Namibia recently hosted the inaugural High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) Software School in Windhoek, marking a noteworthy milestone in the country’s growing role in global astrophysics.
Organised by the astro sub-group under UNAM’s Department of Physics, with funding from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the school was part of the CNRS-University Cooperation Research Programme, “Towards highest and lowest energies for the H.E.S.S. in Namibia.” The initiative was led by Prof. Mathieu de Naurois (Laboratoire Leprince-Ringuet), Prof. Michael Backes, and Mr. Jimmy Shapopi (UNAM).
As the host of the H.E.S.S. telescopes, one of the world’s most advanced gamma-ray astronomy facilities, Namibia plays a crucial role in high-energy astrophysics. Its geographic location, stable atmospheric conditions, and exceptionally dark skies make it an ideal site for astronomical observations, particularly in studying high-energy cosmic phenomena. The H.E.S.S. Software School aimed to provide students and researchers with specialised skills in astrophysical data analysis, further setting Namibia’s standing in global astronomy research.
The school welcomed 32 participants from Namibia, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and France, ranging from first-year undergraduates to PhD students and university staff.
“The programme was intensive and rewarding,” said Godson Abbey, a PhD student from Copperbelt University in Zambia. “The hands-on workshops allowed us to analyse astrophysical sources, generate significance maps, spectral energy distributions, and light curves using GammaPy.”
UNAM MSc student Sigrid Shilunga highlighted the programme’s impact. “The H.E.S.S. school completed the circle of my knowledge about night and day observations. I now understand the importance of accurate data recording at night and quality checks during the day.”
Lecturers from Laboratoire Leprince-Ringuet, Université Montpellier, UNAM, and North-West University provided expert insights, with Prof. Nukri Komin leading data analysis classes and Prof. de Naurois delivering theoretical and instrumentation insights.
A highlight of the programme was an excursion to the H.E.S.S. telescopes, where participants engaged with Namibia’s cutting-edge research infrastructure. They also visited the Cuno Hoffmeister Memorial Observatory, where local amateur astronomers from the Namibia Scientific Society led a stargazing session and discussions on observational techniques.
By training young scientists in specialised astronomical software and research methods, the H.E.S.S. Software School strengthens Namibia’s role in global astrophysics, ensuring that Namibian scientists are well-equipped to contribute to cutting-edge research in gamma-ray astronomy. The school happened in December 2024.
Original story by Mr. Hiiko Katjaita (PhD in Science, Physics) and Ms. Tuwilika Simon (MSc in Physics) at UNAM.
