It’s time for Africa: IAU General Assembly 2024 in Cape Town highlights the continent’s astronomical and dark sky importance

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly 2024 begins today in Cape Town, South Africa. From August 6-15, this global gathering will unite astronomers, researchers, educators, and dark sky advocates in an effort to advance the IAU’s mission of promoting and safeguarding astronomy. The conference will feature a rich program of presentations and panels alongside outreach activities and exhibitions, showcasing the breadth of stakeholders and interests in the astronomical community.

Understanding the IAU and Africa’s historic moment

For those unfamiliar with the academic astronomy landscape, the IAU is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing astronomy globally. Among its many responsibilities, it assigns names and designations to celestial bodies, from stars and moons to galaxies.

Held every three years in different locations, this conference marks a historic moment as it convenes in Africa for the first time. The choice of venue is particularly fitting, as Africa boasts some of the largest contiguous dark sky regions in the world, fueling a rising trend in astrotourism across the continent. Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of DarkSky International, will be speaking at this landmark event, highlighting Africa’s crucial role in the growing global movement to protect the night sky.

The growth and potential of astrotourims in Africa

A recent edition of Nightscape (Nightscape #115), DarkSky’s quarterly publication, focused on the burgeoning dark sky movement in Africa. It highlighted the work of advocates who established the first DarkSky chapter in Kenya and are working to certify new dark sky locations throughout the continent, tapping into its astrotourism potential.

Africa currently boasts two certified International Dark Sky Places, with potential for more as support grows and astrotourism emerges as a responsible form of economic development.

1. The NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, one of Africa’s largest private nature reserves, is situated in one of the naturally darkest yet accessible places on Earth. Originally established to protect the southwest Namib Desert’s ecology and wildlife, it now also preserves the area’s starry night skies.

2. !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park in South Africa was formed through a historic land settlement agreement in 2002. This unique protected area combines cultural heritage and natural darkness preservation, spanning approximately 95,000 hectares in and around the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

How to engage with the IAU General Assembly 2024

We encourage all members of the DarkSky community to engage with this historic IAU event by exploring its virtual offerings, celebrating the importance of astronomy and dark skies, and further supporting Africa’s growing presence in astronomy.

To join, visit the IAU registration website and select from the registration options to gain access to the virtual platform, online social/networking events, and an online institutional profile.

Stay tuned for updates on Ruskin Hartley’s address and other dark sky-related events at the conference by following DarkSky International on social media (Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn).