African Astronomical Society

The Southern African Large Telescope is accepting Phase 1 proposals for the period, 1 May - 31 October 2025 (Semester 1). The deadline for proposal submission is Friday, 31 January at 18h00 (SAST corresponding with the 16h00 UTC). Also available is call for SALTICAM, RSS, HRS and the new slitmask IFU for RSS. Details regarding the status of specific instrument modes are available in the Call for Proposals linked below, including changes from previous semesters. This semester NIRWALS will not be offered for general science observations, as further refinement and a deeper understanding of the data reduction process are required. Please submit your proposal via the SALT Principal Investigator Proposal Tool (PIPT) - please update to the latest version available on the website. Instructions, software, and other information about proposing for SALT can be found on the SALT website (https://lnkd.in/d6pTrV8g). Note also that the web manager will still ask for some user statistics, which the NRF-SAAO is required to capture for reporting purposes. Call for Proposals, including link to information document: https://lnkd.in/duSh_MkA Instructions for submitting your proposal: https://lnkd.in/dmKPHYKz Download the latest PIPT software: https://lnkd.in/dVTJTjxn   RSS slitmask IFU:  https://lnkd.in/d4gqjtsD All questions regarding this proposal call should be addressed to: salthelp(at)salt.ac.za

Please take note of this cosmology conference announcement which will be held in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa in June. We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for Cosmology on Safari 2025 (1 - 7 June) at https://cosmosafari.co.za. This will be the 5th Cosmology on Safari conference (the first was held in 2015), and again we will bring together experts in the field to discuss the interplay between cosmological models and data. We aim to have presentations and discussions based on the latest results from your favourite cosmology projects. We also welcome abstracts on a range of topics in extragalactic astrophysics. Cosmology on Safari 2025 will take place during 1-7 June 2025, at Anew Hluhluwe Hotel & Safaris, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Hotel is a 15 minute drive from the Memorial Gate of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve, in which you can find all of the "Big 5" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, water buffalo) and many more wild creatures in their natural habitat. There are many other activities and nature reserves to explore in the area, including the nearby iSimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abstract submission will close on 15 February 2025, with presenters notified by 1 March 2025. Registration will close on 4 April 2025. We expect to have some funding available to partially support South African students - more information will be added to the conference  website about this in due course.  Organising Committee:  H. Cynthia Chiang, Matt Hilton, Kabelo Kesebonye, Kenda Knowles,  Yin-Zhe Ma, Kavilan Moodley, Edwin Retana-Montenegro, Jonathan  Sievers, Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana, Unnikrishnan Sureshkumar, Tony Walters  Email:  [email protected]

JOIN THE AfAS-2025 DATA SCIENCE HACKATHON! As part of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference and General Assembly 2025, we are excited to host the AfAS-2025 Data Science Hackathon under the theme “Connecting Astronomy in Africa: A Pathway to Growth.” For more information: https://lnkd.in/dNx_hQp5 #AfAS2025

Some interesting opportunities at the SKAO in South Africa.

The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has a visitor program for Early Career researchers where they finance stays of 1-3 months with the aim of enhancing astronomers development during the early stages of their scientific careers. First intake for the first half of 2025 (Jan-June) closes on December 6. https://lnkd.in/dAY6eg3N

2025 MSc and PhD Bursary Opportunities in Astronomy & SKA Niche Area The PhD bursary is valued at R160 000 per annum, while the MSc bursary is R100 000 per annum. Equipment and conference attendance travel support will be available. Application procedure Applicants should send the following to Prof. James O. Chibueze ([email protected]) and Prof Catherine Cress ([email protected]); 1. CV and all academic transcripts 2. Cover letter (clearly indicate MSc or PhD bursary application in the title) 3. Names and contact details of two potential referees. The application deadline is 10 January 2025 and late applications will not be considered. Find below summary of some available projects Project 1: Using Neutral Hydrogen for Cosmology: The Impact of Bias Assumptions Future surveys of neutral hydrogen will allow a wide variety of studies in cosmology including tests of General Relativity and probes of the nature of Dark Energy. Analyses generally assume a simple linear bias relationship between dark matter fluctuations and the neutral hydrogen (HI) tracers we observe, but more accurate models will be required for precision tests. In this project, we will review applications of HI for cosmological studies, investigate HI-bias relationships in simulations and study the impact of more realistic bias modelling on cosmological studies. Project 2: The Clustering of Clusters Galaxy Clusters provide an important probe of Cosmology and Galaxy Evolution. In this project we will explore questions in cosmology – specifically the sigma-8 tension - by measuring the clustering of clusters and weak lensing signals associated with clusters. We will use data from Cosmic Microwave Background experiments and optical surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. Project 3: Data Science in Astronomy Tourism In this project we will combine earth observations from space with other data to provide a systematic evaluation of sites suitable for Astronomy tourism. Students will develop their skills in data science and their understanding of the tourism industry, providing a strong foundation for employment and entrepreneurship outside of academia. The project is well-aligned with the recent launch of the DSTI Astrotourism strategy. Project 4: Tully-Fisher studies of Galaxies using SALT and/or archival data The SKA will provide millions of galaxy rotation measurements which can be used as distance indicators via the Tully-Fisher relation. In this project we will use observations of galaxies in which Type Ia supernovae (standard candles) have been observed to explore the future use of the TF relation as a distance indicator. This project involves optical spectroscopy and photometry at other wavelengths. Extensions to a PhD may be possible. Data science skills will be developed, allowing for employment outside of academia.

The University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika has a few exciting opportunities shared with us by our science committee chair, Prof. James Chibueze. Take note of the application deadlines. 2025 UNISA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Astronomy & SKA Niche Area The Astronomy and Square Kilometer Array (SKA) catalytic niche area of the College of Science,Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa invites applications from suitable candidates for 5 available Post-doctoral Fellowship positions in Astronomy (especially Radio Astronomy). These positions are funded through the Astronomy flagship program of UNISA for 3 years. The total fellowship amount is R360 000 per annum. Members of the niche area conduct leading research using world class astronomical facilities including SALT, HartRAO 26m telescope, MeerKAT, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), European VLBI Network (EVN), e-MERLIN, East-Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) and actively collaborate in the HESS project, MeerKAT Legacy Surveys, Maser Monitoring Organisation, University of California Berkeley SETI project and the SKA project. Successful candidates are expected conduct research in collaboration with members of the niche area on interferometric data processing, masers (theory and observational), star formation, star clusters, galaxy evolution, Galaxy Clusters, SETI and machine learning applications to radio data interpretation. Co-supervision of postgraduate students and participation in astronomy outreach activities are part of the duties of the postdoctoral fellow. Astronomy Niche Area members: Prof. James O. Chibueze ([email protected]) Prof Catherine Cress ([email protected]) Prof Amos Kubeka ([email protected]) Prof. Derck Smits ([email protected]) Dr. Zolile Mguda ([email protected]) Application procedure Interested candidates must have obtained PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics within the last 5 years, and should send the following to Prof. James O. Chibueze ([email protected]) and Prof Catherine Cress ([email protected]); 1. Cover letter 2. CV with list of publications 3. Research plan 4. Arrange for two referees to send reference letters directly to [email protected]. The application deadline is 10 January 2025 and late applications will not be considered.

Be part of the excitement! Submit your abstract for the AfAS-2025 Conference, happening from 23 to 28 March 2025 at UNISA, Gauteng. Deadline: 20 December 2024 For more information: https://lnkd.in/drv7x54Y

Making astronomy outreach possible with AfAS funding. #AfASOpportunities.

Reflecting on an inspiring 4 days at the Science Forum South Africa 2024! From insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions to dynamic exhibitions and meaningful networking, it’s been an incredible experience. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with amazing people and explore the latest in science and innovation Here’s to a future driven by knowledge and collaboration! #SFSA2024 Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Science Forum South Africa