Welcome to the

PACS e-Lab

(Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory)

PACS e-Lab is a non-profit organization/platform dedicated to advancing STEM education, promoting citizen science, and enabling entry-level research participation through hands-on activities in astronomy and space science across Africa.

Our slogan is: “Bringing the Stars to Your Doorsteps.”

Collaborations

About PACS e-Lab

The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PACS e-Lab) is a non-profit organization/platform dedicated to advancing STEM education, promoting citizen science, and enabling entry-level research participation through hands-on activities in astronomy and space science across Africa.

Slogan: “Bringing the Stars to Your Doorsteps.”

Founded: Dec, 2020 — Present

Problem Statement

Across many educational institutions in Africa, particularly at the secondary school and university levels, access to quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education remains limited. Many schools lack adequately trained educators, practical learning resources, and exposure to real-world academic research. As a result, students often perceive STEM subjects as abstract, difficult, inaccessible, or irrelevant to their everyday lives.

There is also limited participation by African learners in global initiatives, like citizen science initiatives (collaborative research projects where members of the public actively contribute to scientific investigations, often by collecting, analyzing, or interpreting real data), due to low awareness, weak infrastructure, a lack of mentorship, and poor access to digital tools needed for modern practices and collaborative research.

Our Solution

PACS e-Lab, through international collaborations, digital tools, local volunteers, and the internet, addresses this gap by using hands-on activities in astronomy and space science as engaging entry points to strengthen STEM learning. Learners, including students, teachers, and STEM enthusiasts, gain access to real scientific tools, authentic datasets, and sustained mentorship, enabling them to develop practical skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry while actively participating in global STEM projects. For more information, check out the activities highlighted below and the introductory video above

~ Project Highlights ~

Aim & Objectives

The organization aims to improve access to inclusive and high-quality STEM education in Africa through hands-on learning in astronomy and space science.

The objectives are:

- To expand inclusive participation in STEM, particularly among underrepresented groups
- To develop learners’ digital, analytical, and problem-solving skills using real scientific data
- To build a strong Africa-wide network of amateur/citizen scientists contributing to global STEM efforts
- To foster sustainable local and international partnerships that advance space-based STEM education

TARGET AUDIENCE

We engage learners and STEM communities across Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine, and other underserved regions, including students, educators, early-career researchers, citizen scientists, STEM enthusiasts, etc.

Our programs are designed for secondary schools, universities, research institutes, space agencies, observatories, STEM clubs, nonprofit organizations, etc., seeking greater access to practical STEM education, hands-on scientific research, and global collaborative learning opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

All PACS e-Lab projects are open and accessible to individuals regardless of age, religion, nationality, academic background, professional affiliation, or experience level. Participants are only expected to have:

Basic computer operation skills (Windows OS)
Internet access
Interest and passion for STEM learning.

Why Astronomy and Space Science?

They Spark Natural Curiosity: When students encounter topics such as exoplanets or the origin of the universe, they begin to ask deep and meaningful questions. This curiosity helps them get interested in subjects like physics (gravity and motion), mathematics (calculations), and chemistry (planet atmospheres).

They Are Interdisciplinary by Nature: Astronomy integrates multiple STEM fields, stellar processes (physics), orbital mechanics (mathematics), data analysis and simulations (computer science), and telescopes and spacecraft (engineering). This exposes students to diverse skills and multiple career pathways simultaneously.

They Introduce Role Models and Career Awareness: Students are inspired by scientists like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, as well as astronauts and engineers. These figures help make STEM careers more visible, relatable, and attainable.

Astronomy is a Field of Discovery: Astronomy is constantly evolving, with new discoveries being made regularly. Students are drawn to this sense of exploration and can engage with real scientific data, sometimes even contributing to discoveries such as asteroids, variable stars, exoplanet etc. This fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and active participation in science.

