Author Archives: joy

Astrophotography Inspiring a Creative World – Astro4Dev Full Moon Mashups

We may have missed the Full Moon, but we’re definitely not going to miss the opportunity to come together! This October, the Full Moon Mashup has been transformed into a New Moon Mashup. Dr. John Goldsmith will be joining us on October 22, 2025, to deliver a talk titled “Astrophotography Inspiring a Creative World.” He will explore how he […]

When Stars Lead the Way: Astrotourism and Sustainable Development in Namibia

This post is a personal reflection by Dr. Joyful Mdhluli on her trip to Namibia. During the IAU Symposium 399 on Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age (7–11 July 2025), I delivered a presentation on the role of astrotourism as a tool to promote dark and quiet skies. I discussed how astrotourism can serve as […]

IAU President, Professor Will Benz, visits the OAD

In late September 2025, the OAD had the opportunity to host a special visitor, Professor Willy Benz, President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). His visit, which took place from 25–28 September 2025, was filled with meaningful engagements that celebrated astronomy’s power to connect science, society, and development. Professor Benz was in South Africa as […]

Mark Your Calendar: OAD at APS Physics for Development Series

Dr. Joyful Mdhluli, Flagships Coordinator, will be a featured speaker in the upcoming Physics for Development Colloquia Series, hosted by the American Physical Society’s Forum on International Physics (FIP). The colloquium will take place virtually on August 28, 2025 at 14:00 UTC, and will focus on the role of astronomy as a tool for sustainable […]