Morocco showcased an impressive presence at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly 2024 held in Cape Town, South Africa, from August 6-15.
Morocco played a leading role in the event with a record number of 24 participants, including 15 in attendance and 30 scientific communications.
Moroccan representatives participated in the organization of the symposium “Planetary Science and Exoplanets in the Era of James Webb Space Telescope” (IAUS393). Moroccan researchers also co-chaired two Focus Meetings on “Harnessing Ground-Based Optical Telescopes: An Opportunity for Emerging Astronomy in Africa,” and “Teaching Capacity of Remote Observing Facilities for Universities and High Schools.”
The Moroccan delegation also contributed significantly to several IAU divisions, including Division F (Planetary Systems and Astrobiology) and Division C (Education, Outreach, and Heritage), as well as to the IAU CPS (Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference). They participated in working groups on “Women in Astronomy” and “Young Astronomers,” and engaged in various public outreach activities.
Morocco also advanced from Observer status to Full Member (Category I) of the IAU.
19 Participants came from Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, one participant from Al Akhawayn University in Ifran, two from Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, one participant from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, and one participant from the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale in France.
in April 2024, Morocco hosted the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) annual conference in Marrakech.
Cadi Ayyad University will host the 5th International Conference on Stellar Physics, “RR Lyrae and Cepheid 2024,” from November 23-30, 2024, in Marrakech. This event will feature a keynote lecture by Nobel Laureate Adam Riess on data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
The IAU General Assembly 2024 was also historic as the first assembly held on the African continent, adopting an open-access format that allowed global audiences to access scientific contributions freely, providing a unique opportunity for science enthusiasts, families, and the international community.
The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them.