Namibian participation in the H.E.S.S. observatory 2019-2021
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
We propose to significantly increase host-country participation in the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), the world-leading gamma-ray observatory sited in Namibia. Undertaking a research programme on the physics of relativistic jets in active galaxies, led by two postdocs and with telescope operations and development supported by an electronic engineer, the University of Namibia (UNAM) will take on a sizeable share of observatory operations and science. This will allow the UNAM group to become globally competitive in the field of very-high-energy (VHE) astrophysics, and will have a secondary science benefit for the UK of increasing its participation in H.E.S.S. astrophysics programmes.
The project is particularly timely as the Namibian authorities have recently declared space science including astronomy a Priority Research Area for national socio-economic advancement, and plans are underway for ownership of the H.E.S.S. telescopes to be transferred to Namibia over the next 3-5 years.
The development aspects of the project arise from the capacity-building that will follow from growing the size and capabilities of the physics department at UNAM, as desired by the Namibian authorities, along with specific targeted activities by the postdocs that will guarantee short-term impact, in high-school education and tourism.
The project is particularly timely as the Namibian authorities have recently declared space science including astronomy a Priority Research Area for national socio-economic advancement, and plans are underway for ownership of the H.E.S.S. telescopes to be transferred to Namibia over the next 3-5 years.
The development aspects of the project arise from the capacity-building that will follow from growing the size and capabilities of the physics department at UNAM, as desired by the Namibian authorities, along with specific targeted activities by the postdocs that will guarantee short-term impact, in high-school education and tourism.
Planned Impact
The core development impact of our project is that it will build capacity in the Department of Physics at UNAM. The Namibian National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI) has designated Space Science, including astronomy, as a Priority Research Area for economic and development. Capacity building by increasing research activity in astrophysics is seen by NCRST as an essential step towards economic development in areas such as electronics, high-speed computing and data analysis, and the NCRST has supported UNAM's successful efforts to appoint a new joint Research Chair in astrophysics with North-West University in South Africa. The evidence in favour of building astronomy research in order to encourage development is particularly strong in the region, with South Africa's experience with the SKA being a powerful leading example. Astronomy research project have particular relevance to ODA sustainable development goals Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
In more specific terms, we can identify concrete, shorter-term impacts from three aspects of our research proposal.
The first is in electronics technology. The electronic engineer post will be an excellent opportunity for a local engineer to increase their expertise in this area. We have already begun investigations to identify suitable individuals who will be able to fulfil this role. It is ideal for an engineer who may afterwards wish to start up an SME, guaranteeing them a post for the two years of the project, and giving them access to cutting-edge digital electronics systems. The skills acquired would then be transferrable to other industries.
The second is in education. It has been shown in many studies that astronomy is an unmatched way to attract young people into the sciences, and at the classroom level this is a topic which can be introduced without expensive equipment. At UNAM, there will shortly be an introduction of an astronomy lecture course in the Bachelor of Education degree. One of the researchers hired at UNAM will contribute to the teaching of this course and they will also develop a programme of outreach to existing schools, for the benefit of present generation of teachers.
The third aspect is in tourism. Namibia already has a small, very professional, community of "astrofarms" which attract high-end amateur astronomers from around the world to take advantage of our clear, dark skies. We wish to begin diversifying this market to include opportunities for all tourists to learn some introductory astronomy as a part of their visit to Namibia. Tour guides will receive training delivered by the second of the UNAM researchers, so that they can teach all tourists about the sky during evening-time, naked-eye astronomy events.
Namibia's clear skies are a precious resource. This is why the H.E.S.S. observatory is in Namibia and is why the astro-tourism market in Namibia could rival any country in the world. With the identification of future tourist markets, and future funding opportunities form the UK, we would expect to expand our outreach and education activities further. For example, a unique area that Namibia could offer is in the area of Indigenous Knowledge, the ancient stories of the skies in Namibia's indigenous cultures. Our long-term ambition is to create a national astronomical research, education and tourism centre, where Namibians and visitors could learn astronomy, and the young will be inspired to learn science (of all disciplines) through exhibits, planetarium displays, and the clear Namibian skies themselves.
In more specific terms, we can identify concrete, shorter-term impacts from three aspects of our research proposal.
The first is in electronics technology. The electronic engineer post will be an excellent opportunity for a local engineer to increase their expertise in this area. We have already begun investigations to identify suitable individuals who will be able to fulfil this role. It is ideal for an engineer who may afterwards wish to start up an SME, guaranteeing them a post for the two years of the project, and giving them access to cutting-edge digital electronics systems. The skills acquired would then be transferrable to other industries.
The second is in education. It has been shown in many studies that astronomy is an unmatched way to attract young people into the sciences, and at the classroom level this is a topic which can be introduced without expensive equipment. At UNAM, there will shortly be an introduction of an astronomy lecture course in the Bachelor of Education degree. One of the researchers hired at UNAM will contribute to the teaching of this course and they will also develop a programme of outreach to existing schools, for the benefit of present generation of teachers.
The third aspect is in tourism. Namibia already has a small, very professional, community of "astrofarms" which attract high-end amateur astronomers from around the world to take advantage of our clear, dark skies. We wish to begin diversifying this market to include opportunities for all tourists to learn some introductory astronomy as a part of their visit to Namibia. Tour guides will receive training delivered by the second of the UNAM researchers, so that they can teach all tourists about the sky during evening-time, naked-eye astronomy events.
Namibia's clear skies are a precious resource. This is why the H.E.S.S. observatory is in Namibia and is why the astro-tourism market in Namibia could rival any country in the world. With the identification of future tourist markets, and future funding opportunities form the UK, we would expect to expand our outreach and education activities further. For example, a unique area that Namibia could offer is in the area of Indigenous Knowledge, the ancient stories of the skies in Namibia's indigenous cultures. Our long-term ambition is to create a national astronomical research, education and tourism centre, where Namibians and visitors could learn astronomy, and the young will be inspired to learn science (of all disciplines) through exhibits, planetarium displays, and the clear Namibian skies themselves.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Lead Research Organisation)
- Royal Astronomical Society (Collaboration)
- International University of Management (Collaboration)
- University of Namibia (Collaboration)
- Radboud University Nijmegen (Collaboration)
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (Collaboration)
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (Collaboration)
- IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (Project Partner)
Publications

