. Your presence was felt. I will continue to liaise with the schools and everyone to tally up a proper report. I also plan to continue engagements with these schools even beyond this GA and we'll find ways for more meaningful engagements and possible 'adopt a school' initiative even with the delegates, I will share more details about this at a later stage. From the raw data, we were able to reach about 23761 learners from over 70 schools. The final report will include cleaned data and final stats. I would be very happy to continue working with you going forward and also assist in your own engagements should there be opportunities to partner, so please do reach out. I am deeply moved by your dedication and effort and will pen this down in the report. To the group that went to Prestwich Street Primary School, led by Simphiwe MADLANGA , a young 11 year old boy traveled all the way from Gugulethu to the CTICC on Thursday to get the chance to experience the GA and all that you guys told him about during your visit to his school. He was so inspired by you that he made this effort. We will continue engagements with him and his school to ensure his development and support. This is just one story and I am sure it's one of many. This is the effect of your effort and dedication!!!! Thank you for giving your hearts out in your work ❤️ Izandla zidlula ikhanda (words of gratitude escape me, with gratitude beyond measure) I hope your heart is as full as mine is and that you too were impacted by the engagements that you participated in and relationships formed ❤️ #astronomy2024 #outreach

Prof. Thebe Medupe is a South African astrophysicist and founding director of Astronomy Africa. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Cosmic Africa project that attempts to reconcile science and myth. Thank you Prof. Thebe Medupe, for your strides to Astronomy in Africa🙏🏾 #Astronomy #astronomyinafrica #cosmicafrica #Africa #africaeducation #astronomyeducation

Excited to have my copy of *Inspiring Stories from Women in Astronomy in Africa,* compiled by the African Network of Women in Astronomy under the African Astronomical Society at the IAU General Assembly 2024! A big thank you to the incredible Editorial team and the AfNWA Board for making this happen. I can't wait to dive in! 📚✨ #WomenInSTEM #WomenInAstronomy

The IAU General Assembly 2024, is currently underway at the Cape Town ICC. On this Women’s Day, we celebrate the brilliant women in astronomy who have expanded our understanding of the universe. Your dedication and passion for science light the way for future generations. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and inspiring us all to reach for the stars. #WomensDay2024 #WomenInScience #Astronomy2024 #IAUGA2024 Department of Science and Innovation The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) IAU General Assembly 2024