Dr. Solomon Belay's lecture gifts a flight to celestial facts

Unraveling the space: Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema (R), Associate Professor, Astrophysics, Addis Ababa University; and Director, Entoto Observatory and Research Centre providing International Human Space Flight Day special 7th lecture as part of the ongoing Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series at Micro Business College’s Ambo campus on 15 April.  President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun is also seen. PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE 

International Human Space Flight Day special 7th Wangari Maathai Lecture carried its audience to all thrills and frills of imagination. Thanks to Ethiopia’s leading space scientist and researcher, Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema who lectured on a topic titled ‘Journey of Ethiopian Astronomy and Space Science’. Dr. Solomon was presenting the evolution and progress of the space science in the country, with a seasoned speaker’s grace. His presentation comprised of the history of global space science, major contributors and major milestones. 

For Ethiopia, space science is in its budding stage, but flourishing with all vigour and vitality. The rationale of a country with poor economy taking up space exploration, had received huge lot of cynicism in the beginning. Founder leaders of the Ethiopian Space Science Society including Mr. Tefera could substantiate the country’s need for space interventions, considerably eliminating doubts about the veracity of the programme. 

Space stories always provide that pinch of thrill that should excite listeners. Lecture by Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema was not different. The entire talk was made into a theatrical experience. Thanks to plenty of photographs and plush information delivered through 135 slides. Talent of a scientist-teacher in Dr. Solomon was vivid as he got his audience stuck to the presentation, watching the slides without blinking their eyes. 

“Astronomy can contribute globally to education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels and can enable less developed, poorer countries to participate in cutting-edge scientific research” he began saying this. The introduction was irresistible for all those who were eager to know about the past, present and future of the space science. Speaker made it clear that all branches of science – technology, culture, society as well as natural science and research have got plenty of opportunity to be linked into space science. 

Audience irrespective of their different interests, backgrounds and specialization, was left dumbfounded when the majestic truth that sky visible to the naked eye was really just a hint of a vast and complex cosmos, within which our home planet was but a pale blue dot!  Dr. Solomon also unraveled the antiqueness of astronomy through presenting Ethiopian Zodiac; as well as Islamic and Egyptian contributions to the field. 

Yet another attraction of his speech was that he could make scientific facts understandable for the heterogeneous audience. Thus made palatable were Kepler’s laws, Galileo’s findings, Newton’s laws of motion, and use of cosmological constant by Einstein. 

The Ethiopian Space Science Society was established in 2004 with 49 members. Currently it has grown in size and capacities and nurtures the darling dream of realizing the country’s first ever satellite programme, EthioSat 1. In 2012/2013, ESSS could mobilize support from 32 public universities;  and a private university to establish the Entoto Observatory and Research Centre.

The lecture was followed by vivacioius feedback session with audience asking questions and the speaker answering to them. Earlier, President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun during his opening remarks stressed on the challenges and opportunities of science education. Coordinator for Research, Development and Communication, Mr. Sivakumar K.P. welcomed participants. Vice Dean, Mr. Megersa Nuresa proposed vote of thanks.