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Introducing Astronomy into Mozambican Society

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2011

V. A. R. M. Ribeiro
Affiliation:
Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1LD, UK email: var@astro.livjm.ac.uk
C. M. Paulo
Affiliation:
Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Rd, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa Departamento de Física, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique email: claudiompaulo@uem.mz, maphossa@zebra.uem.mz
A. M. A. R. Besteiro
Affiliation:
Escola Portuguesa de Moçambique, Av. para o Palmar, 562, Caixa Postal 2490, Maputo, Moçambique email: abesteiro@epmcelp.edu.mz
H. Geraldes
Affiliation:
Amateur Astronomer email: geraldes@gmail.com
A. M. Maphossa
Affiliation:
Departamento de Física, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique email: claudiompaulo@uem.mz, maphossa@zebra.uem.mz
F. A. Nhanonbe
Affiliation:
Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, Rua de Mukumbura, 164, Caixa Postal 256, Maputo, Moçambique email: faustino.armando@yahoo.com.br
A. J. R. Uaissine
Affiliation:
Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia, Av. Patrice Lumumba, 770, Maputo Moçambique email: antonio.uaissone@mct.gov.mz
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Abstract

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Mozambique has been proposed as a host for one of the future Square Kilometre Array stations in Southern Africa. However, Mozambique does not possess a university astronomy department and only recently has there been interest in developing one. South Africa has been funding students at the MSc and PhD level, as well as researchers. Additionally, Mozambicans with Physics degrees have been funded at the MSc level. With the advent of the International Year of Astronomy, there has been a very strong drive, from these students, to establish a successful astronomy department in Mozambique. The launch of the commemorations during the 2008 World Space Week was very successful and Mozambique is to be used to motivate similar African countries who lack funds but are still trying to take part in the International Year of Astronomy. There hare been limited resources and funding, however there is a strong will to carry this momentum into 2009 and, with this, influence the Government to introduce Astronomy into its national curriculum and at University level. Mozambique's motto for the International Year of Astronomy is “Descobre o teu Universo”.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2011