LCO was part of the First Congress of Astronomical Dissemination held in Chile

Between November 27 and 29, 2024, the first Astronomy Outreach Congress was held in Chile, which brought together professionals dedicated to making scientific knowledge known to different audiences through various formats. The meeting, organized by the National Outreach Coordinator (NOC), was attended by the Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) along with other institutions present in the country.

The congress, held at the Universidad Austral de Chile in Puerto Montt, addressed topics such as theoretical frameworks and professionalization of scientific outreach, astronomical outreach experiences, interdisciplinary outreach with related areas, inclusiveness and female participation in STEM outreach, funding sources for outreach, and culture and heritage from astrotourism.

LCO, represented by astronomer Carol Rojas, in charge of Communications and Outreach of the observatory, presented the theory behind science outreach and the traveling science projects LabMovil “Conciencia Astronomía” and the suitcase “Astronomía con todos los sentidos”, both carried out in collaboration with the Giant Magellan Telescope, GMTO.

“Scientific dissemination is essential for the intellectual development of society. Collective intelligence is built through effective communication of scientific work,” says Leopoldo Infante. Director of Las Campanas Observatory. “In LCO we aim not only to disseminate what we do but also to maintain public awareness of the importance of scientific research,” adds the Chilean astrophysicist.

The NOC in Chile is part of the Office of Outreach in Astronomy of the International Astronomical Union (OAO-IAU), and in organizing this congress it had the support of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS).

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