Pioneering Moroccan Scientist Transforms National Meteorite Research

Friday 20 December 2024 - 09:22

By: Dakir Madiha

Pioneering Moroccan Scientist Transforms National Meteorite Research

In the heart of Casablanca, where ancient astronomer Ibn Rushd once taught beneath starlit skies, Dr. Hasnaa Chennaoui has written a new chapter in Morocco's scientific legacy. As the country's first female meteoritics and planetary scientist, Chennaoui has not only revolutionized Morocco's approach to meteorite preservation but has also established the nation as a significant contributor to global planetary research.

"When I was a student, I would spend my evenings between palm forests and lemon gardens, looking at the Casablanca sky, enjoying the silence," reflects Chennaoui, who now serves as a professor of geology at Hassan II University of Casablanca's Faculty of Science Ain Chock.

Her journey into meteorite science began in 2000 at France's Pierre and Marie Curie University, where she earned her groundbreaking PhD. However, Chennaoui's most significant contributions came from addressing a critical challenge in her homeland. Morocco's vast desert landscapes had made it a prime source of meteorites globally, but without proper regulations, these celestial treasures were being lost to foreign markets.

Taking decisive action, Chennaoui partnered with the Moroccan Geological Survey to develop comprehensive guidelines for meteorite collection and sales. Her persistent efforts culminated in a landmark decree in February 2021, establishing formal regulations for the collection, sale, and export of meteorites, ensuring valuable specimens remain within Morocco's Directorate of Geology.

Chennaoui's influence extends beyond preservation. She has challenged traditional naming conventions that obscured the Moroccan origin of meteorites, pushing for proper documentation and recognition through the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society.

Under her guidance, Morocco's meteoritics field has flourished. "Today, more than ten PhD students are working on topics such as meteorites, impact craters, and planetary surfaces, developing significant expertise in these areas," she notes. However, challenges persist, particularly in accessing sophisticated analytical equipment and securing academic positions.

Her contributions have earned international recognition, including election to the Meteoritical Society in 2018 and the prestigious Hypatia International Award in 2021. Perhaps most fittingly, asteroid 299020 now bears the name "Chennaoui" in honor of her contributions to planetary sciences in Morocco and the MENA region.

In 2019, Chennaoui founded the ATTARIK Foundation, bringing meteorite science closer to the public through the "Meteorites, Messengers from the Sky: ORIGINS" exhibit in Casablanca. The exhibition attracted over 18,000 visitors, demonstrating the public's fascination with these celestial objects and their scientific significance.

Despite the obstacles facing scientific research in Morocco, including limited access to advanced equipment, Chennaoui's work has not only preserved Morocco's meteoritic heritage but has also inspired a new generation of planetary scientists in the region. Her story exemplifies how dedicated research and advocacy can transform a nation's scientific landscape while protecting its natural treasures for future generations.