The Sky as a Laboratory: Students can learn by observing the sky. They can see things like how planets move, the phases of the Moon, and special events in space. This means they do not always need expensive lab equipment, making STEM learning more accessible.

Our Impacts

Active Countries

Participants Engaged

Peer reviewed Publications

Active Projects

Robotic Observatories

STEM Group Engagements

Years of Experience

Asteroids Discovered

Asteroid Discovery Countries

Asteroid Discoverers

Students Engaged with Astronauts

Exoplanet Data Analysis

Conference Participations

Astrophotos Produced

Citizen Science Co-authors

Lectures & Podcasts

International Partnerships

Telescopes Distributed

Vision 2030

Features in Media Outlets

The impact of PACS e-Lab is both extensive and deeply transformative. The initiative has grown into one of the largest networks of amateur astronomers and citizen scientists in Africa, reaching thousands of learners—educators, students, and STEM enthusiasts—across more than 50 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Through its programs, learners develop practical STEM skills in data analysis, scientific reasoning, computational thinking, and research methodology using space science as an engaging pathway.

Participants have spoken with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, contributed to asteroid discoveries, and observed and submitted reports on hundreds of exoplanets to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). They have also produced astrophotography of deep-space objects, including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, co-authored peer-reviewed research papers, and presented their work at international conferences. Our achievements have been featured in local and international media, highlighting Africa’s emerging presence in global space science. Please see the publications page for reference

These outcomes demonstrate how access to tools, mentorship, and real-world research opportunities can strengthen STEM learning and empower young people to actively contribute to global scientific discovery. Our work aligns with global priorities, including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

COMMUNITY

PACS e-Lab is supported by a distributed leadership model and a continent-wide network of PACS e-Lab–trained volunteer coordinators, including researchers, educators, STEM instructors, university lecturers, space-agency staff, schoolteachers, amateur astronomers, student groups, and youth leaders. These coordinators, spanning about 50 African countries, engage thousands of learners in PACS e-Lab’s programs.

Through this system, PACS e-Lab has reached thousands of learners across Africa and into the Middle East. Because the organization’s leadership is rooted within African communities while remaining connected to global scientific institutions, PACS e-Lab is uniquely positioned to deliver programs that are scientifically rigorous, culturally accessible, and scalable across underserved regions.

Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Founder & Director of PACS e-Lab

Ms. Regaibi Salma
President, Steps Into Space Association, Morocco

Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME
IAU – NAEC Gabon

Edson Domingos Jequecene
Founder, Detetives Do Cosmos, Mozambique

Ms. Molly Kgobathe
IAU-OAO, Botswana

Ms. Thobekile Ngwane
Vice President, Zimbabwe Astronomical Society

Mohamed Moustafa
Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Kareem Waleed
Founder of Paradox, Egypt

Ms. Nagat Yasser
Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Ms. Aya Sabry
Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Keketso Qhomane
Executive Chairperson of BlueCraneSpace Astronomy & Astrophysics Department, University of Pretoria, South Africa
&
Founder, Maloti Space Explorers, Lesotho

Walid Badenjki
Co-founder, Egyptian Physics Network, Egypt

Dr. Meryem Guennoun
Oukaimeden Observatory, Morocco

Ms. Saja Alhoush
Founder, Amateur Astronomy Libya

Harold Safary
Astrophysicist at Kenya Space Agency

Martial Songo Diop
Director of Mbour Astronomy Club, Senegal

Daniel Obajemu
Founder, Liberian Astronomical Society

Ms. Amina Ramadan
President of PhysX Club, Algeria

Ms. Betty Rose Nabifo
Teacher, National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda

Dr. Salma Sylla
Researcher, Physics Department, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal

Kirubel Menberu
Leader, Ethiopia Space Science Society, Ethiopia

Dr. Souley Yahaya
Leader, Niger Space Surfer, Niger

BADO Fabrice
Leader, Young Burkinabe Astrophysicists

Christian K. Koussouwa GBABA
Leader, NGO Science Géologique pour un Développement Durable (SG2D), Togo

