World’s largest astronomy conference kicks off in Cape Town, in a first for Africa

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2024 (FBC) – In a historic milestone, Cape Town is currently hosting the world’s largest gathering of astronomers, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union, the first time it has been held in Africa.

The event is scheduled to be held from 6 to 15 August 2024, according to reports from South African media outlets.

More than 2,000 experts from around the globe have descended on Cape Town to share the latest breakthroughs in astronomical research and development at the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly.

In the IAU’s 105-year history, its General Assembly, held every four years and first held in 1922, has been hosted by various countries around the world, but it has taken 32 meetings to reach Africa.

In an interview with Daily Maverick, Novosti Buta, programmes manager in the Primary Science Programme, shared his enthusiasm about the conference being held in Africa for the first time.

“It is one of the biggest astronomical conferences and it being on African soil for the very first time, we had to take advantage of that and see how best we can leverage on it being in the Western Cape for us to promote astronomy, particularly in the South African context.”

According to the Department of Science and Innovation, the event will feature more than 300 sessions, including symposiums and focus meetings on cutting-edge astronomical topics.

“It is pleasing that this conference will, amongst others, showcase the cosmic echoes, a shared-sky indigenous art exhibition.”

The minister was “delighted” that two African American astronauts, Proctor and Jemison, would feature on the programme on Women’s Day (9 August).

He concluded by pointing out the need for women in science: “It ain’t science unless women are centrally involved.”