From April 23 to 26, ALMA participated in the Puerto de Ideas Antofagasta festival, one of the country’s most significant science outreach events, which this year drew more than 22,000 attendees. With a focus on interactive experiences, the ALMA booth became a particularly attractive gathering spot for students, who expressed amazement and curiosity as they discovered the various activities. Among these, the opportunity to “travel” to the Chajnantor plateau to observe the observatory’s antennas up close using virtual reality goggles stood out.

“The experience of being at ALMA was truly impactful. I had seen images before, but experiencing it in person is totally different: it’s immersive and very powerful. It also made me imagine what that extreme environment feels like—the altitude, the dryness, the cold, and the wind—and how, from a place so close to the sky, they manage to capture key information, including images like the one of the black hole that was released a while back,” said Antofagasta Mayor Sacha Razmilic, who experienced this “journey” firsthand.

The event also included hands-on activities with prototypes of ALMA’s astronomical discoveries, the chance to hold an augmented-reality antenna, color radio wave signals, find hidden messages by looking through colored filters, and the opportunity to enjoy astronomical micro-stories. All of this was guided by mediators at the booth, who accompanied attendees by answering questions and explaining complex concepts of radio astronomy in an educational way, thereby sparking their scientific curiosity and interest in the observatory’s work.

The experience was perceived as intimate, immersive, and deeply exciting. Attendees highlighted how the technology allowed them to connect with “the wonders of the universe,” making something that seemed so distant feel within reach. For many families, it was a particularly meaningful moment: sharing it with their children transformed the activity into something memorable, almost like fulfilling a long-awaited dream of seeing the stars in a completely new way.

“ALMA’s participation in these kinds of events reinforces its commitment to science outreach, bringing astronomical knowledge and development closer to the community and sparking curiosity about understanding our cosmic origins,” says Karina Haller, Education and Public Outreach Manager.

The team manning the ALMA booth consisted of Karina Haller and Danilo Vidal from JAO, as well as Lissette Donoso and Flor Candia, external mediators who have been joining us at various events for nearly 10 years.