Share the sky
Free public stargazing, astrophotography sessions and lectures open to all, on esplanades, campuses and beaches.
About us
Making astronomy an Ivorian affair
AIA was founded in 2021 at the UFR SSMT (Matter Sciences and Technology) of Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan. It brings together some forty enthusiasts, seventeen of whom sit on the board: researchers, teachers, students and curious minds.
It all started with a general assembly
On 13 February 2021, in Abidjan-Cocody, space physicist Dr Aziz Diaby was elected president for six years. He founded AIA with a simple idea: reconcile Ivorians with science and make young people, girls included, want to pursue it.
Our mission
Train the next generation
School tours, high-school astronomy clubs, guidance towards science careers, with particular attention to young women.
Do science
Asteroid search campaigns with the International Astronomical Union and NASA, and eventually a national observatory.
Defend science
Fighting scientific misinformation with facts, lectures and curiosity.
Our trajectory
- 2021
AIA is born
General assembly on 13 February at the UFR SSMT. In July, three days of Moon observation with On The Moon Again.
- 2022
Six asteroids
First IASC campaigns with the IAU and NASA: six asteroids detected from Abidjan, being confirmed by the Minor Planet Center.
- 2023
AstroPause and AstroTour
Café des Savoirs in January, first AstroPause in May, then the AstroTour Ivoire in November–December across four cities.
- 2024+
Clubs spread
“One school, one telescope” at the Lycée Blaise Pascal, new asteroid campaigns every year, AstroEdu 2025.
- Tomorrow
The national observatory
A permanent site open to researchers, students and the public: the first stone of a future Ivorian space agency.
The people behind AIA
Researchers and teachers behind every telescope.
Drag to browse the team →
FONDATEUR
Founder · President
Dr Aziz Diaby
Space physicist specialising in the ionosphere, and physics and chemistry teacher. He has presented his work in Italy, India, the United States and Cyprus. Elected AIA president for six years in 2021.
First vice-president
Dr Marc Harris Yao
Astrophysicist and lecturer-researcher at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University. He represents AIA and drives the development of Ivorian astronomy: public stargazing, school clubs, asteroid campaigns.
Deputy secretary general
Dr Pancrace Aka
Epistemologist, historian of science and logician, assistant professor in UFHB’s philosophy department. He gave the talk “Ivorian space agency: stakes and challenges”.
Communications secretary
Dr Jean-Baptiste Ackah
PhD in atmospheric and space physics (UFHB), aeronautical meteorology engineer at ASECNA, member of the URSI Young Scientist programme.
Scientific adviser
Dr David Baratoux
Planetary scientist and research director at IRD. A long-standing AIA partner, he co-organised the AstroTour Ivoire and spoke at the Café des Savoirs.
Organisation secretary
Ahoua Stéphane
PhD student in atmospheric physics. He takes the public on journeys through space with the Stellarium planetarium software.
And you?
AIA grows through its members: pupils, students, teachers, photographers, curious minds. No degree needed, just the will.
Join the teamThe board, role by role
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Presidency
Carries the association’s vision and represents it before institutions.
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General secretariat
Coordinates association life, memberships and member relations.
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Observations
Plans outings, manages telescopes and trains observers.
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Education & clubs
Designs school tours and supports high-school clubs.
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Research
Runs IASC campaigns and the follow-up of the six asteroids with the Minor Planet Center.
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Communications
Makes AIA known: social media, press, website.
The big project
A national astronomical observatory.
A permanent place with quality instruments to observe, teach and do research in Côte d’Ivoire. Membership fees fund the first equipment.
Support AIAWant to join the adventure too?
Student, enthusiast or simply curious about the sky: AIA opens its telescopes to you. No experience required — just the urge to look up.