According to recent reports from SA News, The 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) will be hosted in South Africa.
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting.
According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the world-renowned astronomers Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Sian Proctor will address the assembly.
The two-week-long meeting will begin on 6 August 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference is being held in Africa for the very first time. Thousands of global astronomers and science experts will gather at this event. The event will be held virtually and in person, allowing anyone to join from anywhere in the world.
The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society. The event helps people interact with astronomers and other experts in the field and gives a glimpse of Africa’s rich astronomy heritage and its scientific advancements, inviting global collaboration.
The academic program will include over 2,000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions.
The General Assembly is set to include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings, along with poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.
The highlight is the opportunity for attendees to speak live with the astronauts abroad at the International Space Station with a ham radio in partnership with amateur radio on the International Space Station.
The event is likely a huge festival for the global space community, and it will have a social impact. The event also highlights Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community.
The South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies will join the Exhibitors.