Mr Jocelyn Franck-Patient BOUNGOU POATY Lecturer, University Marien Ngouabi, Republic of Congo

Ahmed Saeed
Leader, Sudanese Asteroid Hunters, Sudan

Fortune Tatenda Matambo
Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, Zimbabwe

Joseph Mafuka Lusala
Leader, Astroclub Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr. Aziz Diaby
President, Association Ivoirienne d'Astronomie, Côte d'Ivoire

Dr. Frances Ngozika
Lecturer, Phys. Dept. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli Campus Anambra State, Nigeria.

Immanuel Luis
Leader, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science University of Namibia.

Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo
Trainers, Haikintana Astronomy Association, Madagascar

Dr. Esaenwi Sudum
Lecturer, Phys. Dept. Rivers State University, Nigeria

Allen A Thomas
Trainer, Center for Science Education, Liberia

Mariam Elsayed
Supervisor at Cassiopeia Team

Engr. Mohamed Omar
Founder of Cassiopeia Team, Egypt

Engr. Abanoub Sameh
Team Leader in Cassiopeia Team

Ms. Dai Alaa
Supervisor at Cassiopeia Team

Sidy Sy
Founder, Club Astronomie Sénégal Amateurs (CASA)

Mrs. Joy Olayiwola
Nigeria Space Agency (NASRDA)

Justpa Gukuu
Founder, Ghana Astronomical Science

Salah El-Din Amer Makki
Founder Andromeda Team Iraq

Veronicah Nyambura Kihagi
Leader of Asteroid Afronauts Kenya

Dr. Sherine El Baradei
Space-Water-Environment Nexus E-Centre

Dr. Uchechukwu Ugochukwu Asogwa,
IASC Citizen Scientist

Henry Sanderson Viyuyi
Founder, Zambian Space Explorers

Asmaa Rhandour
Atlas Asteroid Hunters

We are still updating this list. Check back!

North Africa

Country	Groups	Leadership
Algeria	PhysX Club	Amina Ramadan
Egypt	Cassiopeia	Engr. Mohamed Omar
Egypt	Paradox	Kareem Waleed Hosny, Mohamed Elattar and Nagat Yasser
Egypt	Space -Water-Environment Nexus e – Center	Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei
Egypt	The Egyptian Physics Network	Walid Badenjki
Libya	Amateur Astronomy Libya	Saja Alhoush Sulayman
Morocco	Steps Into Space (SIS)	Salma Regaibi
Morocco	Oukaimeden Observatory	Dr. Meryem Guennoun
Tunisia	Tunisian Astronomical Society	Nejmeddine Etteyeb
Tunisia	Aljarid Astronomie	Ben Abdallah ridha

West Africa

Country	Groups	Leadership
Benin Republic	CosmoLAB Hub Association	Thierry Martial TCHANGOLE
Burkina Faso	Young Burkinabe Astrophysicists	Dr. BADO Fabrice
Côte d’Ivoire	Association Ivoirienne d’Astronomie	Dr. Kassamba Abdel Aziz Diaby
Gambia	Physics Dept. University of Gambia	BABOUCARR M. B BOBB & Kebab Jaiteh
Ghana	PRAGSAC	Matthias Asare-Darko
Ghana	Ghana Planetarium	Sarah Abotsi-Masters
Guinea	UNESCO Center for Peace USA in Guinea	Mamadou Balde
Liberia	Center for Science Education	Allen Thomas
Niger	Niger Space Surfer	Dr. Souley Yahaya
Nigeria	The Astro Group of the Rivers State University	Dr. Esaenwi Sudum
Nigeria	PACS e-Lab Nigeria	Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Nigeria	Citizen Science Research Group at COOU	Ngozika Frances Anekwe
Senegal	Orion Astrolab and Department of Physics, University Cheikh Anta Diop	Dr. Salma Sylla
Senegal	Club Astronomie Sénégal Amateurs (CASA)	Sidy sy
Sierra Leone	Cosmic Gazers Research Institute Sierra Leone	Mohamed Ali Koroma
Sierra Leone	Sierra Leone Geospatial and Space Agency	Dr. Reginald Hughes & Mamaja Jalloh
Togo	NGO Science Géologique pour un Développement Durable (SG2D)	Christian Kontoa Koussouwa Gbaba

