🎙️ In this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we talk with Susan Murabana, CEO of The Traveling Telescope and a leading advocate for astronomy education across Africa. Based in Kenya, Susan is also the president of the African Planetarium Society and serves on the board of the International Planetarium Society. Her passion for sharing the wonders of the universe has inspired hundreds of thousands of students, communities, and even global travelers to look up and reconnect with the night sky.
A Journey of Curiosity and Vision
Susan’s love for astronomy began with a life-changing glimpse of Saturn through a telescope in her 20s. This moment ignited her passion for sharing the marvels of the universe with others, particularly schoolchildren. In 2013, her commitment to making astronomy accessible to all led her to co-found The Traveling Telescope with her husband, Chu, blending education with astro-tourism to make science both engaging and sustainable.
Bringing the Universe to Underserved Communities
The Traveling Telescope serves two key missions: inspiring students through immersive learning experiences and leveraging Kenya’s unique position at the equator to promote astro-tourism. Through portable planetariums and telescopes, Susan and her team have reached over 500,000 children, introducing them to the beauty and vastness of the cosmos.
Susan’s programs emphasize inclusivity and accessibility, often visiting remote schools and communities where students may have never seen a telescope before. She recalls the priceless expressions of awe when children witness Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon for the first time. “We hope to spark curiosity and help young people see the world—and their future—in a bigger way,” she says.
Astro-Tourism and Cultural Connection
Beyond education, The Traveling Telescope promotes Kenya as a prime destination for astro-tourism. Thanks to its location on the equator, Kenya offers stunning views of both the northern and southern skies, free from light pollution in many areas. Susan collaborates with high-end lodges and local communities to offer stargazing experiences, often bridging cultural storytelling with scientific exploration.
The Challenges of Looking Up
Susan’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. From traveling through difficult terrain to overcoming stereotypes about space exploration being a “luxury,” she has faced her fair share of challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she’s also worked to mentor and uplift other women, ensuring that more diverse voices have a place in the sciences.
A Legacy of Wonder and Leadership
For Susan, the night sky isn’t just about stars and planets—it’s a reminder of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all life. Her work also addresses a broader vision for Africa, aiming to inspire future leaders who are grounded in science, curiosity, and collaboration.
Reflecting on her experience with Landmark’s programs, Susan credits The Landmark Forum with helping her take bold steps and embrace her leadership role. “It gave me the courage to jump in and the clarity to share this possibility with the world,” she shares.
Looking Ahead
As Susan continues her work, she dreams of a future where every child in Africa has the chance to experience the night sky through a telescope. She envisions a generation inspired to pursue careers in science and technology, contributing to what many call the “African Century.”
✨ Want to hear Susan’s full story? Listen to the episode now and discover how she’s changing lives by encouraging the world to look up.
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