Public Astronomy Talk by Professor Mike Bode talk

 

A visiting lecture from University of Liverpool in United Kingdom Professor Mike Bode gave an insightful presentation on the topic ‘Stars that Go Bang in the Night’ at University of Botswana Health Science Auditorium on February 22, 2018.

His talk captured among others scale and content of the universe such as observing new stars, Novae, Super Novae and Gamma Ray Bursts, future prospects in Botswana. He also touched on sophisticated observatory projects which will be part of major International projects to be placed in Botswana (Square Kilometer Array) and the newly formation of the Botswana Astronomy Society.

He set us off on a journey to the expanding universe. He described the main types of exploding stars and looked at some of the history of their observation, stretching back to over 2000 years. He also touched on an overview of the Solar system and the relative size, distance and volume of the Earth, Moon, the sun, Jupiter and the Pleiades (seven sisters) cluster of stars.

He further talked on the scale of our Milky Way, it being dwarf compared to other systems. He then took us to explore how such stars are thought to explode and why their study is so important. He explained what happens when stars explode, most energetic examples being the most titanic explosions since the Big Bang.

 He talked on Modern-ground based observatories to observe events in space, Supernovae which are much rarer than classical novae. He also talked about How Gamma Ray Bursters (GRB’s) were discovered in 1960 but kept a secret until 1973 – were shown they were outside the solar system.

 During the question time he answered questions from the wide audience, mostly youthful minds and gave details on how useful astronomy is to our day to day life and the powerful black holes that could transport us to a whole different world.

Discussing on the future prospects in Botswana, he shared about the Square Kilometre Array -  the world’s largest ever ground-based astronomy project, and one in which Botswana is destined to make valuable contribution. He also mentioned that amateur astronomers using their telescopes in their backyards still make a valuable contribution to our understanding of astronomy.

In closing he made an announcement for the newly formed Botswana Astronomy Society meeting to be held at Maru-a-pula school, AV Centre, Thursday 1 March.

 

UB COMMEMORATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The University of Botswana English Department in partnership with the American Embassy joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 13^th Annual Black History Month at the University Library Auditorium on February 20-22, 2018.

The event was to remember and honour African-Americans and celebrate their contributions towards the United State of America. During the month, different entities across the world including universities and some organisations organise events to impart knowledge on rich culture and notable figures of African-American History.

Consequently, this year’s commemoration of the Black History Month Film Festival was organised under the theme: “AFRICAN AMERICANS IN TERMS OF WAR,” showcasing a documentary film on the role of African-Americans in American wars, from revolutionary wars to the present and the war against terrorism.

Officiating at the start of the three-day event on February 20, 2018, US Ambassador, Mr Earl Miller, said Black History Month was an integral part of America’s traditions in which they continued to promote positive examples of poignant historical events, exemplary leaders and a step towards societal change.

Mr Miller also pointed out that showcasing documentaries on Black History would help the world to remember American history and create awareness on the struggles and challenges African-Americans in the past. He said their struggles were an indication of perseverance and further served as inspiration to diverse communities. Mr Miller quoted extensively from former USA President, Mr Barack Obama’s speech on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington on August 28, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial to support this year’s the theme.

“Many had gone to segregated schools and sat at segregated lunch counters, had lived in towns where they couldn't vote, in cities where their votes didn't matter.  There were couples in love who couldn't marry, soldiers who fought for freedom abroad they found denied to them at home.  They had seen loved ones beaten and children fire-hosed.  And they had every reason to lash out in anger or resign themselves to a bitter fate.

And yet they chose a different path.  In the face of hatred, they prayed for their tormentors.  In the face of violence, they stood up and sat in with the moral force of non-violence.  Willingly, they went to jail to protest unjust laws, their cells swelling with the sound of freedom songs.  A lifetime of indignities had taught them no man can take away the dignity and grace God grants us.  They had learned through hard experience what Frederick Douglas once taught: freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith,” said Mr Miller.

University of Botswana Dean of the Faculty Humanities, Professor Anderson Chebanne, said films on Black History helped the University as part of innovative teaching because they complimented literature texts studied in the American and African American literature courses.

“Given current challenges with textbooks, films could be one way around such challenges with their visual impression which concretize the literary texts in the student’s minds,” said Professor Chebanne.

He further said with superb ICT infrastructure, UB had to teach innovatively and films on Black History could be exploited to enhance research profiles given that some of their students were potential graduate students. He also appreciated US Ambassador Mr Miller for the embassy’s continued support for the past 13 years providing teaching to their students and improving their experience.