Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Astrophysicist
Stars, galaxies, and the universe
What this life looks like
You study the universe — stars, galaxies, black holes, dark matter, and the origins of space and time itself. Astrophysicists push the boundaries of human knowledge to its absolute frontier. Africa's extraordinarily dark skies and growing investment in world-class telescopes are making the continent an increasingly important site for astronomical discovery.
What she actually does
You observe celestial objects using optical, radio, and space-based telescopes, analyse enormous datasets of astronomical observations, develop theoretical models of stellar evolution and galactic structure, investigate phenomena such as supernovae, pulsars, gravitational waves, and exoplanets, write research papers that advance human understanding of the cosmos, and communicate the wonder of astronomy to the public.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| SKA & MeerKAT | South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) — world-class radio telescope facility |
| South African Astronomical Observatory | SAAO optical telescope operations and research |
| Universities | Astrophysics research departments at UCT, Wits, Rhodes, Stellenbosch, University of Ghana |
| International Collaborations | ESA, NASA, and global astrophysics consortia with African partnerships |
Why it matters in Africa
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) — the world's largest radio telescope, partly constructed in South Africa — is one of the most significant scientific projects in history. MeerKAT, already operational in the Karoo Desert, is producing world-leading astronomical discoveries. African astrophysicists are doing science at the global frontier.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Physics and Mathematics at school — these are essential foundations
- Study Physics or Astrophysics at university, targeting research-active departments
- Apply to the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) for postgraduate study
- Pursue a PhD in Astrophysics — the SKA and MeerKAT create funded PhD opportunities at South African universities
- Engage with the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA)
Skills you will need
- Advanced physics and mathematics
- Astronomical data analysis (Python, CASA)
- Scientific programming
- Radio astronomy techniques
- Scientific writing and publication
- Big data and machine learning for astronomy
A woman in this field
Dr. Michelle Lochner
South Africa
Michelle is a South African astrophysicist and researcher at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) who specialises in machine learning for astronomy. She has developed AI tools to help analyse the enormous volumes of data produced by MeerKAT and, in the future, the SKA telescope. She is a leading figure in South African data-driven astrophysics and advocates for women's participation in astronomy.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Mathematics intensively at school
- Download the free Stellarium app and learn the night sky above Africa
- Follow the Square Kilometre Array at skao.int and MeerKAT telescope on social media
- Explore the African Astronomical Society and look for astronomy clubs in your area