The Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) has carried out the laying of the first stone of the first Astronomical Observatory of Senegal (OAS) on Thursday 13 November 2025. Installed in Khombole, in the Thiès region, the future observatory is intended to be a high place of research, training and scientific innovation. ” It houses a 600 mm main telescope, four C14 telescopes, an Institute for training in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as modern research spaces. Fully remotely piloted, the OAS will allow the global scientific community to access the African sky from Senegal. This unprecedented technological dimension has positioned the country as a reference player in astronomical research in West Africa”, said Maram Kaire, Director General of ASES. According to ASES, the establishment of this infrastructure is part of the mission of developing the national space sector. It aims to meet a growing demand for training in astronomy, astrophysics and space sciences, while inspiring the Senegalese youth. L’Observatoire Astronomique du Sénégal will also contribute to strengthening international cooperation through partnerships with institutions such as the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach.
The Senegalese astronomical observatory has laid its first stone in Khombole
