On 26 and 27 August, some 22 young people will have the opportunity to feel like astronomy professionals.
The Cabildo de La Palma has opened the registration period to participate in the new edition of AstroAventura La Palma, an activity developed by the public company Sodepal with funding from the island's Tourism Service and which is part of the AstroFest 2024 events.
Those interested in participating can apply to take part in this activity until 19 August at 11:00 a.m., by filling in the form available at https://sodepal.es/astroaventura-la-palma-2024/
The CEO of Sodepal, Miriam Perestelo, considers the scientific dissemination work being carried out by the public company to be very important, where the promotion of astronomy and astrophysics among young people is being worked on, and this new activity is a clear example of this. He took the opportunity to thank the observatory's institutions, such as the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and the Gran Telescopio Canarias, for supporting this new initiative.
For her part, the island's head of Tourism, Raquel Rebollo, emphasised the importance of this initiative in promoting La Palma as a tourist destination linked to the stars and the universe, not only abroad but also among the local population, awakening interest among the young population in scientific professions with professional opportunities on the island.
This programme is aimed at 22 young residents of La Palma who are interested in learning first-hand about the research being carried out at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, thanks to a visit to the Gran Telescopio Canarias and the Visitor Centre. Practical night and solar observation will be carried out thanks to the use of amateur telescopes, and visitors will be able to enjoy the projections that will take place in the itinerant planetarium of the Cabildo de La Palma. There will also be practical workshops and the use of computer programmes related to astronomy.
The activity also has the collaboration of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias - IAC, the Gran Telescopio Canarias - GTC, the Centro de Visitantes del Roque de Los Muchachos and the Ayuntamiento de la Villa de Garafía.