Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab: An Emerging Online Platform for Astronomy Research, Education and Outreach in Africa

TL;DR

The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab is an online platform engaging Africans in astronomy research, education, and outreach, fostering international collaboration and contributing to sustainable development goals.

Contribution

It introduces a collaborative online platform for African citizen scientists to participate in astronomy research and outreach, expanding access and engagement across the continent.

Findings

Engaged over 600 Africans from 40+ countries

Runs multiple astronomy projects including asteroid search and exoplanet photometry

Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Citizen science offers an opportunity for ordinary people, known as citizen scientists or citizen astronomers in the context of astronomy, to contribute to scientific research. The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) was founded to promote and engage the African public in citizen science and soft astronomy research to advance space research and exploration and enhance space education and outreach. PACS e-Lab, in collaboration with several international astronomy research, education, and outreach organizations, currently runs several projects including but not limited to asteroid search, exoplanet photometry, research writing for peer-reviewed publications, astrophoto visual development, and Amateur Radio contact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ARISS). Despite several challenges, the group has engaged over 600 Africans from more than 40 countries and is working towards covering the entire continent in the future. PACS e-Lab's development efforts resonate with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).