It is aimed at ESO and Bachiller students, in a posthumous tribute to a researcher who, even beyond his acknowledgements, was an example of life.
The public company Sodepal, through the Divulgación Astronómica project financed by the Tourism Department of the Cabildo de La Palma, has organised the fifth edition of the Fernando Cabrera Astronomy Prize writing competition, which for the first time will have a regional character.
This competition is a posthumous tribute to Fernando Cabrera, winner of the extraordinary prize for his degree and doctorate in Astrophysics. He was a student at the UNED, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, a founding member of the Agrupación Astronómica Isla de La Palma and, above all other considerations, an example of self-improvement.
The aim of this competition is to develop and encourage interest in astronomy among students in both compulsory secondary education and the Baccalaureate.
The island's Councillor for Economic Promotion, Miriam Perestelo, stressed that "no one is unaware that La Palma is an international reference in the world of astronomy, with the best observatory in the northern hemisphere located on the Roque de los Muchachos", a reality "that invites us to encourage interest in science in general and astronomy in particular among young people".
Miriam Perestelo emphasised that this year "we are committed to increasing participation in the competition" by including all interested students from the Canary Islands, "reinforcing the presence of young people from schools on La Palma".
The deadline for submitting entries will remain open until 27 May. The prizes will consist of educational material, observation instruments and a trip.
This event has the collaboration of the Agrupación Astronómica Isla de La Palma, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, the Universidad Nacional a Distancia, the Gran Telescopio Canarias and the Observatorio del Teide.
