This is the original version of a photograph taken by Apollo 17 astronauts on their way to the moon (no humans have gone as far from Earth since). A cropped and rotated version of this image, called the Blue Marble, became one of the most widely distributed photographic images in existence, with the African continent clearly visible.

As humanity grapples with challenges that threaten both life and livelihoods on this fragile planet, maybe it's time for the global South to play a stronger leadership role and take up its original place at the top of the world. Happy Africa Day! ❤️ (original Blue Marble pic)

IAU OAD 2025 Grants Open: Astronomy to Promote Sustainable Development - IAU Office of Astronomy for Development What is the role of discovery sciences in global development? Can astronomers contribute their skills to solve local and global challenges? The IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has launch...

It's that time of year again. Please send us your ideas on how to use astronomy in some way to make the world a better place! (deadline 31 May 2025) @astro4dev.bsky.social

astro4dev.org/iau-oad-2025...

Well done Dr Charles Takalana! Rocking his science talk and sharing his astronomy research (sorry not the best photo from where I was sitting). The IAU OAD is lucky to have such a multiskilled Deputy Director 🙂👍 #AAS245

Today at #AAS245 we'll discuss using large astronomy meetings to impact on society, with the first IAU General Assembly in Africa as an example (fully hybrid, open access, economic development, massive EPO program, etc. What else is possible?) Join us at the Exhibitor Theatre at 10:30 today!

We're about to present in Maryland 1-2. Hope to see you here...

Full virtual AAS meeting in summer 2027!

New developments in publishing and AI. and a moment to see how to help our colleagues in LA.

Dara Normal gives a powerful opening of #AAS245

We're at the #AAS245 meeting in Washington DC, with our North American Regional Office! Let's connect physically if you're here. We'll present about the IAU on Tuesday at 2pm, then a discussion on "Using Astronomy meetings to impact Society" at the Exhibitor Theatre on Wednesday at 10:30. #astronomy

Happy Africa Day 2024! Using astronomy to help shape our future

Happy Africa Day 2024! In this incredibly unequal world, we're trying to use astronomy to change the way the world sees Africa. Here's an invitation to join us... medium.com/@kevingovend...

Right! Who wants to be my new right hand? The OAD is looking for a Deputy Director. Check out the latest job posting on the AAS Jobs Register. jobregister.aas.org/#Other #astronomy #AAS243

Let's try out this bluesky concept! Thanks @genmarshall.bsky.social for bring me on here. Most significant thing I have to say for now is that registration is now open for the big #astronomy meeting in 2024 in Cape Town - the IAU General Assembly: www.astronomy2024.org