During the 10th BRICS Working Group on Astronomy meeting held in Kazan, Russia, from September 9-13, Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of Astronomy at South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation, outlined his country’s prominent role as the secretariat in driving forward international cooperation and innovation in the field of astronomy.
Nemaungani emphasized that while each BRICS member nation—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has a rich history and significant achievements in astronomy, their collaborative efforts can amplify these successes. He highlighted that by working together, BRICS countries can push the boundaries of space science and exploration even further.
A core focus of the BRICS astronomy initiative is the facilitation of exchanges among students and scientists, the promotion of joint research projects, and the sharing of cutting-edge technological advancements. This collaboration not only enhances the scientific capabilities of each member but also fosters a more integrated global approach to understanding the universe.
Nemaungani pointed to the fruitful partnership between South Africa and Russia as a notable example of successful international collaboration. South Africa has been hosting Russian astronomical instruments and telescopes in its Northern Cape region, which has enabled both countries to share knowledge and transfer technology. This collaboration underscores the mutual benefits of international scientific partnerships.
The BRICS initiative is also significantly supported by the “BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network” project. This ambitious project aims to connect telescopes across the BRICS nations, allowing for synchronized operations and joint observations of astronomical phenomena. By aligning their telescopes, member countries can collectively focus on specific regions of the sky, enhancing their ability to study celestial events and share data seamlessly.
Nemaungani elaborated on the project’s objectives, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that our telescopes can operate in concert, either focusing on particular areas of interest or conducting joint observations of key astronomical phenomena. This synchronization will enable us to gather more comprehensive data and make significant advancements in our understanding of the universe.”