Overview about ASE
The Astronomical Society of Ethiopia (ASE) is a newly established non-profit organization dedicated to advancing astronomy and space science in Ethiopia. Founded by a collective of passionate scientists, educators, and enthusiasts, ASE seeks to foster a culture of scientific curiosity, innovation, and discovery. The Society serves as a national hub connecting researchers, educators, students, and the general public with the wonders of the cosmos while also working to build Ethiopia’s capacity in space science, technology, and astronomical research.
Mission
Our mission is to promote and develop astronomy and space science in Ethiopia by: Promoting astronomy education and research at all academic levels. Facilitating collaboration among Ethiopian and international scientists and institutions. Supporting capacity building and the development of astronomical infrastructure.
Organizing public outreach programs, workshops, and national events that inspire curiosity about the cosmos.
Vision
The ASE is founded with the vision of cultivating a community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts dedicated to the profound exploration of the universe. Through cutting-edge research, education, and public outreach, our aim is to promote the study of astronomy, astrophysics, and related sciences in Ethiopia and to integrate our country into the global scientific community.
Core Objectives
- Introduce astronomy into national education curricula.
- Support academic institutions in developing astronomy and astrophysics programs.
- Encourage youth participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Develop local expertise in astronomical observation, data analysis, and instrumentation.
- Collaborate on regional and international space science projects.
- Promote public appreciation for astronomy through accessible outreach events and media engagement.
Key Activities
- Public Outreach: Monthly stargazing nights, science fairs, and “Astronomy Week” celebrations.
- Education and Training: Workshops for teachers, university seminars, and online learning platforms.
- Research Collaboration: Partnerships with global observatories and research networks.
- Infrastructure Development: Advocacy and planning for national observatories and research facilities.
- Youth Engagement: Astronomy clubs, student competitions, and mentorship programs.
Executive committees
Dr. Dejene Zewdie
I am a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Space Research, a part of the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. His research focuses on understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies and quasars at high redshift, particularly during the epoch of reionization. He investigates how luminous quasars influence their surrounding environments by examining the clustering of galaxies and the properties of the intergalactic medium.
He is passionate about promoting astronomy outreach and education.
Dr. Jifar Raya
I am an Astrophysicist and PhD candidate in Radio Astronomy at Jimma University, in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA). My research focuses on understanding the role of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in galaxy evolution, using multi-wavelength observations from instruments such as the MeerKAT Radio Telescope and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).
Beyond research, I am passionate about astronomy outreach and education.
Dr. Shemeles Terefe
I am an assistant professr of astrophysics at Jimma University. His research focus on some of the most distant and luminous objects in the universe: quasars. He is particularly interested in investigating the properties of the broad-line region (BLR), radio jets, their effect radio jets on the surrounding medium, and observational evidence for the presence of accretion disks that power these massive objects.
He is passionate about helping students master the fundamental principles that govern our universe.
Ms. Abune Gezehagn
I am an Associate Researcher in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI). My research uses observational data from Type Ia supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and Hubble parameter measurements to test and constrain cosmological models. This work explores alternative gravity theories to better understand the universe’s accelerated expansion. My research interests include dark energy, the accelerated expansion of the universe, and alternative theories of gravity.
Ms. Rediat Basaznew
I earned a master’s degree in astronomy and astrophysics at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has worked on the orbital and physical properties of eclipsing binary stars, using data from the Kepler field to determine parameters such as mass, orbital period, and stellar evolutionary states. In addition to her research, she is active in astronomy outreach, to inspire the next generation of African astronomers. Her work bridges both scientific research and science communication within the astronomy community.
