Next Saturday, July 4, 2026, the iconic Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena will serve as the setting for one of the country’s most important celebrations of astronomy outreach and scientific tourism with the Navegantes Estelares 2026: Festival of Astrotourism, Science, Heritage, and Immersive Arts.
The event, which is free and open to the entire community, is expected to draw between 4,000 and 5,000 people for a day that will bring together astronomy, science, heritage, art, technology, culture, and tourism in a unique setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During seven hours of continuous programming, families, students, tourists, and the general public will be able to participate in interactive experiences, astronomical observations, scientific talks, artistic performances, workshops, monumental installations, and an immersive video mapping experience projected onto the historic Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena.
Developed by Saga Diseños SpA, Navegantes Estelares has established itself as one of Chile’s most innovative initiatives in astronomy outreach. With more than fifteen years of experience in designing educational, museum-based, and immersive experiences related to science, cultural heritage, and media arts, the initiative has been internationally recognized with a Starlight Award for its contribution to astronomy education and outreach. Under the slogan “We observe the universe. We navigate it,” the festival seeks to bring Chile’s astronomical heritage closer to the public through participatory experiences that connect knowledge, emotion, and creativity, highlighting the Coquimbo Region’s leadership as one of the areas with the clearest skies on the planet.
MAIN PROGRAM
• 12:00 p.m. Official opening of the festival.
• 12:15 p.m. The Language of the Stars, Pequeño Norte Theater.
• 1:00 p.m. Cosmic Storytelling, Pequeñas Grandes Estrellas Foundation.
• 2:00 p.m. Astro-Star Contests and Awards: Astronomy trivia, family challenges, and raffles for attendees.
• 3:00 p.m. Cosmosónicos in Concert: Music inspired by the universe and space exploration.
• 4:00 p.m. Talk by Astronomer Sergio Vásquez, Head of the MIM’s Astronomy Culture Program
• 4:30 p.m. Science and Fiction: What Does Astronomy Say About Movies? Astronomer Simón Angel, Support Astronomer at the MPG/ESO La Silla Telescope
• 5:00 p.m. The Light We See and the Light We Don’t See, Las Campanas Observatory, Resident Astronomer Nidia Morrell
• 6:00 p.m. “Concert Under the Stars” and light dance performance by the La Antena Symphony Orchestra.
• 6:30 p.m. “Stellar Navigators”: An immersive monumental projection mapping experience on the Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy:
• Safe solar observation using specialized telescopes in collaboration with the Department of Astronomy at the University of La Serena.
• The “Astronomy Awareness” Mobile Lab from the Las Campanas Observatory and the Giant Magellan Telescope.
• “Galaxies in Fluorescent Light” scientific and artistic experience in collaboration with the Central University.
• Interactive augmented reality stations featuring astronomical content.
• Photo zone with an eight-meter-tall giant astronaut.
• Giant “Stellar Navigators” rocket.
• Science, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Fair.
• Meeting spaces with scientific institutions, cultural organizations, and projects related to astro-tourism.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Navegantes Estelares 2026 is an initiative funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation through the Public Science program, created and developed by Saga Diseños SpA. The festival features the participation of leading partner institutions involved in astronomical research, education, and regional development, including:
• Municipality of La Serena.
• Las Campanas Observatory.
• Department of Astronomy at the University of La Serena.
• Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).
These institutions will provide scientific content, educational experiences, and activities for the entire community, strengthening the bond between citizens and the country’s astronomical heritage.