Expert Exchange: The Travelling Telescope

Europlanet 2024 RI’s Expert Exchange Programme aims to support the planetary community to share expertise and best practice, and to prepare new facilities and services. The programme provides funding for short visits (up to one week). 

Colin Clarke of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, visited the Travelling Telescope Team in Kenya from 04-14 June 2023.

During my recent visit as part of the Europlanet Expert Exchange programme, I was closely involved in an array of enriching activities with the Travelling Telescope, contributing meaningfully to their ongoing mission of increasing accessibility to astronomy and science education in Africa. This amazing experience provided me the opportunity to share my skills and expertise while learning and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities the Travelling Telescope encounters in pursuit of its beautiful mission.

The Nairobi Planetarium, a place of learning and intrigue, was one of the first sites where I lent my assistance. I actively participated in several shows, engaging with the audience, sharing insights, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. The sheer joy and wonder on the faces of the attendees was testament to the power of interactive science education, and the impact of the Travelling Telescope’s initiatives.

I partook in the activities relating to the Mobile Planetarium; an inflatable, portable planetarium, bringing the stars to two different schools. Assisting with these shows, I witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm and curiosity kindled in young minds that might not otherwise have had this opportunity. This sparked discussions on further increasing the reach of such initiatives.

This exchange programme also gave me the chance to contribute to the Travelling
Telescope’s work in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Here, I assisted with the deliverance of Airbus’ Little Engineers robotics programme, demonstrating that the wonders of science and technology are not confined by socio-economic circumstances. Seeing the determination, innovation, and interest shown by the children was a truly humbling and enlightening experience.

Innovation and sustainability are a big part of the Travelling Telescope’s initiatives. I saw this first hand when working on their upcoming project, a mobile outdoor bamboo planetarium. I had the privilege of participating in the design and research related to this project. By solving mathematical problems relating to the construction of geodesic domes and aiding in its conceptualisation, I helped contribute to this eco-friendly and scalable solution, which will enable the Travelling Telescope to reach even more schools.

In addition, I was able to share my knowledge of astronomy at the Travelling Telescope’s SkySchool. Teaching enthusiastic learners, and capturing their engagement in activities such as art and football, provided a unique perspective on how versatile and inclusive the learning of astronomy can be. It showcased the potential of astronomy education to transcend traditional classroom boundaries, fostering critical thinking and a sense of wonder.

The interactions and experiences from this Europlanet Expert Exchange visit have not only been personally fulfilling but I hope have also provided valuable insights into the tremendous impact organisations like the Travelling Telescope are making. Thank you once again to everyone involved for making this possible.

Colin Clarke

Find out more about the Europlanet Expert Exchange Programme.