GeminiFocus January 2016 | Page 23

Santaolalla, entertained and inspired nearly 4,000 students and teachers during their week in Chile. “Beautiful stages were waiting for us at the schools and two astronauts accompanied our performance in a fruit market and in front of a cathedral. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!” adds Vivó. As a special treat, Gemini also hosted in early December five students and one teacher (from each of the schools that participated in the Viaje activities) as guests at the Gemini South telescope facility on Cerro Pachon (Figure 1). More surprises and special events are now being planned for Viaje 2016. We hope to see you there! “Gemini is thrilled that we have many new partners in our effort this year,” says Gemini Deputy Director Nancy Levenson at Viaje’s opening ceremony. “It is indeed a sign that we are having an impact when our community steps up to participate actively in our work.” To learn more about Viaje al Universe, please visit: www.gemini.edu/viaje Antonieta García is Gemini South’s Outreach and Media Specialist. She can be reached at: [email protected] This year’s Viaje al Universo program engaged students and teachers from six regional schools: San Nicolas, Trinity, St. Mary’s, San Joaquin, Carlos Condell de la Haza, and Martin de Porres. Helping to advance their knowledge were staff from the following observatories and astronomy affiliates: the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Gemini Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Las Campanas Observatory, the Giant Magellan Telescope, the Office for the Protection of the Northern Sky of Chile, and the University of La Serena. Figure 2. Students from Carlos Condell de La Haza Christ School (La Serena), and República de Israel (Coquimbo) ) join the “Big Van: Scientists on Wheels” and Gemini staff after a presentation of fun scientific monologues. Figure 3. Learning phases of the Moon is much more attractive when you can eat the cookies, at least according to members of this Trinity School’s family after their participation in Viaje al Universo program. January 2016 GeminiFocus 21