Inspiring Kenyan Astronomer Encourages Children to Reach for the Stars
Discover the wonders of the universe with Susan Murabana's Travelling Telescope initiative Inspiring children in remote Kenyan communities to gaze at the stars and fostering a love for astronomy
At 22 years old, Susan Murabana experienced a pivotal moment that changed her life. It was the first time she looked through a telescope and saw the real beauty of Saturn and its yellow-gold rings, no longer just an image in a textbook. This eye-opening experience happened while she was volunteering with Cosmos Education, a non-profit committed to enhancing science education in developing countries. Through her work with the organization in schools and villages in Kenya, her passion for astronomy was ignited as she taught young children.
"I had hoped to inspire the children, but in the end, they inspired me," she reflected.
In 2006, Murabana became part of the Global Hands-On Universe teacher training program, leading a space education project. After completing a Master's degree in astronomy from James Cook University in Australia, she was invited to the University of California as a short-term scholar. It was during this time that she came to the realization that she wanted African children to have the same opportunities as children in the US.
Travelling Telescope
"I wanted to revive the accessibility of all these opportunities for kids—planetariums, science centers, festivals, and everything else," she said. "I aimed to establish something sustainable and Kenyan that would be cherished by the Kenyan community."
In 2014, Murabana and her husband Daniel Chu Owen established Travelling Telescope, a social enterprise aimed at bringing educational opportunities to young children in underserved and remote communities. By combining Susan's background in education and public outreach with Owen's passion for astrophotography and expertise in telescopes, the program utilizes a telescope and a mobile inflatable planetarium to provide children with the chance to see Saturn, the moon, and various constellations, as well as teaching them basic science and astrophysics in an effort to change lives.
Daniel Chu Owen and Susan Murabana, co-founders of Travelling Telescope.
Daniel Chu Owen from Travelling Telescope expressed, "Visiting schools, engaging with the children, and witnessing their excitement is truly satisfying." Murabana shared the story of a 12-year-old boy from eastern Kenya who previously doubted scientists but now believes in science after their visit.
Creating change
Murabana and Owen are passionate about sparking greater interest in the space industry among Kenyans, and they are hopeful for the day when the first Kenyan will venture into space. According to Owen, many Kenyans are unaware of the country's involvement in space research. However, in 2018, the Kenya Space Agency successfully launched its first satellite into orbit from the International Space Station. Additionally, the European Space Agency utilizes a satellite station in Malindi, located on the southeastern coast of Kenya, for satellite tracking purposes.
Murabana firmly believes that the study of astronomy and even just gazing up at the sky can cultivate a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet, potentially nurturing a new generation of well-informed leaders.
Owen added, "It is said that the first environmentalists were astronauts, as they were the first to witness the Earth as a whole. Bringing that perspective back to earth, observing the cosmos can help us view our own planet with greater objectivity."
A young boy in Turkana, Kenya, taking part in the Travelling Telescope initiative.
Daniel Chu Owen, Travelling Telescope
But there is also a more personal motivation for Murabanas workcombatting the perception that astronomy is a Western science.
While volunteering with Cosmos Education, Murabana noticed that the team consisted of graduate students from the UK and US, but no one from Africa. Despite her passion for astronomy, she felt like she didn't belong.
It wasn't until she attended a solar eclipse viewing and related conference in Ghana, themed "African Cultural Astronomy," a few years later, that her perceptions changed. The history of astronomy in Africa can be traced back for millennia, including the ancient Egyptians and the Dogon people of Mali.
She explained that all the astronomy resources she had access to were Western, such as the moon landings, and there were still no astronomy textbooks that represented African culture.
Attending the conference and learning about how various African cultures traditionally observed the sky and tried to understand it was empowering for her. She felt a sense of belonging and realized that Africans could also contribute to the field of astronomy.
Cosmic hill
Murabana and Owen fund Travelling Telescope by running astro-tourism services, which include camping trips, called Star Safaris, and astronomy nights for paying tourists.
They are currently purchasing a plot of land in Kenya, far from any light pollution, with the intention of establishing what they refer to as a "cosmic hill."
"I plan to construct an observatory there," Owen stated, "and welcome visitors to come and educate themselves about space and observe unique occurrences such as meteor showers. I envision having a small facility as a place for us to appreciate the night sky with anyone who wants to join us."
Over 400,000 individuals have already peered through the Travelling Telescope, and now the duo aims to expand their influence by reaching additional schools. Murabana envisions a world where "every child has the opportunity to experience a lesson under the stars at least once in their lifetime."
