[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#153772″ min_height=”524.4px” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”30px||0px|||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”478.9px” custom_margin=”1px|auto|-5px|auto||” custom_padding=”4px||20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
From April 23 to 26, ALMA participated in the Puerto de Ideas Antofagasta festival, one of the country\u2019s 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 \u201ctravel\u201d to the Chajnantor plateau to observe the observatory\u2019s antennas up close using virtual reality goggles stood out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe experience of being at ALMA was truly impactful. I had seen images before, but experiencing it in person is totally different: it\u2019s immersive and very powerful. It also made me imagine what that extreme environment feels like\u2014the altitude, the dryness, the cold, and the wind\u2014and 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<\/em>,\u201d said Antofagasta Mayor Sacha Razmilic<\/strong>, who experienced this \u201cjourney\u201d firsthand.<\/p>\n The event also included hands-on activities with prototypes of ALMA\u2019s 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\u2019s work.<\/p>\n The experience was perceived as intimate, immersive, and deeply exciting. Attendees highlighted how the technology allowed them to connect with \u201cthe wonders of the universe,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cALMA\u2019s 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,<\/em>\u201d says Karina Haller<\/strong>, Education and Public Outreach Manager.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”7777,7778,7779,7780,7781,7782,7783,7784,7785,7786,7787,7788,7789,7790,7791,7792″ posts_number=”8″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n From April 23 to 26, ALMA participated in the Puerto de Ideas Antofagasta festival, one of the country\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n