On Tuesday 12 September, DP 2 physics students of Tema International School, undertook an educational tour to Kuntunse, to learn, first hand the operations of recently commissioned radio observatory. The visit was very fruitful and the students showed their

enthusiasm by asking the staff at the observatory very insightful questions. Dr. Bernard Asabre, the scientist in charge of the facility, informed the students about carrier prospect in radio astronomy

Below are reflections of the students

Embarking on the physics trip on Tuesday 12 September, 2017 was a great experience. Initially, I was uncertain as to what to expect when I learnt that we were going to a radio observatory in Ghana seeing as I had never even imagined that there would be one in the country. However, when we got on site, it was a good learning experience. We met very resourceful people who spoke well about the field of Astrophysics and Astronomy and its usefulness to the world. I encourage the school to organise more of such trips for students seeing as they would benefit immensely from them.

~Yehowahi Sekan

The physics trip we embarked on was very educational and insightful. We were educated on the methods used to observe radio waves at the observatory. In addition, we gained insight on the link between the observation of stars and astrometry in Ghana. Other theories about celestial objects, including the sun and other planets, as well as some astrophysics concepts. All in all, the trip contributed effectively to our understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and we got to see the land of Kutunse while we were at it.

~Dennis Donkoh

I never thought radio astronomy was so interesting. On 12 September the IB2 physics class embarked on a trip to the Ghana Radiology Astronomy Observatory in Kutunse. We learnt about the practical purpose of radio astronomy and how important it is for Ghana to invest in the sciences. It was an eye opening experience because we got to see a glimpse of what the future of space exploration will look like.

I recommend everyone-both teachers and students- to find some time (possibly outside of school) to witness astronomy at its finest

~Dede Cofie

On 12 September 2017, the physics class of IB 2018 took a trip to the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory. At this location was a radio telescope. The purpose of the radio telescope is to collect thermal radiation from celestial object. The collected thermal radiation can be used to study about the structure and chemistry of the objects. This trip was good for me because it gave me an opportunity to see something with such an extraordinary build. I believe this trip to Kutnse can be beneficial to any physics student

~Bubune Eli Dzantor

Our educational physics trip was on 13September 2017 to the Ghana Radio Observatory Astronomy Kutunse, Accra. We left school at around 8:45 am and got there around 9:50. On our way there, I saw many hills and beautiful landscapes. When we got there, we waited for sometime because of improper communication between the staff so we waited a while so everything could be sorted out. We finally entered and we were explained how the telescope worked and some features like the diameter which was about 32metres and the importance of the information which was being gathered. We were also educated on some carrier opportunities and skills like data collection which could be acquired. It was a very educative and memorable experience.

~Kelvin Anthonio

The trip to the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory was the best thing I have ever done in physics. The knowledge I received from the Observatory helped my understanding of radio waves, wavelengths and interference. We received proper explanations on why the Pluto was no longer considered a planet. We realized the study of astronomy helps and individual develop skills to be able to thrive in numerous areas of studies. One interesting fact I learnt was that the next eclipse in Ghana will be 10 years from now

~Shawn Sackey

The trip to the observatory was an eye opening one. I always thought of Astrophysics as farfetched especially in a country struggling with some basic infrastructural problems. But as our facilitator, Proven led us through general information about the use and conversion of a redundant telecommunications dishes into a radio astronomy observation. It occurred to me that such a project will incorporate many professions and will provide a platform upon which students can learn to analyse and interpret information and hence such a project not only benefits the study of celestial objects but also benefits the nation in its entirety.

~David Masoperh