ABOUT US

The society seeks to disseminate and share knowledge in the Astronomy domain in an effort to excite youngsters and interest all into learning about and participating in astronomy in Botswana. The Society is led by our chairman,Prof Motsoptse Modisi , our assistant chairman and our only professional astronomer, Prof Mike Bode, our secretary, Mr. Gihan Ilangakoon and our treasurer, Mr Bongi Radipati. There are seven other committee members incuding Dr. Moletlanyi Tshipa, Ms. Molly Kgobathe, Mr. Harold Hester, Mr. Bill Tomlinson, Mrs. Anandhi Lakshiminaryanan, Matlhogonolo Thomas and Ms. Boitumelo Sekhute Batungamile . We currently have a total individual membership of 40 with 4 corporate members including Maruapula School, Westwood International School , Livingstone Kolobeng College and Diamonds In the Sky (pty) ltd . These numbers will continue to grow as we do our best to attract more members– see our Membership Page and you are welcome to download the 2020 ASB Brochure.

A Membership Application Form can also be downloaded from our Membership page.

COMMITTEE OF THE ASB

FOR THE PERIOD 2020-2021

CHAIRPERSON – Prof. Motsoptse Modisi
VICE CHAIRPERSON – Prof. Michael Bode
SECRETARY – Gihan Ilangakoon
VICE SECRETARY – Molly Kgobathe
TREASURER – Bongi Radipati

COMMITTEE MEMBER 1- Harold Hester
COMMITTEE MEMBER 2 – Matlhogonolo Thomas
COMMITTEE MEMBER 3 – William Tomlinson
COMMITTEE MEMBER 4 – Boitumelo Sekhute-Batungamile
COMMITTEE MEMBER 5 – Anandhi Lakshminarayan
COMMITTE MEMBER 6 – Dr. Moletlanyi Tshipa

REPRESENTATIVES VOTED IN

Corporate Liaison Officer – Patricia Tomlinson
SAROAD Representative – Tebogo Mogaleemang

Objectives of the Society

To act as a focal point for the many citizens who are interested in Astronomy and wish to become more knowledgeable, and provide a forum where they will be able to interact with like-minded individuals and learn more about the subject
To stimulate a wider interest in, and awareness of, Astronomy nationally, capitalizing on the magnificent skies that Botswana possesses and the future projects in which it will be involved
To reach out to schools across the country and use the inherent fascination with the subject in our young people to stimulate their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a whole

Astronomical Society of Botswana exists to:

Connect scientists, educators, amateur astronomers and the public..
Provide education through public outreach with professionals and national meetings and collaborations
Strengthen our organizational foundation based on an agile, integrated and multi-faceted approach to science education and public outreach, and to collaborate with international organizations involved with astronomy
Serve Public audiences through our resources, outreach programs and memberships

Associations & Affiliated Organisations

We are seeking active partners to affiliate with in the region and Internationally. Our strategy is to affiliate, associate, collaborate and cooperate with any astronomical Society, educational institution or scientific organization involved with astronomy and the promotion of STEM at large. We hope to forge long lasting relationships with our affiliates that will bear fruit in the not so distant future.

Links to some of these Institutions, Associations, Government Ministries and Parastatals, and NGO’s are provided below: