GeminiFocus January 2015 | Page 20

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