By Phenyo Selinda
Cape Town is set to host the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU), with Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, delivering the opening address. This significant event kicks off on Tuesday, 6 August, marking the first time it will be hosted in Africa.
The two-week-long gathering will bring together astronomers and experts from across the globe, both in-person and virtually, offering open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world. This inclusive approach ensures a wide reach and broad participation.
According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly. Jemison, the first female African American commercial astronaut, made history when she travelled into space aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992. Proctor, an astronaut and the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship, will join Jemison in speaking to over 2,000 astronomers from around the world at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” stated the DSI.
This year’s General Assembly is a significant milestone, showcasing Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development. Minister Nzimande’s address will highlight South Africa’s commitment to advancing astronomy and science on the global stage, emphasizing the country’s substantial investments in skills and infrastructure development.
His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of the clear southern skies in the Karoo, South Africa’s engineering and scientific capabilities, and its increasing international partnerships and rankings. “One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station,” added the DSI.
Other notable guests include Dr Bernie Fanaroff, former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’. The IAU General Assembly, held every three years and led by the African Astronomical Society, advances astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa’s rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field.
Hosted by the National Research Foundation and supported by the DSI, the hybrid event will feature an extensive academic programme with over 2,000 presentations across more than 300 sessions. The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings, along with poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.
According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that transcends national barriers, celebrating astronomy on a continent-wide scale. Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies.
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