The RAS commends the innovative nature and potential of the project: “In spite of magnificent night skies, the wider public in Namibia has little knowledge or appreciation of the astronomical research done in their country. This means that the potential of astronomy to inspire and stimulate interest in “blue skies research” is being missed. The mobile planetarium project of the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is helping to realise this potential by bringing an immersive astronomical experience to schools across Namibia.”
Africa Millimetre Telescope planetarium team receive Royal Astronomical Society Medal for outreach
The mobile planetarium team of the Africa Millimetre Telescope project is honoured by the UK’s Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) with the 2024 Annie Maunder Medal for Outreach. The mobile planetarium is used to bring immersive and interactive astronomy engagement to a diverse spectrum of the Namibian public and help to bridge the gap between scientists and the public as well as top-level government. For these reasons the medal was awarded to the internationally operated project.