International
International Astronomical Union
Ethiopia in the international astronomy community
Our connection
Shared focus
Ethiopia joined the IAU in 2012. The Society has been part of this wider astronomy story through regional cooperation, the national NameExoWorlds committee and the contributions of its patrons. The milestones below distinguish national achievements from the Society’s own role.
ESSS and Ethiopia’s IAU milestones
National astronomy milestones, regional cooperation, and recognition for the Society’s patrons.
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2012
Ethiopia joins the IAU
Ethiopia becomes a National Member of the International Astronomical Union.
IAU record ↗ -
2018
Tefera Walwa receives IAU honorary membership
Tefera Walwa, founding patron of the Ethiopian Space Science Society, becomes an Honorary Member of the IAU.
IAU record ↗ -
May 2019
Naming rights for a star and its planet
Ethiopia receives the opportunity to name the star HD 16175 and its exoplanet HD 16175 b through NameExoWorlds. ESSS representatives take part in the national campaign committee.
Campaign record ↗ -
2024
Al Amoudi receives IAU honorary membership
Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi, a financial backer of the Entoto Observatory, is awarded Honorary Membership in the IAU.
IAU announcement ↗