Peter Michaud and Maria-Antonieta García
The University of La
Serena, overlooking the
city of La Serena, was the
setting for the opening
ceremony of this year’s
Viaje al Universo. Over
100 people attended,
including the Mayor
of La Serena Roberto
Jacob Jure, and Gemini
South’s Deputy Director
Nancy Levenson. Also
participating were local
representatives from
Chile’s National Tourism
Service, City Hall of La
Serena and Coquimbo,
and University of La
Serena. Science staff
from the Association of
Universities for Research
in Astronomy and Las
Campanas Observatory
also joined in the fun.
Viaje al Universo
Sharing the universe with the public in Chile, and art with staff
Each year, Gemini’s Viaje al Universo program engages thousands of local Chilean students,
teachers, and families in a week full of education and fun. In 2014, the event carried on this
tradition, growing for the fifth consecutive year as we added several new partners from the
local community, including the University of La Serena, City Hall of La Serena and Coquimbo,
and Chile’s National Tourism Service (SERNATUR). Many Gemini staff also gave generously of
their time and shared their passion for the exploration of the universe. This year we recognized 10 teachers and their school’s principals for their continued support and participation
in Gemini’s outreach programs. The images that follow convey the essence of the week’s
diverse events.
Gemini South volunteer Viviana Bianchi (from
Argentina) uses chocolate cookies to teach
girls from Colegio Germán Riesco in La Serena
about Moon phases.
18
GeminiFocus
January 2015