As part of the celebrations for Astronomy Day in Chile, celebrated in the country on the Friday closest to the autumn equinox in the southern hemisphere, the Las Campanas Observatory, LCO, carried out a series of activities designed to inspire future generations and promote inclusive access to science.
The celebrations began with a visit to the Roberto Cuadra Alquinta School in Domeyko, where students of all ages, including kindergarten students, participated in scientific and technological activities aboard the “Conciencia Astronomía” Mobile Laboratory, operated in conjunction with GMTO. The activities for the youngest children were made possible thanks to the didactic material provided by the Pequeños Grandes Estrellas, PGE, Foundation. In addition, students from the Hernán Aravena School in Cachiyuyo joined in the experience.
The commitment to inclusion continued with LCO's participation in AstroDay, an event organized by NoirLab. At the event, held on March 21 at the Gabriela Mistral Library in La Serena, LCO presented a stand accessible to people with visual impairment or low vision. Through the “Astronomy with all the senses” suitcase, visitors explored planets, stars and constellations through tactile resources. This material aims to enable everyone, regardless of their abilities, to discover and learn about the Universe. On the same day, LCO was also part of the Astronomy Day celebration organized by ESO in the Metropolitan Region, with an inclusive stand in conjunction with PGE.
Finally, to close the celebrations, on April 4 there will be a free online workshop called “My Universe in Motion”, aimed at early childhood educators in Latin America. This training, organized in collaboration with PGE, seeks to provide practical tools to encourage scientific curiosity in the classroom, promoting observation, research and experimentation from early childhood.
Astronomy Day in Chile is celebrated in recognition of the strategic importance of the country in the exploration of the universe. This date was officially established in 2021 by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, together with the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS) and other scientific actors. The date seeks to bring astronomy closer to the public, inspire children and young people, and highlight the work of Chilean scientists.