Mega astronomy infrastructures, such as large telescopes and observatories, have a profound impact on rural development. The establishment of facilities like the South African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland has led to job creation and the growth of local businesses, including guesthouses catering to astrotourism. This influx not only stimulates the local economy but also fosters community development by leveraging the unique, naturally dark skies of rural areas. However, it’s crucial to implement strategies that ensure the equitable distribution of these benefits within the community.
The impact of mega astronomy infrastructure projects on development has been an ongoing topic of discussion and is one of the key aspects to consider when speaking about astronomy for development. For the next Full Moon Mashup, we will be joined by Dr. Daniel Mokhohlane, Deputy Director of Cyber Infrastructure at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DTSI), who will share with us the key findings from his Ph.D. research. His work focused particularly on the rural Northern Cape Province and its role in hosting large-scale astronomy projects such as SALT and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Dr. Mokhohlane’s research examines the socio-economic and policy implications of such investments, providing valuable insights into their influence on local development.
The next Full Moon Mashup will be held online on 14 March 2025. Join us as we unpack the role and impact of mega astronomy infrastructures on communities surrounding these infrastructures.
A copy of the thesis is available on request, email info@astro4dev.org
If you missed the last Full Moon Mashup, a summary and recording of the session are available here.