OAD Deputy Director, Dr Charles Takalana, was recently interviewed by a high school student on his journey in astronomy.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in astronomy? Was there a specific event or moment that sparked your interest?
My fascination with astronomy began in childhood. I was a naturally curious child, captivated by nature and the things that influence the world and the Universe to work as it does. I also enjoyed taking stuff apart to understand what makes them work. Watching space and astronomy documentaries on television made the stars feel alive and sparked a deep curiosity about where we come from. However, it wasn’t until university that this interest transformed into a career path. While studying Biochemistry and Botany at the University of Johannesburg, a physics lecturer noticed my potential and encouraged me to explore physics further. He introduced me to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, and that was the turning point. I realised that astronomy was not only accessible, but something I could actively contribute to. That moment of mentorship changed my life.
2. How did your educational background prepare you for your work in astronomy? Were there any key courses or experiences that influenced your decision to specialize in this field?
My educational journey provided both the academic foundation and the practical exposure necessary for my career. After switching to Physics and Mathematics, I received the SKA Africa bursary through the NRF, which funded my undergraduate studies and Honours degree at UJ. Courses in Astrophysics, Mathematical Methods, and Computational Physics were particularly key. They gave me both the theoretical understanding and the technical skills I use today. My Master’s at Wits, which focused on the cosmological 21-cm signal and the SZE-21cm effect, provided hands-on experience with data analysis and cosmological simulations. The excitement around the claimed EDGES detection in 2018 also played a big role in confirming that I wanted to work in this field long-term.
3. What challenges did you face early in your astronomy career, and how did you overcome them?
Like many emerging scientists in Africa, I faced challenges related to access, limited resources, fewer role models, and a general misconception about astronomy as a viable career. My family always asks when I will actually “work”. The subject matter itself, particularly advanced mathematics and physics, was also a barrier. The biggest personal challenge came when I lost my PhD supervisor to cancer just months after we had received approval to convert from MSc to PhD. That moment tested my resilience. I overcame these challenges through the support of the academic community at Wits, consistent support through the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and a strong inner motivation to contribute meaningfully to African science. I also benefited from early exposure to science policy and outreach at the DSTI, which gave me a broader context for my work and helped sustain my passion.
4. What aspect of astronomy excites you the most—whether it’s observational research, theoretical work, or space exploration?
I’m most excited by astrophysics and observational cosmology, specifically how we can study the early universe using faint signals like the 21-cm line. It’s amazing to think that we can piece together the story of the universe’s evolution by analysing ancient light and radio emissions. At the same time, I’m deeply interested in the societal impact of astronomy. In addition, I am passionate about education, capacity building, and public engagement, I’m motivated by how astronomy can transform lives, develop skills, and inspire young people to pursue science.
5. How does astronomy influence your understanding of the universe and our place within it?
Astronomy has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and our collective future. Studying the universe humbles you. It reinforces how interconnected everything is and how small, yet significant, our place in the universe is. It also shows how much we can achieve when we are curious, collaborative, and guided by evidence. Astronomy encourages a mindset of long-term thinking, essential for addressing challenges like climate change, education, and inequality.
6. In your opinion, what is one of the most significant discoveries in astronomy that has shaped the field in recent years?
Two recent discoveries come to mind that I believe have significantly shaped the field. The first is the breakthrough observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), particularly the detection of high-redshift galaxies. These early-universe galaxies, some forming just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang, are challenging our current models of galaxy formation and evolution. It’s incredibly exciting to see how JWST is pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in terms of observing the early universe. It’s reshaping our timelines and opening up new questions around the speed and structure of cosmic evolution. The second is the Event Horizon Telescope’s imaging of black holes, particularly the image of the black hole at the center of M87 and more recently, Sagittarius A* in our own galaxy. Seeing the “shadow” of a black hole was something once thought to be purely theoretical, and now we have direct observational evidence. These images are not only powerful scientifically but symbolically, they show what’s possible when the global scientific community collaborates to tackle ambitious challenges.Both of these developments reflect the remarkable advances in technology and international collaboration, and they continue to inspire a new generation of astronomers while deepening our understanding of the universe.
7. Do you think there are misconceptions about astronomy that people often have? If so, what are they?
Yes, a major misconception is that astronomy is detached from everyday life, that it’s abstract and doesn’t have practical applications. In fact, astronomy has led to innovations in imaging technology, data science, satellite navigation, and even Wi-Fi. Another misconception is that astronomy is a field only for a select few. Especially in South Africa, where people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds have barriers to entry that still need to be broken down further. I believe astronomy is for everyone, it’s a universal science that inspires curiosity and critical thinking, regardless of background.
8. What role does technology play in your work? How have advancements in technology changed the way you conduct research in astronomy?
Technology is at the heart of modern astronomy. Advances in computing, instrumentation, and data processing have revolutionized the field. In my research, I use high-performance computing and programming tools to run simulations and analyze radio astronomy data. Technological innovation has also made astronomy more accessible, whether through virtual observatories, open data platforms, or remote outreach. It allows us to do more science with greater precision, and to engage broader audiences.
9. Can you share an example of a project you’ve worked on that was particularly rewarding or fascinating?
One of the most rewarding projects was co-leading the IAU General Assembly 2024 in Cape Town as Vice-Chair of the National Organising Committee. It was the first time the GA was held on African soil, and we hosted over 2,600 participants from around the world. It was a continent-defining moment that showcased Africa’s scientific capabilities and created a platform for long-term collaboration. On the research side, my work on the SZE-21cm signal has been equally exciting—contributing to global understanding of the early universe while helping grow local capacity in radio cosmology, now starting to supervise MSc and PhD students.
10. Finally, for someone considering a career in astronomy, what advice would you give? Are there any skills or experiences that are especially important to develop?
My key advice is: to stay curious, be adaptable, and seek out mentorship early. Build a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, and complement it with coding and data analysis skills, these are essential in astronomy today and for the future. Engage in outreach and policy if you can, as these experiences broaden your perspective and build communication skills. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to start from wherever you are. Passion and a willingness to learn will take you further than you think.