About the Founder
Miracle Chibuzor Marcel is the Founder and Director of the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PACS e-Lab), a nonprofit platform dedicated to advancing STEM education through hands-on astronomy and space science activities across Africa. With a background in physics and astronomy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, his early academic journey was largely theoretical due to limited access to hands-on research opportunities in Africa. Driven by a passion for hands-on experience, he sought out collaborations with leading international organizations, sparking his remarkable journey in citizen science.
Chibuzor’s expertise spans a wide range of projects, including asteroid research with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), exoplanet observation and photometry with NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, double star studies with the Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InStAR), RR Lyrae star research with Our Solar Siblings, variable star observations with the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), ISS radio contact via ARISS, and robotic telescope observations with the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO), Slooh, and Micro Observatory. He is also skilled in astrophotography, processing data from LCO, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope to create stunning visuals. In addition, Chibuzor collaborates with Free AstroScience to deliver bi-monthly astronomy lectures and a podcast.
Beyond research, Chibuzor’s commitment to education and outreach shines through PACS e-Lab, a platform that has engaged thousands of educators, students, and STEM enthusiasts across 50 African countries, and continues to grow. By integrating these global projects, PACS e-Lab is democratizing astronomy and empowering underrepresented communities in Africa with practical skills and opportunities. Looking ahead, Chibuzor envisions reaching tens of thousands more individuals in Africa by 2030, and establishing an observatory in his hometown to serve as PACS e-Lab’s headquarters for research, education, and outreach.
He and his team welcome global partnerships to share their expertise and vision. Through collaboration, digital tools, and innovation, Chibuzor is addressing Africa’s unique challenges in astronomy, transforming access to space science across the continent.
Publications
Marcel, M. C., Privatus, P., Gaber, S., Popnwin, B. L., Favour, H. T., Elattar, M., Rhandour, A., … Sani, I. A. (2025).
Exploring Statistical Correlations in Exoplanet Transit Parameters: A Study of Over 250 Light Curves by Citizen Scientists from Developing Countries. Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers, 53(2). View
Marcel, M. C. (2025). BN Canum Venaticorum distance determination using period-luminosity-metallicity relation. Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers, 53(1). View
Marcel, M. C., Diaby, K. A. A., Guennoun, M., Nabifo, B. R., Elattar, M., Rajaonarivelo, A., et al. (2025, November 9). Empowering African youths in astronomy: The impact of Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab. In Proceedings of the 113th Annual Meeting of the AAVSO (pp. 75–81). View
Marcel, M. C., Sani, I. A., Gerald, J. L., Pius, P., Ekwu, O. M., Bvumbwe, B., … & Olayiwola, J. U. (2024). New astrometric measurements of the position angle and separation of the double star system WDS 03245+5938 STI 450. Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(1), 39-47. View
Marcel, M. C., Gerald, J. L., Bvumbwe, B., Sani, I. A., Pius, P., Ekwu, O. M., Sudum, E., & Olayiwola, J. U. (2024). Measurement of the double star system WDS 03286+2523 BRT 133 with a web telescope. The Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(1), 48-55, View
Professional Affiliations
Early Career Researcher, The Meteoritical Society March 2025-Present
Associate member, African Astronomical Society March 2025-Present
Member, Europlanet Society March 2025-Present
Member, American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) April 2024–Present
Global Sky Partner, Las Cumbres Observatory August 2023–Present
IASC ‘s African Regional Coordinator 2020-Present
Contact Person, IAU Office of Astronomy for Education, Nigeria 2020 – 2024
Conferences & Talks
Oral Presentation at the 57th Conference on Variable Star Research, organized November, 2025 by the Section of Variable Stars and Exoplanets of the Czech Astronomical Society, Ondřejov, Title: Exploring Statistical Correlations in Exoplanet Transit Parameters: A Study of Over 250 Light Curves by Citizen Scientists from Developing Countries.
Space Plenary Session at the Science Summit of the 80th United Nations General Assembly September, 2025 in New York City, USA.
Title: First Africa-wide Amateur Radio Contact with Astronauts aboard the International Space Station
2025 Virtual Technical Sessions organized by International Space Station Research, September, 2025
and Development Conference (ISSRDC),
Title: First Africa-wide Amateur Radio Contact with Astronauts aboard the International Space Station
See: Recording
Oral Presentation at the European Lunar Symposium 2025, Universität Münster, Germany June 2025
Title: Lunar Observation with The Slooh Telescopes
Contributed a talk at the LCO Global Sky Partners Monthly Virtual Meeting May 2025 Title: First Africa‑Wide Amateur Radio Contact with the International Space Station
See: Recording
Oral Presentation at the Engaging the Media: Planetary Defense and Asteroid Awareness in Africa May 2025
Pretoria Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre.
