The renowned Italian astrophysicist will appear this coming Friday the 7th of June at 6 pm, in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences and History at UDP (Av. Ejército Libertador 333).
“Proteger el cielo es nuestro deber… ¿Pero, qué tengo que ver yo con el Big-bang” (Protecting the sky is our duty… But what do I have to do with the Big-bang?) is the title of the open talk that Dr. Piero Benvenuti, secretary general(s) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), will deliver this coming Friday June 7th at 6 pm, in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences and History at UDP (Av. Ejército Libertador 333).
This is an activity organized jointly by the Instituto de Estudios Astrofísicos (IEA) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at UDP and the Sociedad Chilena de Astronomía (SOCHIAS). “Dr. Benvenuti’s visit is carried out within the framework of our country’s application to host the IAU General Assembly in 2030 – the most relevant astronomical conference in the world – which is why it is of great importance for the astronomical community,” comments Erika Labbé, outreach coordinator of the IEA at UDP.
Chile’s application represents a unique opportunity for the development of astronomy. This initiative would not only increase the visibility and recognition of Chile internationally, but would also boost research through the exchange of ideas and collaborations with scientists around the world. In addition, it would serve to inspire and educate new generations, generating greater public interest in astronomy.
Ultimately, SOCHIAS explains, this application would strengthen the country’s astronomical and technological infrastructure, directly benefiting the national scientific community. This is a historic opportunity for the development of Chilean astronomy, with a positive impact on research, education, technology and the economy.
Piero Benvenuti is a professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Padua, and is currently the secretary general of the largest astronomical organization in the world: the IAU. Likewise, he has served as president of the National Institute of Astrophysics (Italy), has been a member of the board of directors of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and of the Center for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies against Interference from Satellite Constellations ( CPS).
“We are extremely pleased to be able to show Dr. Benvenuti the great interest that this event arouses in the national astronomical community, as well as the fascination that the general public feels for astronomy,” says Carolina Agurto, vice president of the Chilean Astronomy Society. And she continues: “His talk is closely related to the effort and importance that our country has given to the protection of the night sky, both for astronomical observation and for the conservation of our flora and fauna.”
“We hope that both UDP students and the general public that are passionate about astronomy can enjoy the event, and learn a little more about the efforts that the Chilean and international astronomical communities are doing to preserve the night sky and its scientific impact for future generations. ” says Agurto.
Founded in 1919, the International Astronomical Union is made up of almost twelve thousand professional astronomers from 96 different countries. Its main objective is to facilitate collaboration between its members in all their fields of study: from astronomy to astrophysics, from cosmology to fundamental physics.
It should be added that this activity is open to the public and will have an interpretation in Chilean Sign Language.
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