Manuel Paredes
Viaje al Universo 2017
Encourages Diversity in
Astronomy and More
Gemini South’s 2017 Viaje al Universo focused heavily on
promoting gender equity in astronomy and encouraging
STEM careers.
In October 2017, Viaje al Universo (Viaje) — one of Gemini South’s most popular public out-
reach programs — celebrated its seventh year of bringing the wonders of science and as-
tronomy to classrooms in La Serena and Coquimbo, Chile. During the week-long event over
5,000 people participated in Viaje’s many exciting and educational programs and activities.
Veronica Firpo (in black
at center) joined a group
of female students for a
photo at the end of Firpo’s
public talk about women
in astronomy, as part
of Viaje al Universo’s
activities.
Over 30 professionals from the University of La
Serena, Gemini South, Cerro Tololo Inter-American
Observatory (CTIO), and the Giant Magellan Tele-
scope (GMT), visited 32 classrooms and over 1,500
students. These scientists, engineers, and astrono-
mers shared the wonders of the Universe using
fun, interactive presentations.
Viaje 2017 introduced two new events designed to
foster diversity in Science, Technology, Engineer-
ing, and Mathematics (STEM) careers: (1) Gemini
presented a public talk sponsored by the Chilean
Government’s Ministry of Women that empha-
sized the importance of women in astronomy; and
(2) a Mateada Astronómica — an event similar to
an English “Tea Time”; typically participants converse in a relaxed environment while sip-
ping on mate, a traditional South American caffeine-rich drink. The events engaged over
200 local women and encouraged them to pursue astronomy-related careers.
January 2018
GeminiFocus
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