Title: Pan-African Asteroid Search Campaign: Africa’s Contribution to Planetary Defense
Oral Presentation at the 5th African Astronomical Society Conference March 2025
Title: Transformation of Astronomy Research, Education, and Outreach in Africa through PACS e-Lab Projects
Oral Presentation at the HamSCI Workshop 2025 March 2025
Title: PACS e-Lab’s Space Education Initiatives in Africa through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.
See: Abstract
Oral Presentation at the ANSOLE ́s 14th Anniversary International Online Conference February 2025
(A2 IOC 2025) & 1st WAITRO SDG7 Working Group Online Conference (WAITRO-WG7-25)
Title: Fostering Astronomy Engagement in Africa through the PACS e-Lab Projects
See: Abstracts
Oral presentation at the 83rd International Scientific Conference of the Institute of Astronomy February 2025 University of Latvia.
Title: Astronomy Democratization in Africa through the PACS e-Lab Projects
See: Abstract book & Certificate
Oral presentation at the 113th AAVSO Annual Meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, November 2024
Title: Empowering African Youths in Astronomy: The Impact of PACS e-Lab
See: Abstract, Recording and Conference Proceedings in pg 75-81
Oral presentation at the Global Hands-On Universe 2024 Online Conference. September 2024
Title: Promoting Astronomy Research, Education, and Outreach in Africa through Citizen Science
See: Recording and Certificate.
Session Convener and Virtual Oral presentation at the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations September 2024
General Assembly in New York City, USA.
Session Title: Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab: An Emerging Online Platform for Astronomy Research, Education, and Outreach in Africa.
See: Speakers & Certificate.
Oral presentation at the 56th Conference on Variable Stars in Litomyšl, Czechia September 2024
Title: Introducing Citizen Science Projects in Africa by PACS e-Lab.
See: Certificate
Oral presentation at the 155th Global Star Party of the Explore Alliance, Online August 2024
Title: Overview of PACS e-Lab’s Activities in Africa
See: Speakers.
Oral presentation at the 32nd IAU General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa. August 2024
Title: Modern Astronomy Education and Outreach Endeavors in Africa.
See: Recording & Certificate.
Contributed a talk at the LCO Global Sky Partners Monthly Virtual Meeting July 2024
Title: Overview of PACS e-Lab’s Activities in Africa.
See: Recording.
Contributed a talk at the Space Water Environment Nexus Webinar July 2024
Title: Overview of PACS e-Lab’s Activities in Africa
See: Recording & Certificate.
Oral presentation at the World Asteroid Day Online Meeting June 2023
Title: World Asteroid Day: Africa’s Side of the Story and Contributions
See: Recording.
Research Supervision
Salma, R., Zineb, E. A., Hayfa, K., Asmaa, R., & Marcel, M. C. (2026). Astrometric analysis of WDS 03218+3540 (ES 2558): Evidence for an optical double. The Journal of Double Star Observations, 22(1), 62–69, Link
Simbizi, R., Mugisha, S., & Marcel, M. C. (2025). Analysis of the WDS 16014-6710 NZO 68 through astrometric measurements. Journal of Double Star Observations, 21(4), 489-496, Link
Dinh, N., & Marcel, M. C. (2025). New astrometric measurement of the double-star system WDS 20436+3834 BRT 2232. Journal of Double Star Observations, 21(4), 409-416, Link
Yassine, A., Belmina, Z., Sekkay, M., & Marcel, M. C. (2025). Astrometric measurement of the double-star system WDS 03209+4512 ES 1311 AB. Journal of Double Star Observations, 21(1), 75-81, Link
Ibharalu, E., & Marcel, M. C. (2025). Astrometric measurement of the double-star system WDS 09168-3407 B 1118. Journal of Double Star Observations, 21(1), 105-112, Link
Gerald, J. L., Sudum, E., & Marcel, M. C. (2024). CCD observation of the double star system WDS 00311+5454 ES 933. Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(4), 529–536, Link
Elattar, M. M., Goher, M. A., & Marcel, M. C. (2024). Unveiling a binary star: New astrometric analysis of WDS 01497+5355 ES 761. Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(4), 537–543, Link
Andrukhiv, V., Lys, S., & Marcel, M. C. (2024). New astrometric measurements of the double-star system WDS 18234-4819 B 938. Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(3), 347–354, Link
Fathallah, I. A., & Marcel, M. C. (2024). New astrometric measurements of the position angle and separation of the double star system WDS 15453-4949 B 2365. Journal of Double Star Observations, 20(3), 329–336, Link
Astronomy Lectures
These Astronomy Lectures & Podcasts are a collaborative effort between PACS e-Lab and Free AstroScience
Podcast
Training Tutorials
Asteroid Search Tutorials
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 8 videos
Astrophoto Visual Development tutorials with Photoshop
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 13 videos
Astrophoto Visual Development tutorials with Gimp
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 6 videos
Photometry & Exoplanets Tutorials
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 7 videos
Using Stellarium
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 8 videos
Predicting Eclipses with App
Speaker: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel
Language : English
Numbers: 1 video