About Us
Discover the beauty of Botswana’s night skies with the Astronomical Society of Botswana — a community dedicated to astronomy, stargazing, and space science education.
Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or researcher, join us in exploring the universe from one of the best stargazing destinations on Earth.
AFFILIATIONS
Secretariat
BIUST - The Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana - https://www.biust.ac.bw/
Member
IAU - International Astronomical Union - https://www.iau.org/
Associate Astronomy Societies
SAS - Southport Astronomical Society - https://southportastro.org/
ASSA - Astronomical Society of Southern Africa - https://assa.saao.ac.za/
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 Vice Chairman and our only professional Astronomer, Prof. Michael Bode, our Secretary, Mr. Gihan Ilangakoon and our Treasurer, Mr. David Slater. There are five other committee members including Dr. Moletlanyi Tshipa, Ms. Molly Kgobathe, Mr. Harold Hester, Dr. Fulvio Franchi and Mr. Kgomotso Thelo. The ASB numbers continue to grow as we do our best to attract more members– see our Membership Page and you are welcome to download the ASB Brochure.
A Membership Application Form can also be downloaded from our Membership page.
Stargazing Event June 2025 at MaP School, Gaborone
David Slater & Motsoptse Modisi with students of Enko College (9 July 2025)
Stargazing Evening at MaP Grounds (May 2025)
Stargazing at Tlokweng with Narit Team (11 AUGUST 2024)
Prof. Mike Bode
Prof. Thebe Medupe
ASB Inauguration
Society Main Members
Celestron Nexstar 127
Committee Members
For the period 2024-2026
Kgomotso Thelo
Committee Member
Gihan Ilangakoon
Secretary
Prof. Michael Bode
Vice Chairperson
Prof. Motsoptse Modisi
Chairperson
Dr. Fulvio Franchi
Committee Member
Dr. Moletlanyi Tshipa
Committee Member
David Slater
Treasurer
Molly Kgobathe
Committee Member
Harold Hester
Committee Member
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