Summary
In alignment with the mission of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) to promote and advance astronomy in Africa, and the American Astronomical Society's (AAS) mission to share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe inclusively, we propose a 90-minute Special Session at the 243rd meeting of AAS in January 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city steeped in African influence, that aptly symbolises our aim to strengthen the bonds between the African and American astronomical communities.
Africa's narrative is shifting. The significant growth in astronomy over the past two decades is dissolving the concept of "Afro-pessimism" - the unfounded stigmas that underestimate the potential of African nations to become economically competitive and scientifically advanced. This growth is highlighted by major initiatives like the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the Oukaïmeden Observatory, the Entoto Observatory, the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA), the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX), the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), the MeerKAT Radio Telescope, and the upcoming Square Kilometer Array (SKA). Africa is vigorously rewriting its scientific story in the realm of astronomy—one of the most technically demanding disciplines conceivable. Africa now confidently stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its international counterparts. Training programmes and increased engagement in high-value international collaborations have matched the infrastructure growth on the continent. The upcoming International Astronomical Union’s General Assembly (IAU-GA) in 2024, to be hosted on African soil for the first time, is further evidence of this astronomical renaissance.
The US, with its rich history and significant contributions to astronomy, has a unique opportunity to strengthen its collaboration with Africa, especially following the recent US-Africa Summit's positive resolutions (bit.ly/44HlO8D) that further support this engagement to foster long-term collaboration between the African and US astronomy communities, emphasising joint initiatives and equal partnerships.
This special session will bring together key stakeholders in Astronomy from Africa and the USA to deepen and strengthen the relationship between these communities. The session aims to spark a dialogue on the prospects and hurdles of enhancing US-Africa collaborations in astronomy, inviting participants to share experiences, suggest ideas, and discuss relevant issues. The momentum from this session will be carried forward to the AfAS conference in March 2024. By leveraging recent developments in African astronomy, the outcomes of the US-Africa Summit, and the upcoming IAU-GA 2024, we seek to underline science's societal contributions and the role of these collaborations in accomplishing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Guiding Questions for Discussion:
1. How can the upcoming IAU General Assembly in 2024, hosted in Africa for the first time, serve as a springboard for expanding US-Africa collaborations in astronomy?
2. In what ways can existing and future astronomical infrastructure in Africa serve as a catalyst for more integrated and equitable global scientific collaborations?
3. How can we leverage the growing capacity of astronomy in Africa to enhance educational opportunities and public outreach in both Africa and the United States?
4. In the context of promoting Sustainable Development Goals, what specific projects or initiatives have been or could be developed through US-Africa collaboration in astronomy?
5. What are some successes, challenges, and lessons learned from existing US-Africa collaborations in astronomy? How can these insights inform strategies for building and sustaining future partnerships between the two regions?
6. What strategies can be adopted to ensure collaborations are inclusive and beneficial to all involved parties?
The Special Session is co-organized by AfAS, the National Organising Committee (NOC) of the IAU-GA 2024, the AAS and NASA HQ. We will also align the discussions during the session with corresponding activities in the exhibition area. Our session is designed to be engaging and interactive, featuring a dynamic panel discussion followed by a Q&A segment. We welcome and appreciate any feedback or recommendations from reviewers regarding potential panellists.
Session Organisers:
Dr Charles Takalana (African Astronomical Society)
Prof. Grant Tremblay (AAS Vice President)
Mr Kevin Govender (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
Dr Vanessa McBride (IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)
Dr Kartik Sheth: (NASA Science Mission Directorate)