The Cosmic Savannah

The Cosmic Savannah


Episode 27: A Bamboo Planetarium

October 29, 2020

with Susan Murabana Owen and Chu Owen

We have an absolutely packed episode for you to enjoy this week!

Firstly, congratulations to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) on celebrating its 200th anniversary on the 20th of October 2020! In honour of this prestigious occasion, the observatory was given national heritage site status.

The SAAO Main Building, illuminated with the South African Flag in celebration of 200 years of the Observatory

A symposium was held (virtually), with talks presenting a wide range of topics from: the history of the observatory and astronomy in South Africa, the cultural aspects and socioeconomic impacts of astronomy, and all the exciting science being done.

Dan and Jacinta chairing a session of the SAAO 200 Virtual Symposium

Dan, and collaborator Sally Macfarlane (University of Cape Town), recently premiered a new full-length planetarium show focusing on South African astronomy. Together, they incorporate aspects of indigenous knowledge, the history of astronomy in the country, and shots of the various locations – all in a full dome experience. Watch the teaser or follow the links below.

Teaser of the planetarium show Rising Star: A South African Astronomy Journey.

Our featured guests this week are Susan Murabana Owen and Chu Owen. Two astronomers, working in Kenya, passionate about bringing astronomy to everyone, not just those who can afford it. They founded The Travelling Telescope, a social enterprise, in 2014 where Susan serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (she also holds positions as the President of the African Planetarium Society, and serves on the board of the International Planetarium Society), and Chu serves as the Chief Technical Director (CTD) (bringing with a wealth of astrophotography experience).

The Travelling Telescope provides educational tools to aid school teachers, such as a mobile planetarium, a permanent planetarium in Nairobi made of bamboo, a robotics program (partnered with the Airbus Foundation), and virtual reality headsets. Through events hosted, such as the Nairobi star party, they hope to foster sustainable interaction with local communities, and provide a platform for these communities to tell their stories of the African sky.

This week’s guests

Chu Owen and Susan Murabana Owen join Jacinta in the studio

Feature Image

The Nairobi Planetarium built out of bamboo. Credit: The Travelling Telescope.

Related Links

* The Travelling Telescope: https://travellingtelescope.co.uk/* SAAO200 virtual symposium: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNB8TDizjI5KGr6hUYWPhfA5vinOJTOu* Iziko planetarium: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium* Rising Star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnZ0YHg63Mw&ab_channel=SouthAfricanAstronomicalObservatory

Acknowledgements

Show notes by Timothy Roelf.