As has been tradition since 2014, the Astronomy Day was inaugurated at the USACH Planetariuman activity carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation and the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS).
The ceremony was attended by Cristian MuñozRector of the University of Santiago de Chile; Ximena Lincolao, Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation; Mauricio Guerra, Vice Chancellor of Liaison with the USACH Environment; Jacqueline Morey, Executive Director of the USACH Planetarium, and the astronomers Monica Rubio, National Prize for Exact Sciences 2021, and Chiara Mazzucchelli, President of the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS), among other authorities.
Mauricio Guerra, Vice Chancellor of Liaison with the Environment USACH, stated: «As a state institution of higher education, USACH has the mission of generating knowledge, putting it at the service of the country and contributing to the dissemination and strengthening of scientific culture in our society. “Bringing science closer to us in an accessible and stimulating way allows new generations to become interested in research, technology and understanding of the Cosmos.”
«The work carried out by the Planetarium of the University of Santiago de Chile has achieved international recognition. Recently, one of his films was nominated for Brno Festival, Czech Republic. Likewise, it will soon be released in Cusco the Alturas de Macchu Picchu productionexpanding the international presence of these initiatives. This development, without a doubt, fills us with pride, but it also reminds us of the importance of continuing to strengthen spaces like this that play a fundamental role in the country’s scientific education,” added the Vice Chancellor of Linkages with the USACH Environment.
In turn, Ximena Lincolao, Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, said: «I would like to thank all the women who stand out in astronomy in Chile: Mónica Rubio, Chiara Mazzucchelli and the director of the Planetarium. They are champions of astronomy. ANDn technology, we don’t have many women and Having these ladies pushing Chilean astronomy in the world is essential. I have been away from Chile for 30 years and, as they say in good Chilean, Chile leads the way in astronomy. It is something very recognized outside the country and, in fact, I always say, almost as recognized as wine. I lived in Maipú, so my dad brought us here to the Planetarium and I applied to USACH. It was one of the universities I wanted to study at, so this university is very close to my heart.
At the inauguration, it was highlighted that Chile will host the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2030. Precisely, the astronomer Mónica Rubio was elected Vice President of the IAU, the first Chilean to occupy that high position, and she will be one of those in charge of bringing this general assembly to Chile, which will bring together three thousand astronomers from all over the world in four more years.
«Our country has established itself as the world capital of astronomy, a pole of development that the world observes with admiration. This recognition is what allows us to host in 2030 the 34th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, an organization with more than 100 years of existence, which has 92 countries and more than 13,000 astronomers professionals as members,” he explained Monica RubioNational Prize for Exact Sciences 2021.
«It is an unprecedented milestone that Chile surpassed candidates from powers such as Australia, Spain and India. We will receive more than 3,000 astronomers from all over the planet. For 10 days we will be the epicenter of universal knowledge. And this is not just a technical challenge, it is a national holiday that integrates the Government, academia, observatories and the private sector into a single team,” he added. Monica Rubio.
For its part, Chiara Mazzucchelli, President of the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS), said: «I would like to highlight the scientific importance of the General Assembly of the IAU. If you remember, Pluto is no longer a planet by a decision that was made during one of those assemblies. So, that level is the significance of the discussions that take place. Nor will it be something reserved for scientists, but rather it will be a celebration of astronomy throughout the country. Astronomy in Chile is experiencing an extraordinary moment and has a promising future. “This future depends on our ability and willingness to continue activating curiosity, supporting research, training new generations and protecting the dark skies of our country, unique in the world.”
Why is Astronomy Day celebrated?
This day is celebrated throughout Chile with talks by national and international astronomers, workshops and observations with telescopes, among other free activities that cover the entire week. It is an invitation for the entire country to become passionate about astronomical sciences and to motivate the interest of the general public and students to approach this discipline. The complete billboard is available at this link.
According to projections by the Chilean Astronomy Society, our country will concentrate around 70% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity by 2030 becoming the “world capital of astronomy”.
The North of Chile has clean, wide skies free of atmospheric turbulence. It is the perfect setting to be considered a window to study the universe and be the center of world astronomy.
An exceptional climate, with 350 days a year clear of cloudsand minimal environmental and light pollution provide optimal skies for astronomical observation.
These qualities have positioned Chile as the favorite host when it comes to installing large astronomical observatories, which lead research worldwide.
In 2026, the Observatory was inaugurated Vera C. Rubin in Cerro Pachón, in the province of Elqui. In 2029, the Extremely Large Telescope in Cerro Armazones, in the Atacama Desert. Finally, for the year 2030, it is projected Giant Magellan Telescopein the Coquimbo Region.
Astronomy Day It is an invitation for the country to value and care for this natural heritage of all Chileans.
