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Let Science Reach Your Space

Date: (24/11/2009)

Facultad de Ciencias Físico-Matemáticas

The School of Physics and Mathematics, in the International Astronomy Year, established the Mobile Planetarium which aim is to prove the astronomy fundamental concepts to students and to the general public.

Photos by Efrain Aldama Villa

By Eddisa Garza

In celebration of the International Astronomy Year, the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon´s School of Physics and Mathematics established the Mobile Planetarium which aim is to prove the astronomy core concepts.

Through it, one can observe sky simulations from any point on earth, from other planets, and moons; it shows the planets´ annual movement and their retrograde motion, as well as simulation of celestial phenomena such as transits, eclipses, and star showers.

This planetarium –with a cost of 592 thousand pesos– is equipped with a digital system similar to IMAX. The dome is built with an opaque color fabric made up of several layers that make it durable and prevent the solar light filtration, even under direct rays. The structure inflates due to a high-speed fan system that continuously blows air to the dome’s interior. The public’s entrance and exit is through a 1.8 meters vertical zipper access.

For the handicapped, one of the dome’s entrance’s sides is raised, besides it is equipped with an air conditioning system, cube-shaped seats, and in case of emergency the dome can be opened from the inside in just a few seconds.

Some of the extra activities that will be carried out as part of the project include the astronomic observation, astronomic exhibitions, vault of heaven projection, talks, astronomy activities, recreational physics and mathematics for all audiences, besides a solar culture for people to get to know the influence of this star on the planet.

During its opening – on Tuesday, November 24th at the “Colegio Civil” University Cultural Center´s esplanade- Jesus Ancer Rodriguez – UANL’s President- mentioned, before our Leading Academic Institution´s students and professors, that “this project´s objective is to inaugurate another extension of the University to society.”

He accepted the fact that the University lacks of a Bachelor´s academic offer in astronomy, but this project could represent the beginning of a participation that leads to opening this major.

The UANL Mobile Planetarium´s “ main goal is reflected by its slogan, which reads: let science reach your space, which will be accomplished by taking science toward specific places of the population, either in educational institutions, as well as in public places such as parks and malls.

The event´s attendees enjoyed the technology offered by the Mobile Planetarium, which will be presented at the University´s high schools and graduate schools for it to be experienced by the State´s institutions and the Nuevo Leon´s population from the different metropolitan area´s municipalities.