Central Africa

Country	Groups	Leadership
Chad	Toumaï	Mamadou Mahamat Djabbi
Cameroon	Astronomy Club of the University of Buea	Tengwi Mogou Ornela
CAR	IT Dreams and Promises of the University of Bamgui	MAMOUDOU KOUROUMA
Congo	Denis Sassou N’GUESSO University	Jocelyn Franck-Patient and DINGA Jean Bienvenu
Congo	University Marien Ngouabi	Jocelyn Franck-Patient and DINGA Jean Bienvenu
DRC	Astroclub Kongo Central	MAFUKA LUSALA JOSEPH
DRC	Lubumbashi Astro Club	Dieumerci kaseha
Gabon	IAU – NAEC Gabon	Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME
Angola	Associação Angolana de Astronomia	Moisés da Silva
Angola	Angolan Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)	Dr. Gilberto Gomes

East Africa

Country	Groups	Leadership
Burundi	Physics Dept.University of Burundi	Dr. René Simbizi & Dr. Salomon Mugisha
Ethiopia	Ethiopia Space Science Society Citizen Science Team	Kirubel Memberu & Lidia Dinsa
Kenya	Space Partnerships and Applications Company Kenya	Dennis Kiyeng
Kenya	Kenya Space Agency – Education and Outreach Students’ Network	Harold Safary
Kenya	Amateur Astronomical Society of Kenya	Samuel Nyangi
Mauritius	IAU – NOC Mauritius	Arvind Ramessur
Madagascar	Haikintana Astronomy Association	Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo
Rwanda	Physics Department, University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology	Dr. Ntahompagaze Joseph
Sudan	Sudanese Asteroid Hunters	Ahmed Saeed
Sudan	Institute of Space Research and Aerospace (ISRA)	Mohammed Yahya Alradi Eldaw
Somalia	Somali Space Explorers	Ictisam abdulkadir mohamoud
South Sudan	Mayardit Academy for Space Sciences – University of Juba	Dr. Christopher Tombe Louis Gore
Seychelles	Citizen Science Seychelles	Erias Kasule
Tanzania	Department of Physics, University of Dodoma	Privatus Pius
Uganda	National Curriculum Development Centre of Uganda	Betty Rose Nabifo

Southern Africa

Country	Groups	Leadership
Zambia	Students from the Copperbelt University	Lhozindaba Zulu
Zambia	Zambia Space Explorers	Henry Sanderson Viyuyi
Zambia	Kabulonga Girls’ Secondary School	Tresford Chilufya Kalunga
Mozambique	Detetives do Cosmos	Nunes Alfredo Assano & Edson Domingos Jequecene
Malawi	Celestial Explorers	Bauleni BVUMBWE
Zimbabwe	Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency	Tawanda Kelvin Simon
Zimbabwe	Zimbabwe Astronomical Society	Thobekile Sandra Ngwanwe
Botswana	University of Botswana Astronomy Club	Molly Nkamogelang Kgobathe
Namibia	Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science University of Namibia	Sigrid Shilunga & Immanuel Luis
South Africa	BlueCraneSpace Astronomy & Astrophysics Department – University of Pretoria	Keketso Qhomane
South Africa	Night Sky Tours	Oosthuizen Leonardo
South Africa	Galaxy Explorers	Bongiwe Portia Mkhabela
Lesotho	Maloti Space Explorers	Keketso Qhomane

We are still updating this list. Check back!

