The OAD team participated in the 2024 Communicating Astronomy with the Public Conference (CAP2024), with four abstracts accepted. The submissions included one oral presentation, a 60-minute workshop, and two posters. Flagship Coordinator Dr. Joyful Mdhluli attended in person, while OAD Fellows Dominic Vertue and Samyukta Manikumar participated virtually.
Dr. Joyful Mdhluli, on behalf of the Mental Health team, led a workshop on astronomy for mental health titled “Integrating Astronomy for Mental Well-being” at CAP2024. The objective of the workshop was to explore how astronomy can be used as a tool for personal growth and mental well-being. The session focused on integrating mental health support into astronomy outreach through innovative, inclusive approaches – both virtual and in-person. Efforts may include translating and adapting resources for global accessibility. The initiative has the potential to enhance well-being while broadening the reach and impact of astronomy communication.
Dr. Joyful Mdhluli and Samyukta Manikumar also gave a joint presentation titled “Leveraging Astrotourism for Sustainable Development and Public Astronomy Outreach”, which explored the role of astronomy outreach in astrotourism. The presentation reported on the OAD’s astrotourism project, which aims to support sustainable development in rural areas by helping communities create their own astronomy-based tourism experiences. The initiative addresses historical inequalities in the sector by promoting inclusive, locally driven approaches that combine cultural heritage with celestial experiences. Astrotourism has the potential to boost local economies and demonstrates how astronomy can foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive development.
Dominic Vertue, with Dr. Joyful Mdhluli and Mampho Ledimo as co-authors, presented two posters. The first, titled “The Preliminary Journey into Astronomy’s Impact on Mental Well-being,” reported on the Astronomy for Mental Health initiative, which explores how astronomy communication can support mental health. Through focus groups, retreats, and online workshops, the project investigates how astronomy can foster reflection, connection, and resilience. Feedback suggested that this interdisciplinary approach offers innovative ways to engage audiences and address mental health challenges through both virtual and in-person outreach.
The second poster, titled “Art and Astronomy: Bridging the Cosmos through Creative Expression,” reported positive feedback from an art competition held by the OAD during the 2023 Science Forum South Africa. Participants created artistic interpretations of exoplanets, successfully combining public engagement with mental well-being. Feedback indicated that merging art and astronomy was an effective tool for outreach and mental health support.
