Stargazing Dreams Susan Murabana Cosmic: Susan Murabana’s journey into astronomy began at 22 when she peered through a telescope, transforming her perception of celestial bodies from textbook illustrations to awe-inspiring realities. This pivotal moment occurred during her volunteer work with Cosmos Education, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing science education in developing countries.
Inspired by her experiences teaching young children in Kenyan schools and villages, Murabana delved deeper into astronomy. She joined the Global Hands-On Universe teacher training program in 2006, where she led a space education project. This initiative marked the beginning of her commitment to bringing educational opportunities in astronomy to African children.
In 2014, Murabana, along with her husband Daniel Chu Owen, founded Travelling Telescope, a social enterprise aimed at providing astronomy education to underserved communities. Armed with a telescope and an inflatable planetarium, the program travels to remote areas, offering children the chance to gaze at Saturn, the moon, and constellations while learning basic science and astrophysics.
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The satisfaction derived from witnessing children’s reactions and anticipation fuels Murabana’s dedication. She recounts a poignant moment when a 12-year-old boy in eastern Kenya expressed newfound belief in science, dispelling his earlier skepticism.
Beyond inspiring individual curiosity, Murabana and Owen aspire to cultivate a broader interest in space within Kenya. Dreaming of witnessing the first Kenyan in space, they emphasize the need for more awareness about Kenya’s involvement in space research. While many may not be aware, the Kenya Space Agency launched its first satellite into orbit from the International Space Station in 2018.
Travelling Telescope is not just an educational endeavor; it’s also a means of challenging perceptions. Murabana aims to debunk the notion that astronomy is solely a Western science. Attending a conference in Ghana themed “African Cultural Astronomy” reshaped her perspective, highlighting the rich history of astronomy in Africa, tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Dogon people of Mali.
To sustain their mission, Murabana and Owen run astro-tourism services, including Star Safaris and astronomy nights for paying tourists. They are in the process of acquiring land for a “cosmic hill” where they envision building an observatory. This space would serve as a base for people to learn about and appreciate the sky, fostering a deeper connection to the cosmos.
Travelling Telescope has already impacted over 400,000 people, and Murabana envisions expanding their reach to more schools. Her ultimate dream is to ensure that every child, at least once in their lifetime, has the opportunity to experience a lesson under the night sky, fostering a generation of more informed leaders.