The 386th International Astronomical Union (IAU386) Symposium on Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage kicked off today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The symposium was organized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and the Ministry of Tourism.
Themed “Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage in Boosting Astro-tourism around the World,” the symposium is the 4th International Astronomical Union (IAU) symposium held in Africa and the 2nd in Ethiopia.
On the five-day symposium research findings are being presented and experiences shared to enhance the preservation and utilization of dark skies.
Means for boosting astro-tourism worldwide and exploring strategies for utilizing and investing in untapped dark sky areas around the world are also on the list for discussion.
A senior researcher at Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESCTI), Alemiye Mamo, who is taking part in the symposium, told EBC English that Ethiopia has enormous potential to implement astro-tourism, which has socio-economic advantages provided that awareness is created among the public.
ESCTI has so far identified 21 places which are conducive to install observatory research center across the country, he said.
The symposium brought together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss critical issues like dark sky preservation, astro-tourism development, light pollution mitigation, and protection of astronomical heritage sites.
More than 200 participants from around the world are attending the five days symposium.
In addition to the main symposium, there will be several side events including an African Planetarium Workshop, capacity building training sessions, and public lectures aimed at boosting interest in astronomy, it was learned.
The IAU, established in 1919, has 85 member countries including Ethiopia.