Figure 2.
Students from Carlos
Condell de La Haza
Christ School (La Serena),
and República de Israel
(Coquimbo) join the “Big
Van: Scientists on Wheels”
and Gemini staff after
a presentation of fun
scientific monologues.
Santaolalla, entertained and inspired nearly
4,000 students and teachers during their
week in Chile. “Beautiful stages were waiting for us at the schools and two astronauts
accompanied our performance in a fruit
market and in front of a cathedral. It was
definitely an unforgettable experience!”
adds Vivó.
“Gemini is thrilled that we have many new
partners in our effort this year,” said Gemini
Deputy Director Nancy Levenson at Viaje’s
opening ceremony. “It is indeed a sign that we
are having an impact when our community
steps up to participate actively in our work.”
This year’s Viaje al Universo program engaged students and teachers from six regional schools: San Nicolas, Trinity, St. Mary’s,
San Joaquin, Carlos Condell de la Haza, and
Martin de Porres. Helping to advance their
knowledge were staff from the following
observatories and astronomy affiliates: the
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Gemini Observatory, Cerro Tololo
Inter-American Observatory, Las Campanas
Observatory, the Giant Magellan Telescope,
the Office for the Protection of the Northern
Sky of Chile, and the University of La Serena.
As a special treat, Gemini also hosted in early
December five students and one teacher
(from each of the schools that participated
in the Viaje activities) as guests at the Gemini South telescope facility on Cerro Pachon
(Figure 1). More surprises and special events
are now being planned for Viaje 2016. We
hope to see you there!
To learn more about Viaje al Universe, please
visit: www.gemini.edu/viaje
Antonieta García is Gemini South’s Outreach and
Media Specialist. She can be reached at:
[email protected]
Figure 3.
Learning phases of the
Moon is much more
attractive when you
can eat the cookies,
at least according to
members of this Trinity
School’s family after their
participation in Viaje al
Universo program.
76
GeminiFocus
2015 Year in Review
January 2016