Skies have no borders

Astronomy as a catalyst for cultural relations

Astronomers are thought to be the very first scientists to collaborate on large scale international projects. In an award winning essay, Dr Hannah Dalgleish explores how astronomy, one of the oldest sciences in the world goes beyond the study of our galaxies to facilitate globally inclusive scientific collaborations and to foster cultural exchange.

Dr Hannah Dalgleish is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Astronomy for Development, based between the University of Oxford and University of Namibia (UNAM). Her research focuses on dark sky tourism and utilising astronomy for social impact. Hannah works with Dr Michael Backes at UNAM, a previous awardee of the AfOx travel grant.

Hannah’s essay titled ‘Under one sky: astronomy as a catalyst for cultural relations’ has been published by the British Council for their Cultural Relations Collections.

Image
DARA welcomed its UK, SA and African partners to the 2019 annual network meeting in Muldersdrift, South Africa.

In this essay, Hannah explores the relationship between UK and South Africa around astronomy and how it has evolved. As an extractive colonial project that began 200 years ago, Hannah takes us on a journey of power imbalances, exploitation and marginalisation to current day where scientists from both countries are co-developing new projects such as the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy project and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory.

Astronomy is a good way to get governments talking about science, technology and innovation, and it's amazing to think that we now have two intergovernmental astronomy organisations, the European Southern Observatory and Square Kilometre Array Observatory. Astronomy is great for science diplomacy.
- Dr Hannah Dalgleish
Image
Image of a shared sky by IIgali Inyayimanha

Hannah acknowledges both the benefits and challenges of conducting a ‘Big Science’ project in rural areas. Many communities across South Africa have a rich knowledge of the night skies, and have retained a deep relationship with the sky above them. This inspires astronomers and artists alike to collaborate and bring that insight about our shared sky to new audiences.

Ultimately, I learned that there's a lot that cultural relations can learn from astronomy, and there's a lot that astronomers can learn from applying a cultural lens. If we embrace this and enhance our relationships between the sciences and humanities, we will truly thrive.
Dr Hannah Dalgleish
Hannah's research & publications

Hannah’s research looks to the intersection of astronomy and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this Astronomy & Geophysics article, Hannah explores how human capacity building, dark sky tourism, and public engagement can further the SDGs.

Hannah is also interested in the science of science communication. She led a study which sought to understand the impact of the International Astronomical Youth Camp on its participants over the past 50 years. Some of the results have been published in Nature Astronomy, and it is clear to see that the camp has an influence on career choices as well as supporting the individual in their personal development.

Links to articles:

About the Cultural Relations Collection

The British Council Cultural Relations Collection essays are a starting point for discussion. They look afresh – with a common cultural relations lens – across global developments in a range of thematic areas. These include arts, science, higher education, schools, civil society, exams and assessment, and the English language.