Education
Inspiring the Next Generation Through the Wonders of the Universe
At The Travelling Telescope, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to look up at the night sky and experience the wonder of the Universe. For more than a decade, our team of astronomers and science communicators has been bringing astronomy directly to schools across Kenya through immersive telescope experiences, mobile planetarium shows, and hands-on space science workshops. Since our founding, we have reached over 650,000 students, introducing young minds to the beauty of the Cosmos and the possibilities of science and exploration. Our work has been strengthened through collaborations with organisations such as the Airbus Foundation, enabling us to expand access to astronomy education and inspire students in communities across the country.
Through our programmes, students discover that science is not only something found in textbooks, it is alive above their heads every night. Astronomy provides a powerful gateway into STEM learning, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of our place in the Universe. By exploring space, students gain a new perspective on Earth and our shared responsibility as stewards of our planet.
Our Impact
- Direct outreach across Kenya and Tanzania
- Partnerships with Airbus Foundation & Liverpool John Moores University
- Kenya's first dedicated facility: The Nairobi Planetarium
Telescope Nights
Discovering the Universe Through a Telescope
Few experiences spark curiosity like seeing the Universe through a telescope for the very first time. During our Telescope Nights, we bring our professional telescopes to schools and guide students through a live tour of the night sky. Sitting together beneath the stars, students learn about constellations, planets, and the vastness of space.
Each student has the opportunity to observe incredible celestial objects such as:
The giant planet Jupiter and its moons
The magnificent rings of Saturn
The mountains and craters of the Moon
Galaxies and gaseous nebulae
Our astronomers guide the experience with storytelling, demonstrations, and interactive discussions, encouraging students to ask questions and explore the science behind what they see.
Whether they are 3 years old or preparing for university, students are always amazed by the beauty and scale of our Universe.
Mobile Planetarium
An Immersive Journey
Our Mobile Planetarium brings the Universe directly into schools through a fully immersive dome experience. Inside the inflatable dome, students embark on a journey through the Cosmos, travelling across the Solar System, exploring planets, moons, and distant stars & galaxies. Each session combines:
- Live presenter-led astronomy storytelling
- Full-dome planetarium films
- Interactive discussions and questions
Our programmes are designed to complement the school curriculum while making science exciting and memorable.
Each planetarium session lasts approximately 40–60 minutes and accommodates 30–40 students per show within our 8-metre dome.
Schools can also arrange visits to experience immersive astronomy shows at The Nairobi Planetarium.
Space Robotics
Engineering the Future
Our Space Robotics Programme introduces students to the engineering challenges of exploring other worlds. In these hands-on workshops, students work in teams to design and build robotic rovers capable of navigating the surface of Mars. Participants learn:
- The basics of robotics and engineering
- How space missions operate
- How scientists communicate with robotic explorers in space
Students then test and command their rovers using laptops and robotics kits provided by our team. This workshop is ideal for students aged 8–14 years and encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
Building Africa's Future
At The Travelling Telescope, we believe that access to science and discovery should be available to every child, regardless of where they live or the resources available to their school. Our vision is to help build a future where young people across Africa are inspired by science, empowered through education, and connected to the Universe beyond our planet. For more than a decade, our team has been working to bring astronomy experiences to communities across Kenya, reaching hundreds of thousands of students and introducing them to the wonders of the Cosmos through telescopes, planetarium experiences, and hands-on STEM learning. Astronomy is uniquely powerful because it combines science, imagination, and exploration. When students look through a telescope and see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, or the craters of the Moon, they are reminded that the Universe is vast and full of possibilities. These moments of discovery can spark a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Global Science
Connecting Africa's Skies
Africa is home to some of the darkest skies on Earth, offering extraordinary opportunities for astronomy and scientific discovery. Through our work in education and astro-tourism experiences such as Star Safaris, we are helping to connect people with the beauty and importance of the African night sky. By combining tourism, science communication, and education, The Travelling Telescope is building a unique platform where travellers, students, scientists, and communities can all engage with the Cosmos. This work also contributes to a growing global interest in space science and exploration, encouraging the next generation of African scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Partnering to Expand Access
The scale of our vision requires collaboration. Through partnerships with organisations such as the Airbus Foundation, and other supporters, we are able to expand access to astronomy education and reach schools in underserved communities.
- Sponsored school visits
- Planetarium experiences for rural schools
- Telescope nights for communities with limited access to science resources
- STEM workshops that inspire future innovators
Together with our partners, we aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the wonder of the universe.
Sponsor Schools
One of the core missions of The Travelling Telescope is to ensure that access to science education is not limited by geography or resources.
Through partnerships with organisations, foundations, and corporate sponsors, we organise sponsored school visits for underserved communities that might not otherwise have access to astronomy experiences.
These sponsorships enable us to bring telescopes, planetarium shows, and STEM workshops to students in rural and underserved schools across Kenya. By supporting these programmes, partners help open doors to science, curiosity, and opportunity for thousands of young learners.
Looking Toward the Future
As humanity enters a new era of space exploration, with missions returning to the Moon and exploring Mars, it is more important than ever that young people everywhere feel connected to the future of science and discovery. At The Travelling Telescope, we believe that the journey toward that future can begin with a simple but powerful moment.
Bring Astronomy to Your School
We would be delighted to work with your school to create an inspiring astronomy experience for your students.
Our team can provide:
- Telescope night sky observations
- Mobile planetarium shows
- Space robotics workshops
- Visits to The Nairobi Planetarium
Stargazing with Students
School Telescope Visit
School Outreach
Young Explorers
Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
📩 Email: info@travellingtelescope.co.uk📞 Call: +254 113 719 096
