African Science Stars

5 Days Left!! 📡☄ Until the 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society. #RoadToKasane #AfAS2026 #AstronomyInAfrica #ScienceInAfrica #BIUST

SANSA EO uses satellite data to support decision-making with innovative tools for water, air, and disaster management.

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and the University of Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund have opened applications for the East African Research & Training Workshop on the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART). opportunities.spaceinafrica.com/call-for-appli…

SANSA's Earth Observation Intelligence boosts financial risk management by rapidly assessing natural disaster impacts with accuracy and transparency. Read more: ow.ly/NwUF50YtlF3

[Press Release] Vela: the True Scale of a Hidden Giant Structure Revealed Astronomers have uncovered a massive hidden structure in the Universe that had remained concealed behind the dust and stars of our own Milky Way galaxy. Using a new hybrid technique that combines different kinds of galaxy measurements, an international team has revealed the true scale of the Vela Supercluster, one of the largest concentrations of matter in the nearby cosmos. The discovery fills a major gap in our map of the Universe and helps explain how galaxies move under the influence of gravity across enormous cosmic distances. Read full article sarao.ac.za/news/vela-the-…

To the #AfAS2026 conference delegates, please expect communication with safety guidelines in Kasane, from the @Botswana International University of Science & Technology LOC. In the meantime, though, please read these health and safety guidelines:events.saao.ac.za/event/13/page/…

1/2 Astronomers at the NRF–SAAO are already responding to transient alerts from @VRubinObs 🔭 Spectra of a newly identified variable source were obtained with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), with follow-up photometry continuing on the Lesedi Telescope. 🇿🇦

Tonight, the Moon is putting on a dramatic show 🌕 During the total lunar eclipse, Earth’s shadow will turn the Moon a deep reddish glow. Parts of Africa may see some phases or partial stages, best viewed late night to pre-dawn with a clear sky and open horizon. #BloodMoon

x15 vacant positions available at SARAO Apply online before the closing date sarao.ac.za/vacancies/ #jobs #careers #vacancies

Look up! Six planets are lining up across the sky in a rare celestial parade 🌌🪐 Some are visible with the naked eye, others with binoculars — but all together they create a breathtaking reminder of our place in the solar system. Best viewed around the 28th of February 🔭

The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) is proud to announce the signing of an MOU with Wollega University! This agreement serves as a strategic framework to broaden the scope of space science and technology throughout the region. #ESSS #WollegaUniversity #MOU

RECORD-BREAKING DETECTION: With the help of the MeerKAT telescope, a UP-led team of South African astronomers has detected the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever, a natural radio “laser” produced by merging galaxies more than 8 billion light-years away. Read more: ow.ly/AauW50Yhsca Photo credit: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory #UPResearchMatters #MeerKAT

On this day in 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Poland. He was the first modern European scientist to propose that the Earth and other planets revolved around the Sun, a theory he published shortly before his death.

Join the next SARAO Public Open Day on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, where we promise you loads of fun and learning and look forward to welcoming you! Click on sarao.ac.za/open-days/ for more information and to register. Hurry, places fill up fast! #meerkat #openday

The International Astronomical Union has adopted 59 new official star names 🌌 — including two from South African heritage 🇿🇦 ⭐ Hoerikwaggo ⭐ Xami More: iau.org/IAU/News/Ann20… Hoerikwaggo: ase.exopla.net/index.php/Hoer… Xami: ase.exopla.net/index.php/Xami @IAU_org @Astro4Dev

The Science Engagement team is in Gqeberha this week for the 27th Working World Exhibition! Inspiring learners to explore careers in astronomy and the broader STEM field, sharing study pathways, research opportunities, and showing that a future in space science is within reach.

Today, the Moon will glide across the Sun, creating a glowing Ring of Fire eclipse. In many parts of Africa, viewers may see it as a partial eclipse, best observed late morning to early afternoon with proper eclipse glasses. 🌕

Everyone you love in one photo ❤️ Before its imaging camera was turned off, NASA's Voyager 1 took this iconic photo known as the "Pale Blue Dot" #OTD in 1990. In it, Earth is visible as a miniscule speck in the inky darkness.

Prof. Blade Nzimande hosted a Science Outreach Programme at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town, inspiring learners with telescope tours 🔭 and STEM career exploration 🚀 — especially encouraging girls in science. #AfricanScienceStars #STEM #WomenInSTEM