Abdalla H
(2021)
Search for Dark Matter Annihilation Signals from Unidentified Fermi-LAT Objects with H.E.S.S.
in The Astrophysical Journal

Abdalla H
(2021)
Sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array for probing cosmology and fundamental physics with gamma-ray propagation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

Abdalla H
(2019)
A very-high-energy component deep in the ?-ray burst afterglow.
in Nature

Abdalla H
(2021)
Searching for TeV Gamma-Ray Emission from SGR 1935+2154 during Its 2020 X-Ray and Radio Bursting Phase
in The Astrophysical Journal

Abdalla H
(2023)
Investigating the Lorentz invariance violation effect using different cosmological backgrounds
in Classical and Quantum Gravity

Abdalla H
(2019)
The 2014 TeV ?-Ray Flare of Mrk 501 Seen with H.E.S.S.: Temporal and Spectral Constraints on Lorentz Invariance Violation
in The Astrophysical Journal

Abdalla H
(2021)
Evidence of 100 TeV ? -ray emission from HESS J1702-420: A new PeVatron candidate
in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Abdalla H
(2021)
TeV Emission of Galactic Plane Sources with HAWC and H.E.S.S.
in The Astrophysical Journal

Abdalla H
(2020)
Probing the Magnetic Field in the GW170817 Outflow Using H.E.S.S. Observations
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters

