The night sky is a great leveler, something that people from all walks of life have been able to look upon and draw inspiration from. Unfortunately, the ability to observe the planets and stars and study the mysteries of the Universe is still not open to everyone. When it comes to astronomy, there is still a problem of access, which mirrors disparities in development, education, and health outcomes worldwide.
This disparity is persistent not only in developed and developing nations but between urban and rural communities as well. In southern Morocco, this disparity is felt by public schools in the remote villages of the Atlas Mountains. But thanks to the Asif Astronomy Club and its founder – Ph.D. student El-Mehdi Essaidi – children in these schools are getting the chance to use a professional astronomical telescope to observe the stars and planets for the first time.
Continue reading “Space for All: Bringing Astronomy to Remote Mountain Villages in Morocco”