Interested persons can now submit abstracts and register for the IAU 386 symposium on dark sky and astronomical heritage. The symposium will hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 13 – 17 November 2023. The IAU386 symposium focuses on presenting research findings and sharing experiences to enhance the preservation and utilisation of dark sky, discussing mechanisms how to boost Astro-tourism around the world and strategies for utilising and investing in untapped dark sky resources around the world.
The symposium will also consist of different side activities beyond the scientific deliberations. These include public lectures, capacity building and awareness creation training on ‘Dark sky and Astro-tourism’ for stakeholders and decision and policymakers. Astro-tourism attraction places such as astronomical observatories and nearby cultural heritage places around Addis are also included as visitations in the symposium program. Special arrangements will also be made for those interested participants of the symposium to visit Ethiopia’s tourist attractions places.
Objectives of the Symposium
- To enhance preservation and utilization of dark sky, cultural astronomy, and astronomical heritages to boost Astro-tourism across Africa and the globe;
- To create a scientific avenue so as to present scientific research outputs and ideas in mitigating the impact of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) and discuss scientific ideas that pave the ways for transdisciplinary innovations related to Dark Sky;
- To drive international, continental and regional collaborations to preserve the dark sky and capitalise on the economic and developmental contribution to Astro-tourism;
- To promote and create awareness of dark sky protection and Astro-tourism; and
- To propose a set of recommendations at the local and international level that aims to protect the dark sky and astronomical heritages.
Address points
- The scientific contribution and role of dark skies in the development of science and technology;
- The impact of Astro-tourism and its role in social and sustainable economic development and case studies discussion around the world;
- The identification of potential Astro-tourism sites, dark sky reserves, and astronomical heritage and proposing potential dark sky sites to register in International Dark-Sky Place (IDSP);
- The role of education and outreach in enhancing dark sky and Astro-tourism heritage for developing countries;
- The utilisation of dark sky, cultural astronomy, and astronomical heritages to boost Astro-tourism; and
- Awareness creation, popularization, and promotion of dark and quiet sky protection and Astro-tourism, the fascinating nature of astronomy, in delivering quality education.
Registration and abstract submission have opened for the symposium on 15 September 2022. The early bird and regular registration deadlines are 31 December 2022 and 31 August 2023, respectively. Late/on-site registration will subsequently begin on 1 September 2023. Likewise, the abstract submission deadline is 15 May 2023, with notification of abstract acceptance starting on 20 June 2023. You can also apply for grants from 15 January to 15 May 2023, with notification of acceptance coming from 20 June 2023.
Interested persons can register here and submit their abstracts here.
For more information and enquiries regarding the symposium, please contact Alemiye Mamo or Dr Mirjana Povic.
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