Scientists took part in an event at the Huechuraba Planetarium and strengthened the link between institutions
Researchers from the Centro Multidisciplinario de Física, the Centro Hémera, the Centro de Nanotecnología Aplicada and the Núcleo de Matemática, Física y Estadística of the Universidad Mayor were part of a Science Fair that sought to bring various topics closer to students and residents of the commune.
The Planetario Huechuraba held its first Science Fair, which had the participation of researchers from the institutions above. During the event, the teams were present with booths featuring interactive experiences in optics, quantum physics and astronomy, as well as how nanotechnology can make energy more efficient and other topics related to the study of Earth. All these displays allowed science to be brought closer to students, families and the general public, through participative activities and hands-on demonstrations.
The Director of the Centro Multidisciplinario de Física, Dr. Ignacio Araya, delivered the talk “Cosmic Breaths: Exploring the winds of massive stars”, which captivated the audience by addressing the physical phenomena that give rise to powerful stellar winds. “The participation was very positive, since it allowed us to bring physics and astronomy to the community in a direct and participative way. In addition, these kinds of activities strengthen our academic work by fostering outreach and scientific training in the field,” said Araya.
For his part, the person in charge of the Planetario Huechuraba, Jorge Godoy, stated that “as a Planetarium we seek to bring the neighbours closer to scientific knowledge with a diverse, attractive and free programme. All the support that the University will give to the Planetarium in scientific outreach, education and training goes in the direction of working towards a common objective, which is very meaningful to us.”
The participation in the Science Fair is the first activity carried out after the Planetario Huechuraba and the Centro Multidisciplinario de Física formalised their relationship by signing an Addendum to a Collaboration Agreement, which will allow them to continue developing joint initiatives oriented toward education, outreach and the dissemination of science.
The Addendum establishes that the University, through the CMF, commits to develop programmes and activities such as workshops, exhibitions, teaching courses, etc., to promote scientific and astronomical knowledge in the community. Meanwhile, the Ilustre Municipalidad de Huechuraba, through its Planetarium, commits to provide its space for the development of educational, scientific projects, public events, and support in applying for funds to carry out initiatives that involve the local community, in collaboration with the University. This consolidates the commitment of the Universidad Mayor “to bring science closer to the territory, strengthen the link with the community and inspire new scientific vocations among future generations,” affirmed Dr. Ignacio Araya.
