The XXXII General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) began on 6 th August 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. This landmark event, the first General Assembly in the IAU’s 105-year history to take place in Africa, will bring together over 2000 astronomers to share their pioneering research. The conference will also be fully open access for the first time, and marks the beginning of Africa Astro Month, with numerous opportunities for the public to get involved both on-site and online.
The XXXII IAU General Assembly (IAU GA 2024) began 6 August 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. Drawing together more than 2000 scientists from across the world, the conference will address the latest findings from the forefront of research in all branches of astronomy. As the first IAU GA ever to take place in Africa, the meeting will celebrate Africa’s rich tradition in, and contributions to, astronomy, past, present and future.
For millennia, Indigenous people across Africa have assigned cultural significance to stars and other celestial bodies. The oldest known astronomical structure in the world, the 7000-year-old Nabta Playa stone circle, was built in what is now Egypt, aligned with bright stars to track the passing of the seasons.
Today, South Africa is home to several world-class observatories, including the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), which is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. Furthermore, the mid-radiofrequency array (SKA-Mid) of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) currently under construction in South Africa is set to become the world’s most powerful mid-radiofrequency telescope when it is complete.
Against this backdrop of astronomical heritage and major ongoing endeavours, the IAU GA is taking place in the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), at the foot of the city’s iconic Table Mountain. It was hosted by The South African National Research Foundation (NRF), with support from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).
The scientific programme features over 2000 presentations scheduled across 6 Symposia, 12 Focus Meetings, and further dedicated sessions organised by the IAU Divisions, Offices, Commissions, and Working Groups. For two weeks, the conference will provide a stimulating platform for researchers to exchange knowledge, forge new collaborations, and advance our understanding of the Universe.
The meeting will also highlight the goals from the IAU’s Strategic Plan and how it is achieving its mission of promoting and safeguarding astronomy in all its aspects. In particular the conference will showcase the activities of the IAU’s scientific divisions and offices, using astronomy for development, outreach, education, and supporting young astronomers. Another major focus will be the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS).
Uniquely in the IAU’s history, this GA will be fully open access, allowing anyone to watch the presentations online, either live or recorded, from anywhere in the world. Moreover, alongside the academic programme, there will be several public lectures and invited discourses, welcoming everyone into the world of astronomy to learn about topics ranging from exoplanet discovery with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to the story behind the SKA Observatory.
Additional public events are also scheduled, including stargazing activities, a Journey into Space with the astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor, and an exhibition of Indigenous artists’ work, exploring humanity’s relationship with the sky. Detailed information about the scientific programme, public talks, and outreach and education activities can be found on the IAU XXXII GA website.
During the conference, participants can keep up with the highlights of the meeting through the Daily Newspaper, which will be published every morning, covering important occasions and capturing a snapshot of the atmosphere. There will also be a pop-up radio station, Radio Astro, through which aspiring science communicators will report on the meeting’s events.
Several prize lectures and awards ceremonies will take place during the conference, recognising the achievements of both established researchers and early-career scientists who have received prestigious prizes, as well as individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to astronomy outreach, development, and education. There will also be the triennial IAU Business Sessions, during which members will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on new Resolutions, Bye-laws, and other administrative matters.
“The world comes to Cape Town for the next two weeks, in person or virtually, for the XXXII IAU General Assembly, the first on the African continent in our 105-year history,” remarked Debra Elmegreen, IAU President. “We are excited to celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty.”
Kevin Govender, Chair of the National Organising Committee for the XXXII GA, added: “As Africa welcomes the world to Cape Town in 2024, we invite you to join us in this endeavour to reimagine the future of scientific interaction.”
