The astronomical experience was part of the 4th Ladera Sur Festival.

CATA, together with its partners Alfilmedia3D and Astro Ruta, participated in the fourth edition of the Ladera Sur Festival, bringing astronomy closer to families and the attending public.

The Center for Astrophysics and Associated Technologies (CATA) (ANID Basal Center) participated in the Ladera Sur Festival, held at Santa Rosa de Apoquindo Park in Las Condes, from November 28 to 30. For three days, families and the general public enjoyed a space dedicated to astronomy in the midst of an event focused on nature, sustainability, and culture, reaching more than 20,000 people.

In collaboration with Astro Ruta and Alfilmedia3D, CATA developed a series of immersive experiences that allowed children and adults to learn about astronomy in a fun way. These included virtual reality glasses with images of the universe, the board game “Planetary Chaos,” Alien’s Big Boy, and a table with coloring materials and prizes, creating a participatory and engaging environment for the entire community.

José Utreras, CATA Outreach Content Coordinator, highlighted the importance of bringing these initiatives to a space such as Ladera Sur. “Participating in this Festival allows us to integrate astronomy into a diverse cultural environment. In this type of space, science coexists naturally with other expressions and generates valuable conversations with the public. It is a good opportunity for astronomy to become part of people’s cultural lives,” said the astronomer.

The presence of Alfilmedia3D also allowed for a direct observation of the sky. Through telescopes installed especially for the occasion, many people observed the Sun and Moon, distinguishing sunspots, flares, and details of the lunar surface.

“Our assessment is extremely positive. Many people came over the weekend to discover science and astronomy. At Alfilmedia3D, our goal has been to bring astronomy to as many people as possible, making available all the technological and instrumental capabilities we have today and incorporating alternatives that allow families to experience science in a direct and tangible way,” said Claudio Rojas, director of Alfilmedia3D.

Astro Ruta, meanwhile, added a virtual reality interstellar mission that allowed attendees to enjoy an immersive journey through space, accompanied by an inflatable astronaut that caught the public’s attention and added a distinctive element to the experience.

“As an institution, we are very happy to form alliances and build relationships with organizations such as CATA. Mutual empowerment, together with the tools we can provide, has a much greater impact in these instances. For us, it is very important to democratize science and, in particular, astronomy. The fact that children have been able to use a telescope or observe the Sun for the first time contributes to that goal of providing access to astronomical knowledge to different audiences,” emphasized Felipe Cerda, director of Astro Ruta.

Thanks to CATA and its partner institutions, Ladera Sur provided a space where families and visitors could learn more about astronomy through interactive experiences, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to scientific outreach and bringing knowledge about the universe to diverse audiences across the country.