A rural development group has expanded its astronomical education initiative to include high school students in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara region. From October 8th until the end of this month, a mobile planetarium is visiting various institutions, such as the IES Vázquez de Arce in Sigüenza, the Instituto Valle del Henares in Jadraque, and the Colegio SAFA Ursulinas.
The experience, driven by ADEL Sierra Norte, aims to spark interest in astronomy among young people, offering a unique educational journey through the cosmos. The planetarium, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a high-resolution projection system, allows students to observe celestial objects in detail that are typically difficult to appreciate. Additionally, it is complemented by educational activities led by monitors accredited by the Starlight Foundation, ensuring that the program is both informative and entertaining.
This initiative is part of the ‘Plan for Rooting and enhancing the rural environment of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara’, which has been developed since 2020. Its goal is to foster a sense of belonging among young people and help them establish roots in their land. The sessions not only provide academic knowledge, but also stimulate an interest in astronomy, and introduce students to the cultural and recreational resources that their territory has to offer, with a possible influence on their future career prospects.
This push towards astronomical education is part of the efforts of the Regional Government to promote astrotourism in the region. Since January 2022, the entire Sierra Norte de Guadalajara has been certified as a Starlight Reserve by the Starlight Foundation, solidifying it as a prominent destination for astronomical observation in Spain. With clear and clean skies, the region has great potential to attract both tourists and astronomy enthusiasts.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish