1000+
Active African Citizen Scientists
30 +
Provisional Asteroids
5+
Projects
45+
African countries with active teams
Welcome to the
PACS e-Lab
(Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab)
Our aim is to promote hands-on activities in astronomy & space science through citizen science and Soft Astronomy research in Africa as a means of advancing space exploration, and enhancing Astronomy education and outreach.
Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Founder & Director of PACS e-Lab
Connect on social media
Welcome to the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) platform, Africa’s leading hub for Astronomy Research, Education, and Outreach.
Many people grow up asking fundamental questions about the universe. However, in Africa, these curiosities often go unfulfilled due to a lack of accessible resources for learning about astronomy. While some higher institutions in Africa offer astronomy and related courses, they tend to focus primarily on theory, leaving students without real-life, practical experiences. This disparity often leads to doubts and skepticism about astronomical science.
To address this challenge, the PACS e-Lab was established as an online platform designed to bridge the gap in astronomy practices in Africa through our research, education and outreach projects. Through our platform, we collaborate with NASA and other related organizations in developed countries to engage the African public, including teachers, students, and space enthusiasts, in hands-on space science and astronomy activities, free of charge.
As a result, many of our participants, whom we proudly call citizen scientists or citizen astronomers, have made significant discoveries, conducted observations using robotic telescopes, and published their findings in research papers undergoing peer review or already published in reputable journals.
They have been featured in several local, regional, and international news media outlets and have presented their work at regional and global conferences.
Our initiatives promote awareness of space science and astronomy across Africa, enhancing knowledge and building skills in these fields. We are an inclusive and diverse community with a network that spans Africa and beyond.
For more detailed information about PACS e-Lab, read the sections below, watch the introductory video above, and take your time to explore our entire website. Be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms for the latest news and updates—we post regularly!
Asteroid Search: This project is run by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), with PACS e-Lab as its largest partner in Africa under the Pan-African Asteroid Search Campaign. In this initiative, our citizen scientists analyze astronomical data from telescopes on their computers to detect asteroids and report their findings to IASC. IASC then conducts follow-up studies to verify the validity of the discoveries. The Asteroid Search citizen science project is also part of NASA’s planetary defense program, which aims to monitor asteroids that could potentially impact Earth in the future. For more details about this project, Check Pan-African Asteroid Search Campaign Page
Exoplanet & Photometry: This project is conducted by NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, with PACS e-Lab contributing by involving African citizen scientists. In this initiative, we engage our citizen scientists in exoplanet observations using robotic telescopes and photometric analysis through the EXOTIC program. This collaborative effort empowers participants to contribute to cutting-edge research by monitoring exoplanets and analyzing light curves to detect transits. For more details, check out the Exoplanet & photometry page
Double-Star Astrometry: This research project is designed to introduce our citizen scientists to entry-level astronomy research, ultimately leading to a peer-reviewed publication. PACS e-Lab in collaboration with Dr. Rachel Freed, the founder of the Institute for Student Astronomical Research, U.S.A (InStAR) has developed this project to enable our citizen scientists to study double stars without requiring advanced astronomy knowledge.
The research involves observing double stars to update their position angles and separations in the Washington Double Star Catalog. Participants will gather data from Vizier and use historical records of the systems. They will work with AstroImageJ and Afterglow Access software for analysis. For more details, please see the Double-Star Astrometry page.
Astrophoto Visual Development (APVD): Unlike our other research-based projects, this is a skill-building activity focused on teaching amateur astronomers how to process deep-space images to create stunning visuals. Participants are trained to retrieve archival datasets from sources such as the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and Las Cumbres Observatory.
They learn to acquire these datasets and process them using software like Photoshop, FITS Liberator, Siril, GIMP, and others to produce vibrant, colorful images. Further details about this project can be found on the Astrophoto Visual Development page.
ARISS Event: This is PACS e-Lab’s latest project, offering African teachers, students, and space enthusiasts a unique opportunity to connect directly with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through amateur radio, just like students in developed countries. PACS e-Lab’s application for this exciting initiative was recently accepted, and plans are underway to host the event between January and June 2025.
Beyond this upcoming event, PACS e-Lab is committed to making ARISS a recurring opportunity on the African continent, fostering sustained interest in space science and exploration. This initiative will allow participants to ask questions, learn about life and research on the ISS, and gain first-hand insights from astronauts. By bringing this experience to African classrooms, PACS e-Lab aims to inspire a new generation of students and educators in STEM fields, strengthening Africa’s presence in global space science and exploration activities. For more information and updates, stay tuned to our ARISS Event page.
Telescope Donation Project: In our Telescope Donation Project, we collaborate with international donors to provide telescopes to various groups across the continent working with us. This support enables these groups to conduct public outreach, educational programs, and training sessions as they continue to participate in our projects. For more information, please visit our Telescope Donation page.
Conclusion
- We use various types of robotic telescopes for all our observations. For more information, please visit our Robotic Telescope page.
- We have several exciting projects currently under development, including exoplanet and comet detections, asteroid follow-up studies, and variable star observations. Our ultimate goal is to make discovery-oriented projects accessible across Africa.
- We actively reach out to organizations and entities across Africa with access to their local communities for collaboration, and we encourage you to connect with us as well.
- Our citizen scientists regularly attend international meetings and conferences to present their research. PACS e-Lab facilitates their registration and participation, allowing them to showcase the research accomplishments achieved through their collaboration with us.
- While English is our primary mode of communication, we have collaborated with individuals who have reproduced our materials in French, Arabic, and other local languages spoken in Africa. If you are interested in translating or using these materials, we would be happy to connect with you.
- We offer live training sessions; however, in cases where internet connectivity is poor or expensive, or if live sessions are not preferred, we recommend our recorded tutorials. Learning from these tutorials is a flexible and cost-effective option.
- Participating in our programs consumes significantly less data than typical social media usage. By engaging with PACS e-Lab, you can spend your time and resources more productively and contribute meaningfully to science.
- All our projects are computer-based, and while we support various systems, Windows OS is preferred for an optimal experience.
- We welcome individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. There are no restrictions on who can join us.
- We continuously add new projects and encourage you to explore and succeed in the opportunities we provide. Good luck!
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Poster presentation by Mohamed Mostafa Elattar at the 4th Arabic Advanced School in Astrophysics, Kottamia Astronomical Observatory, Egypt, titled Unveiling a Binary Star: New Astrometric Analysis of WDS 01497+5355 ES 761
Poster presentation by Dr. Meryem Guennoun at the 32nd IAU-General Assembly, Cape Town, South Africa, titled Empowering High School Students in Remote Asteroid Science: A Dual Role in the Pan-Africa Asteroid Search Campaign.
Poster presentation by Islam Alaa Fathallah at the 4th Arabic Advanced School in Astrophysics, Kottamia Astronomical Observatory, Egypt, titled New Astrometric Measurements of the Position Angle and Separation of the Double Star System WDS 15453-4949 B 2365
South Africa
In 2021, Bongiwe Mkhabela from South Africa while in her finals at high school led her classmates in the asteroid research endeavor. She is now a college student in the University of Pretoria studying mining engineering.
Nigeria
Chidozie (left) and Akintola (right), both PhD physics candidates in the US, shared in their combined discovery of the asteroid 2021 OF15. In 2021, they participated as part of the Astronomers without Borders Nigeria team.
Ghana
Ms. Sarah Abotsi-Masters led her Ghanaian team, PRAGSAC in 2021 and made a provisional discovery of asteroid 2021 PV141.
Rwanda
Dr. Joseph Ntahompagaze is a lecturer and a researcher in the physics department of the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology. Since 2021, he has been active and has led his team in the asteroid hunting exercise.
Togo
Mr. Christian Gbaba, an amateur astronomer from Togo, led his team, the Association of Togolese Astronomers in 2021 and they discovered two asteroids: 2021 VG27 and 2021 VU48.
Cameroon
Ms. Tengwi Omela (she/her), who was the Vice President of the Astronomy club of the University of Buea, has been and still is active in engaging her team in citizen science research since 2021, and even to this day, she is a graduate.
Kenya
In 2021, Mr. Dennis led his team, the Space Partnerships and Research Company in asteroid research and one of them detected an asteroid with the provisional number 2021 VD60. They joined and worked as a team from their different locations in Kenya.
