The vision of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA09 in english or AMA09 in French) was to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day/night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.
In Africa and Gabon in particular , the driving theme was Astronomy for Education. The aim was to use the IYA09 as a platform to reinforce the need for a stronger culture of learning - both formally and informally - for a radiating Gabonese society in the African Renaissance.
Gabon is home of some of the most ancient inhabitants of Africa and the world : "Akoula" - in one Bantou language (mistranslated as "Pygmies"). As such, Gabon is a host of the most ancient form of Natural Science whose concerns included the heavens. It is therefore essential to tap on that knowledge in securing an access - for astronomy & space sciences - to the remote corners of Gabon. In so doing we will be able to highlight native Africans' contribution to the human process of understanding and using the universe, while locally strengthening the presence of modern day astronomy & space sciences.
Beyond the International Year of Astronomy is the natural extension to IYA09. One driving goal being to expand upon the momentum gained in 2009. In Africa & Gabon, Astronomy for Education remains the leading motto.
Dogon's "Sigui Tolo" & " Po Tolo" (Sirius A & B) : A central system in native African astronomy.
National Steering Committee
The National Steering Committee (NSC) is still growing up with new stakeholders and connexe networks still joining. The present core is made of members of NOMMO ASTRONOMIA, the Association for Astronomy & Space Sciences in Gabon. The NSC is mainly led by :
Dr. Medard MOUELE is one central node to the local community of scholars as well as to different government and non-government organizations. Dr. MOUELE is also Secretary General of NOMMO ASTRONOMIA
Mr Fernand LEPOKO is a Profesional in the local Media & Film industry. Mr. LEPOKO is treasurer of NOMMO ASTRONOMIA.
Mr. Patrice M. OKOUMA is Head of NOMMO ASTRONOMIA and was the Single Point of Contact (SPoC) for Gabon for IYA2009. He is a central node to the local educational community as well as to different government and non-government institutions both locally and internationally.