Abdalla H
(2020)
Simultaneous observations of the blazar PKS 2155-304 from ultra-violet to TeV energies
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Title | 3D printed model of the H.E.S.S. telescopes |
Description | 3D printed model of the H.E.S.S. telescopes for better illustration of size of the H.E.S.S. telescopes during public engagements. |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Impact | From school children, through University management up to high-level policy makers have been impressed by the model, particularly during the launch of the Namibian National Space Science and Technology Policy. |
Description | Engagement with Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Namibia |
Geographic Reach | Africa |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Description | Minister |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
URL | https://economist.com.na/64393/tourism/tourism-sector-needs-to-develop-unique-products-to-reboot-sec... |
Description | Namibian National Space Science and Technology Policy launched |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
URL | https://ncrst.na/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Namibia-Space-Science-and-Technology-Policy.pdf |
Description | Exeter College, Oxford |
Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Exeter College |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2020 |
End | 08/2020 |
Description | OPEN Fellowship |
Amount | £17,243 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2022 |
End | 07/2022 |
Description | STFC |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Africa Millimetre Telescope Social Impact Plan |
Organisation | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Department | Department of Astrophysics |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been working with the Radboud Radio Lab, NOVA (Nederlandse Onderzoekschool Voor Astronomie), and the Rössing Foundation to support the Mobile Planetarium outreach project, and develop a Social Impact Plan for the oncoming Africa Millimetre Telescope. |
Collaborator Contribution | Radboud and NOVA visited Namibia in 2019 with the mobile planetarium, providing equipment, technical and teaching support. Together with UNAM and Rössing, they took the planetarium to schools in remote areas of Namibia. Radboud has been leading the development of the Social Impact Plan with support by Oxford/UNAM/NOVA. |
Impact | A total of four talks and one poster were given between the European Astronomical Society meetings in 2020 and 2021, relating to the Africa Millimetre Telescope. A further three talks about the project were given at the 6th East African Astronomical Society (EAAS) Workshop; the National Astronomical Meeting 2021; and the South African Institute of Physics 2021 conference. The collaboration is multi-disciplinary and has led to a Masters research project on Namibia and astronomy education; and a historical research project on Hendrik Witbooi and the Gamsberg mountain. Research on the latter has been published in the Namibia Scientific Society journal titled "The Importance of Being Earnest - the Relation between Hendrik Witbooi and the Gamsberg" |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Astronomy and astrotourism (AAA) course |
Organisation | University of Namibia |
Country | Namibia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We led the development of a course on astronomy and astrotourism, aimed predominantly at tour guides in Namibia but also of interest to a general audience worldwide. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners helped to inform us of useful content for the course and with advertising. |
Impact | The course received 864 registrations, including 30% and 9% who are living in Namibia and South Africa, respectively. The majority of registrations came from a tourism (35%) or astronomy (28%) background. 231 people were awarded certificates for active participation and completing homework questions. The course was delivered over five weeks in 1.5 hour sessions. The topics were: Introduction to astronomy; Astronomy facilities and research in Southern Africa; Astronomy and astrotourism for development; Stargazing and indigenous astronomy; Light pollution and dark sky conservation. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | High-energy strophysics collaboration between University of Oxford and University of Namibia |
Organisation | University of Namibia |
Country | Namibia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Namibia is the host country for HESS, the world's premier gamma-ray observatory. However the astrophysics group at the University of Namibia has been very small with limited capacity for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. We have, and will continue to host students from UNAM and help build capacity in this area. |
Collaborator Contribution | The PI is actively involved in exchange teaching and research to help capacity building in the UNAM physics department. Students from Oxford have been involved in teaching and research exchanges. |
Impact | The first Ph.D. student in astrophysics to be enrolled the University of Namibia recently began their course. We will host exchange visits and continue to contribute reciprocal teaching and research. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Indigenous astronomy and tourism in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy |
Organisation | International University of Management |
Country | Namibia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We came up with the idea to look at astronomy and tourism from an indigenous perspective. This resulted in a collaboration between UNAM, IUM and TUCSIN to visit Tsumkwe and conduct research with the local community there. We helped to facilitate this collaboration and offer advice and support on carrying out the research. |
Collaborator Contribution | The research was mainly carried out by UNAM and IUM, with some support from Oxford. TUCSIN helped to facilitate meetings and interviews with the community members in Tsumkwe. |
Impact | This multi-disciplinary collaboration brings together an astronomer, and academics in tourism and cultural heritage. The research carried out by this collaboration is expected to be published by the end of 2022. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Indigenous astronomy and tourism in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy |
Organisation | University of Namibia |
Country | Namibia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We came up with the idea to look at astronomy and tourism from an indigenous perspective. This resulted in a collaboration between UNAM, IUM and TUCSIN to visit Tsumkwe and conduct research with the local community there. We helped to facilitate this collaboration and offer advice and support on carrying out the research. |
Collaborator Contribution | The research was mainly carried out by UNAM and IUM, with some support from Oxford. TUCSIN helped to facilitate meetings and interviews with the community members in Tsumkwe. |
