Author Archives: Ram Venugopal

International C-Link Between Primary School Classes Based On Astronomy

On 13th February, a 1-hour virtual link-up based on astronomy took place between primary schools in Armenia, Ethiopia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Nigeria. The contact was a “try-out” organized by the International Astronomical Union European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD) at Leiden University. The eventual goal of the programme is to bring together […]

‘Colour the Cosmos’ at Science Forum 2023

By Dominic Vertue and Joyful Mdhluli At Science Forum South Africa 2023, the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) extended an invitation to participants, urging them to “Colour the Cosmos” and craft their own exoplanet for a chance to win a telescope. This engaging activity attracted individuals of all ages who enthusiastically painted or drew. […]

Dark Sky Writing Retreat Rejuvenates Students

The OAD’s Astronomy for Mental Health team recently collaborated with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) in Stellenbosch to organize an innovative writing retreat for Master’s and PhD students. This unique blend of academia and night sky activities aimed to explore the potential of dark sky areas in enhancing concentration and fostering productivity, particularly in […]

Writing in a Universe of Peace and Chaos

written by Alboricah Rathupetsane, PhD student at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University who participated in the writing retreat program in Sutherland, South Africa organised by the OAD’s Astro for Mental Health team A different kind of peace emerges from the vastness and emptiness of Sutherland. It is borne from the lack of embellishment […]