Dr RAKOTONJANAHARY Xavier Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

1. Opportunities and scientific development for the implementation of the South Africa SKA project in Madagascar Dr RAKOTONJANAHARY Xavier Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Prof RAMBOLAMANANA Gérard Director, Institute Observatory of Geophysic of Antananarivo, University of Antananarivo Prof RAKOTOMALALA Minoson Director, Institute for Energy Managing

2. Scientific development Scientific disciplines12% Laws 43% Health 15% Literature and Human Sciences: 18% Agronomy: 3% Engineering: 6% High school education: 4%

3. Scientific development

4. Astronomy and physics education. History of the astronomical research • In 1889, an astronomic telescope was installed at the Observatory of Antananarivo, Ambohidepona, a hill in the city of Antananarivo. • Characteristics: Ø = 133 mm • Focal = 720 mm (PERL-VIXEN). • Astronomers : Father Poisson and Father Colin. • From 1972 to 1980: Dr De Comarmond initiated the first monitoring of radioastronomy and astrophysics at the Observatory of Antananarivo. • 1986: observation of Halley comet Present times….. • For Madagascar, astronomy in infancy. • But thanks to the co-operation with SKA Project, since 2006, students were sent at the University of Capetown, South Africa to carry out studies and research on the various aspects of astronomy.

5. Astronomy and physics education (cont’d) At the celebration of the international year of Astronomy in 2009, the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science of the University of Antananarivo, decided to follow the step in radio astronomy by installing a small radio telescope. A small dish is mounted on the roof of the building of the Physics Department. The apparatus is still simple but gives satisfactory results with some stars already known like the sun.

6. Astronomy and physics education (cont’d) • Two students use this antenna for their thesis memory of DEA (MsC) • 1. “Radio operator observation of the sun using a radio telescope built from an aerial parabolic of the type "prime x-ray" • 2. “Data analysis of the solar radiation from an experimentation on a radio telescope”.

7. Motivation • Enhancing science, engineering and technology capacity in developing countries is important to their growth and development. • Reform of the education system of Madagascar (reorganisation of the syllabus in the LMD's system) • In Madagascar, astronomy is seen as a window for tourism. Its promotion is a way of attracting school leavers to consider a career in science or engineering, in line with the country needs. • Astrophysics and astronomy could play a crucial role in teaching and capacity building.

8. The program • Started in 2006 at the Physic Department of the Faculty of Sciences with the SKA Program in South Africa • There is yet a very little course in Astronomy in formal curricula, but initiatives have been made to offer courses and professional training. • Access to research outputs in this domain is one focus of the Physic department. It gives potential to develop and encourage a positive attitude to stimulating interest and appreciation of astronomy. • The courses offered (in French): Physique et Applications/ Spécialité Physique du Globe, de l'Energie et de l'Environnement/ Parcours Astrophysique et Astronomie. • Number of students : 3 per year

9. Schedules Master 1 Specialty: ASTROPHYSICS

10. SEMESTER II

11. Schedules Master 2 Specialty: ASTROPHYSICS

13. Person in charge for speciality Randriamananatany Zely Arivelo Full professor Department of Physics Faculty of Science B.P. 906 Tel. 261 20 22 547 58 zlyran@yahoo.fr Secretariat Secretariat of Physics Department of Physics Faculty of Science B.P. 906 Tel. 261 20 22 547 58 261 20 24 334 49 dphy@univ-antananarivo.mg

14. Opportunities • Geographical and strategic location of Madagascar • Facilitation for regulation of bandwidth interference (OMERT, IOGA) • Participation of Madagascar in the International knowledge-based consortium; training in South-Africa and Madagascar. • Connectivity with other African countries and the world through EASSY • Multiple choice for site location

15. Site physical parameters • Road access • Geology • Meteorological Data (Temperature, Wind velocity, rainfall, air humidity) • Geophysical data (Tectonic and seismic stabilities) • Bandwidth interference (sites surrounded by mountains are prioritized) • Two sites were identified (Ankaramena and Betroka)

16. Ankaramena site location

17. ANKARAMENA site elevation

18. Betroka site Location

19. BETROKA Site

20. …Regarding the seismicity of Ankaramena and Betroka Regions …..

23. Normal monthly temperature Ankaramena 1949 – 2008

24. Mean temperature Ankaramena (1949 – 2008) 21°8 C

25. Wind anomalies Ankaramena (1949 – 2008)

26. Normal Wind Ankaramena (1949 – 2008)

27. Monthly mean wind speed Ankaramena (1949 – 2008) 2,6 – 3,0 m/s

28. Temperature Anomalies Betroka (1949 – 2008)

29. Normal monthly temperature Betroka (1949 – 2008

30. Mean Temperature Betroka (1949 – 2008) 21°8 C

31. Wind anomalies Betroka (1949 – 2008) Tropical storms are violent in the North and North West region, but are rare and weaker in the South West. They occur mainly in January-February (50%)

32. Normal Wind Speed Betroka (1949 – 2008)

33. Mean Wind Speed Betroka (1949 – 2008) 2,6 – 3,0 m/s

34. GEOLOGY and Other Geophysical Data • Geology: both sites belong to the sedimentary part of Madagascar but on site, endogenous rocks could be found • Other Geophysical Data such as electrical and seismic: missing because of lack of funds

35. LAND ACQUISITION • Law in Madagascar with regard to the use of land for science education exist. • The Institute and Observatory of Geophysics of Antananarivo is very familiar to face this situation (e. g. seismic stations land acquisition)

36. BANDWIDTH FREQUENCIES • The IOGA has the equipment to measure the bandwidth frequency. • Supervision of the SKA team

37. Road Access • The two proposed sites are accessible during the year. • The national road RN7 passes next to both sites and is not far away from main localities • But…..The main Electricity Power for both sites is the main difficulty to be solved.

38. Connectivity

39. Madagascar EASSY (East Africa Submarine Cable System) EASSY Telma La Réunion Mauritius Metropolitan Fibre Network φ1 Optical Fibre Undersea Future Options EASSy

40. Thank you !!!