Impact | This multi-disciplinary collaboration brings together an astronomer, and academics in tourism and cultural heritage. The research carried out by this collaboration is expected to be published by the end of 2022. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Light pollution and dark sky tourism in Armagh |
Organisation | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The collaboration is still in its early stages, in the future we will be offering more time and support to reduce light pollution in Armagh, encourage dark sky tourism, while researching the policy landscape on these topics. |
Collaborator Contribution | The AOP is currently leading work on light pollution as part of an application to become a Dark Sky Place (accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association). They are also engaging with the ABC Council on the development of a new leisure and educational centre. |
Impact | The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, bringing together local councillors and astronomers. There are no outputs or outcomes yet. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Light pollution and dark sky tourism in Armagh |
Organisation | Armagh Observatory and Planetarium |
Department | Armagh Observatory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The collaboration is still in its early stages, in the future we will be offering more time and support to reduce light pollution in Armagh, encourage dark sky tourism, while researching the policy landscape on these topics. |
Collaborator Contribution | The AOP is currently leading work on light pollution as part of an application to become a Dark Sky Place (accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association). They are also engaging with the ABC Council on the development of a new leisure and educational centre. |
Impact | The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, bringing together local councillors and astronomers. There are no outputs or outcomes yet. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Light pollution and dark sky tourism in Armagh |
Organisation | Royal Astronomical Society |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The collaboration is still in its early stages, in the future we will be offering more time and support to reduce light pollution in Armagh, encourage dark sky tourism, while researching the policy landscape on these topics. |
Collaborator Contribution | The AOP is currently leading work on light pollution as part of an application to become a Dark Sky Place (accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association). They are also engaging with the ABC Council on the development of a new leisure and educational centre. |
Impact | The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, bringing together local councillors and astronomers. There are no outputs or outcomes yet. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | British Council online roundtable |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | The British Council hosted a roundtable in order to bring new voices to the discussion on international cultural relations, with a focus on early-career research. H Dalgleish presented a talk relating to her essay on astronomy as a catalyst for cultural relations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-policy-insight/research-series/cultural-relations/online-rou... |
Description | Experience Magazine |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | International magazine feature on Astronomy activities in Namibia |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://expmag.com/2020/01/this-african-nation-could-be-the-next-great-place-for-astronomy/ |
Description | IAU Astrotourism Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This 2.5 hour workshop on dark sky tourism (available on YouTube) has since had 207,000 views and 930 likes. There was a lot of discussion generated by this session and interest to learn more and to adopt DST in their own countries. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcwv1gOj1to |
Description | Inside Science (AIP) interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | H Dalgleish was interviewed by Inside Science (AIP) which led to two articles: https://www.insidescience.org/news/cultural-heritage-namibian-dark-sky https://www.insidescience.org/news/light-or-not-light-our-skies |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | NBC - Good Morning Namibia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with Prof. Michael Backes and Dr Eli Kasai about astronomy in Namibia |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://youtu.be/TZFSbLXJj80 |
Description | NBC - Good Morning Namibia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with Dr Michael Backes and his student Lott Frans about the Africa Millimetre Telescope project in Namibia. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/1agzvswm50_vd-Y2ViIblmdXGQh2-Je07/view |
Description | Namibia: The Ideal Location for Exploring Outer Space |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was film interview that was broadcasted at a Namibia stand as part of Space Week at the Dubai Expo 2020 to raise awareness of space activities in Namibia and how the country is well suited to carry cutting-edge astronomical research, stargazing as well as related fields such as astrotourism. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://youtu.be/xfvi957buxo |
Description | Public Lecture at INAM 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Keynote public lecture to the general public and astronomers from UK and Ireland audience about 150 including school groups and some local politicians and local government officials. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Southern Africa's Stargazers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This short film created by CNN was intended to raise awareness of the geographical advantage that Namibia and South Africa share in conducting cutting-edge astronomical observations that often lead to major Scientific breakthroughs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/04/15/south-africa-namibia-astronomy-universe-spc.cnn |
Description | Tonbridge Science Conference 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | H Dalgleish gave a keynote at the Tonbridge Science Conference 2021 which brought together school pupils from across the UK, Australia, Mexico and the USA. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/post-detail-page/~board/school-news/post/tonbridge-virtual-scienc... |
Description | Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere hosted a webinar to introduce the topic of light pollution and dark skies to their local community. There was ample discussion after the talks and an increased interest in wanting to learn more about light pollution, and to incorporate more dark sky tourism activities in the region. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/looking-up-looking-forward-learning-about-dark-sky-tourism-tickets-26... |