Each month, director Ivo Saviane hosts a “director's dinner” at the La Silla Observatory. Recently, he invited Jacqueline Morey, executive director of Planetario Usach, to participate. The event provides an opportunity for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) team to learn about the work of scientists, artists, and astronomers.
During her visit to one of the first ESO observatories in Chile, the director gave a presentation on Planetario Usach's scientific outreach work. She discussed the importance of stimulating scientific curiosity in children and the value of learning about the discoveries made by observatories in our country.
The director explained, "Our goal at Planetario Usach is to share the astronomical knowledge that is generated right here in Chile. We incorporate this into our immersive experiences and activities, which are created to inspire adults and children to delve deeper into the subject."
"For 40 years, Planetario Usach has served as the capital's leading center for astronomy outreach," she added, "allowing generations of Chileans to learn about the universe."
She announced that in 2025 and 2026, "we will continue to democratize astronomy, science, and knowledge for the public, particularly for children, adolescents, and young people." The plan includes premiering a children's film and a new show that mixes contemporary art with science.
The director's visit included time with the observatory staff and participation in a dinner celebrating Argentina.
Located in the Coquimbo Region, La Silla is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters, 160 kilometers northeast of the city of La Serena.