Ivory Coast
Dr. Abdel Aziz who is the President of Association Ivoirienne d’Astronomie, since 2022 has been utilizing citizen science as a tool for education in Ivory coast.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Meet Mr. Joseph Mafuka participating in the asteroid research with some of his team members from the Astro-Club Kongo Central. They have been active since 2022
Ivory Coast
Asteroid Research Training Session of Dr.Aziz's students in Ivory Coast
Madagascar
Mr. Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo is the co-president of the Haikintana Astronomy Association, dedicated to promoting astronomy in Madagascar. Since 2022, he has been leading his team in asteroid research efforts.
Presentation of certificates of achievement by Mr. Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo to his team for the discovery of the asteroid 2022 UJ79.
Nigeria
Nigerian Citizen Astronomers over the past 3 years have been the pioneers of citizen science in Africa. They also have recorded the most discovery of asteroids
Kenya
More participation from the Amateur astronomical Society of Kenya led by Samuel.
Zimbabwe
Students from the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe have actively engaged in asteroid research since 2022. The team, led by Ms. Thobekile Ngwane, is currently conducting Masters studies with a research focus on asteroids and instrumentation.
Republic of Benin
Amateur astronomers from the Republic of Benin have actively engaged in asteroid research since 2021. The team is led by Prudence.
Mozambique
Amateur astronomers from Mozambique have been actively engaged in asteroid research since 2021. The team, led by Edson, has achieved notable accomplishments, which have been publicized on international news stations and blogs
Botswana
Since 2021, students from the University of Botswana have been actively involved in asteroid research. The research team, under the leadership of Molly, is contributing to advancements in the field.
Senegal
Meet Dr. Salma Sylla, the first female Senegalese to attain a PhD degree in Astrophysics. She and her team of students have been participating in asteroid hunting since 2022, and it is an honor for us to collaborate with such a rare and distinguished figure.
Morocco
Meet Ms. Regaibi Salma is one of our team leaders from Morocco who engages students from her association in citizen science research. She is the president of the Steps into Space Association
Uganda
Ms. Rose is one of our team leaders from Uganda. Since 2021, she and a team of students and educators from the National Curriculum Development Centre have been participating in asteroid searches and have made a provisional discovery of asteroid 2022 HK11
Sudan
Meet our citizen science team from Sudan, led by Ahmed Saeed. They have been active in this exercise since 2021.
Malawi
Our Malawian team, Celestial Explorers, led by Bauleni Bvumbwe, was the first to receive a telescope from PACS e-Lab. The team is currently using it for astronomy outreach and school visits in Malawi while remaining actively involved in our projects. The telescope was donated by Jean Pierre Grootaerd.
Uganda
Our Ugandan team, National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) , represented by Mr. Santos and Ms. Rose, received a telescope from PACS e-Lab. The team is currently using it for Teachers' training program, astronomy outreach and school visits in Uganda while remaining actively involved in our projects. The telescope was donated by Jean Pierre Grootaerd.
South Africa
Meet our three African citizen Astronomers credited with the discovery of Asteroid 2023 GQ10. The trio are college students from different universities in South Africa. They have been participating in the asteroid search under the Blue Crane Space Astronomy & Astrophysics Department of the University of Pretoria in South Africa, under the supervision of Keketso Qhomane.
Congratulations to them!
Lesotho
Meet Keketso Qhomane, our finest citizen astronomer from the Kingdom of Lesotho. He has a passion for astronomy, and we have donated this Celestron NexStar 60 GT Refracting Telescope to him so he can enhance astronomy in his country.
Botswana
Meet Ms. Molly Kgobathe, the IAU National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) for Botswana. She is passionate about astronomy, and we have donated this Celestron NexStar 60 GT Refracting Telescope to her to support astronomy outreach in Botswana.
Lesotho
We celebrate Ms. Rorisang Mahomo from the Kingdom of Lesotho for her discovery of Asteroid 2023 QY50. She is a student at the University of Pretoria and participates in asteroid searches through BlueCraneSpace, a STEM society for students at the university
Zimbabwe
Meet Ms. Thobekile Ngwane, co-founder and president of the Zimbabwe Astronomical Society. She is passionate about astronomy, and we have donated a Celestron NexStar 60 GT 60mm Refractor Telescope to her to support astronomy outreach in Zimbabwe.
citizen science NETWORKS in africa