Welcome to the

PACS e-Lab

(Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory)

Collaborations

About PACS e-Lab

Problem Statement

Our Solution

~ Project Highlights ~

Aim & Objectives

TARGET AUDIENCE

REQUIREMENTS

Why Astronomy and Space Science?

Our Impacts

COMMUNITY

Miracle Chibuzor Marcel Founder & Director of PACS e-Lab

Ms. Regaibi Salma President, Steps Into Space Association, Morocco

Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME IAU – NAEC Gabon

Edson Domingos Jequecene Founder, Detetives Do Cosmos, Mozambique

Ms. Molly Kgobathe IAU-OAO, Botswana

Ms. Thobekile Ngwane Vice President, Zimbabwe Astronomical Society

Mohamed Moustafa Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Kareem Waleed Founder of Paradox, Egypt

Ms. Nagat Yasser Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Ms. Aya Sabry Supervisor at Paradox, Egypt

Keketso Qhomane Executive Chairperson of BlueCraneSpace Astronomy & Astrophysics Department, University of Pretoria, South Africa& Founder, Maloti Space Explorers, Lesotho

Walid Badenjki Co-founder, Egyptian Physics Network, Egypt

Dr. Meryem Guennoun Oukaimeden Observatory, Morocco

Ms. Saja AlhoushFounder, Amateur Astronomy Libya

Harold Safary Astrophysicist at Kenya Space Agency

Martial Songo Diop Director of Mbour Astronomy Club, Senegal

Daniel Obajemu Founder, Liberian Astronomical Society

Ms. Amina Ramadan President of PhysX Club, Algeria

Ms. Betty Rose Nabifo Teacher, National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda

Dr. Salma Sylla Researcher, Physics Department, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal

Kirubel Menberu Leader, Ethiopia Space Science Society, Ethiopia

Dr. Souley Yahaya Leader, Niger Space Surfer, Niger

BADO Fabrice Leader, Young Burkinabe Astrophysicists

Christian K. Koussouwa GBABA Leader, NGO Science Géologique pour un Développement Durable (SG2D), Togo

Mr Jocelyn Franck-Patient BOUNGOU POATY Lecturer, University Marien Ngouabi, Republic of Congo

Ahmed Saeed Leader, Sudanese Asteroid Hunters, Sudan

Fortune Tatenda Matambo Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, Zimbabwe

Joseph Mafuka Lusala Leader, Astroclub Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr. Aziz Diaby President, Association Ivoirienne d'Astronomie, Côte d'Ivoire

Dr. Frances Ngozika Lecturer, Phys. Dept. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli Campus Anambra State, Nigeria.

Immanuel Luis Leader, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science University of Namibia.

Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo Trainers, Haikintana Astronomy Association, Madagascar

Dr. Esaenwi Sudum Lecturer, Phys. Dept. Rivers State University, Nigeria

Allen A Thomas Trainer, Center for Science Education, Liberia

Mariam Elsayed Supervisor at Cassiopeia Team

Engr. Mohamed Omar Founder of Cassiopeia Team, Egypt

Engr. Abanoub Sameh Team Leader in Cassiopeia Team

Ms. Dai Alaa Supervisor at Cassiopeia Team

Sidy SyFounder, Club Astronomie Sénégal Amateurs (CASA)

Mrs. Joy Olayiwola Nigeria Space Agency (NASRDA)

Justpa Gukuu Founder, Ghana Astronomical Science

Salah El-Din Amer Makki Founder Andromeda Team Iraq

Veronicah Nyambura Kihagi Leader of Asteroid Afronauts Kenya

Dr. Sherine El Baradei Space-Water-Environment Nexus E-Centre

Dr. Uchechukwu Ugochukwu Asogwa, IASC Citizen Scientist

Henry Sanderson Viyuyi Founder, Zambian Space Explorers

Asmaa Rhandour Atlas Asteroid Hunters