ABOUT US

A guest in Masai Mara enjoys highlighting Saturn with our powerful laser

WHO WE ARE

The Travelling Telescope is a social enterprise registered in Kenya in 2014. Our company is dedicated to promoting science and technology using astronomy and astrophysics tools and concepts, encourage imagination and exploration through the stars and planets. Astronomy has the ability to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in people, and it is an amazing platform from which to encourage people to pursue science, technology and exploration. The telescope has been around for more than 400 years and yet most people have not had a chance to look through one. The Travelling Telescope is trying to change that. In addition to our large telescope, we have a portable planetarium and recently built a larger fixed planetarium in Nairobi. The planetarium dome was constructed using bamboo harvested from their garden.

Our journey began when Chu and Susan met during the 2013 solar eclipse in Turkana. The idea of combining Susan’s experience in educational outreach with Chu’s passion for the technical aspects of astronomy gave birth to The Travelling Telescope. We’ve currently grown to a team comprising astronomy outreach professionals and astronomy graduates from the University of Nairobi. Our company focuses on a team that has unique skills that define them and contribute to the strength and diversity of the company. As science communicators we play a a key role in disseminating scientific research and information to children, parents, teachers and the general public and therefore realise our ambassodrial role to innovators, inventors and reserachers.

WHAT WE DO

We aim to engage people from all walks of life and get them passionate about exploring the night sky. Nobody is too young or too old to get involved. We provide all the tools necessary – all anyone needs is to show up and be curious. The project has two streams – school visits and public events which include partnerships with lodges and hotels.

We regularly visit both government and private schools, and expose students to a variety of astronomy tools, resources and concepts and through the partnership with Airbus Foundation, we also include a robotics workshop. Giving students practical, hands-on experience with astronomy is important if we are to inspire young people to be the scientists of tomorrow.

When we aren’t getting children excited about the spectacular Universe, we’re busy organising diverse events at various locations where people can stargaze, follow guided tours of the night sky, and learn more about the cosmos we live in. With the construction of The Nairobi Planetarium, we are able to invite members of the public to enjoy an immersive tour of our galaxy and outer worlds. In addition to this the planetarium allows us to host various events including public talks and trainings.

The Founders

Susan Murabana Owen is a visionary leader in astronomy education and public
outreach. As the co-founder and CEO of The Travelling Telescope, a social enterprise
dedicated to promoting astronomy in Africa through astro-tourism and education,
she has made significant contributions to the field. The Travelling Telescope
partners with lodges to educate and entertain tourists about the stunning Kenyan
night skies. Additionally, her team brings large portable telescopes and a mobile
planetarium to schools and public spaces, engaging students in astronomy.
Recently, The Travelling Telescope built a fixed planetarium, The Nairobi
Planetarium, constructed using bamboo. In recognition of its impactful work, The
Travelling Telescope received the Europlanet Award for Science Engagement in
2020.
In addition to her role at The Travelling Telescope, Susan serves as the president of
the Rotary Club of Nairobi. She is a member of the board of World Space Week, and
she serves as one of the mentors for the United Nations Office for Outer Space, Space
for Women initiative. She is also the founding president of the African Planetarium
Association and serves on the board of the International Planetarium Society.
Furthermore, she is the national coordinator for Universe Awareness.
Susan has been featured on The Guardian, CNN African Voices, BBC, National
geographic and various other local and international media outlets. She is deeply
passionate about providing quality education for all.

Daniel Chu Owen is a visionary leader passionate about astronomy outreach. He has been actively involved in Kenya since 2014, working in
education, tourism, and public events. After spending 12 years in the film industry
in the UK, he traveled to Kenya to witness an eclipse and recognized the pressing
need for science education in the region, as well as the potential for ‘astrotourism.’
This realization led him to co-found Travelling Telescope Africa Ltd.
With a solid background in photography, film, and music production, Daniel has
expanded the organization to offer engaging stargazing nights featuring high-quality
telescopes, educational planetarium shows, and robotics workshops. His work on an
award-winning science and environment magazine show for Al Jazeera over five
years has further informed his projects, promoting a planet-focused approach to our
lives and careers. His initiatives have gained international recognition, attracting the
attention of the Airbus Foundation, with which Travelling Telescope has partnered.
In addition to his leadership in astronomy outreach, Daniel is an innovative and
resourceful designer. He constructed the Nairobi Planetarium using locally sourced
bamboo, creating a unique geodesic dome structure. Looking ahead, he aims to
further develop and grow the burgeoning astrotourism sector in Kenya. Through
Travelling Telescope, Daniel effectively combines the business of astrotourism with
the societal benefits of science outreach, making significant contributions to the
future development of both sectors.

Employees

Ronald Wasilwa is an astronomer, astrophysicist and a planetarian at The Nairobi Planetarium. He believes mathematics and physics are important tools for understanding the nature of our vast and wonderful cosmos.
“These days, there are many instruments and gadgets that can allow anyone to know more about the Universe. At the Travelling Telescope, our favourites are the planetarium and the telescopes.”

Silvans Oyieko is a teacher by profession. He believes that education is not only in a classroom environment but one would learn from anywhere. In Kenya, the education system somewhat limits learners to the Solar System and as a Planetarian he strives to inspire the vast knowledge of space into learners, beyond the knowledge of the Solar System.

Interns

Benjamin Thomas Allmendinger Tilson is an intern who has worked with the Travelling Telescope since Jan 2021. He has a passion for astronomy, space, and science communication. Moving into university he hope to study aerospace engineering to send rockets, robots, rovers, and satilites into space. With the Travelling Telescope, he has helped with the construction of the Nairobi Planetarium, he runs shows, and attends Star Safaris to help with the telescopes and engage with the audience. For Ben, the discovery of space sparks his imagination and he hopes to share this spark with as many people as he can during his time with the Travelling Telescope.

Volunteers

Colin Clarke is an astrophysics graduate from county Meath, Ireland. He believes that astronomy is the “Gateway Science”, and the fact that the poorest places often have the darkest skies, makes it the perfect tool to engage people from all walks of life.
Since joining the Travelling Telescope team as a volunteer in 2022, he has shared his passion, outreach skills, and his time to help us continue to grow and reach as many people as possible.