Astronomy ‘Olympics’ is being hosted in Africa for the first time: 4 big talking points

By James Okwe Chibueze, Distinguished Professor at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa

Cutting-edge telescopes, gravitational waves, black holes and our solar system’s central star, the Sun, are just a few of the topics that will be on the table in Cape Town, South Africa, for an event that’s a scientific version of the Olympic Games – though the world’s leading astronomy researchers in attendance will be showcasing their brains rather than their brawn.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was established in 1919 and held its first General Assembly in Rome, Italy, in 1922. These assemblies, held every four years, are a chance for the organisation’s members and affiliates…

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