Expanding Hispanic/Latinx Astronomy Engagement through Scientific Empowerment

Program Contact

Marialis Rosario Franco

Teaching Professor

marialis.rosariofranco@colorado.edu

Our project is focused on making the CU Observatory and Planetarium more accessible and engaging for local Latinx communities. We will offer programs in Spanish and bring mobile telescopes to local events to reach people where they are. Our goal is to spark scientific curiosity and empower community members with hands-on experience in astronomy.

Key aspects of our initiative include:

  • Telescope Training: Spanish speakers can join sessions to earn an Amateur Astronomer certificate and learn to use various telescopes, including a 20-inch telescope and portable solar telescope.
  • Breaking Barriers: We aim to remove obstacles such as transportation and language issues that have limited Latinx participation in our observatory and planetarium.
  • Spanish Educational Content: We will develop educational materials in Spanish that cater specifically to the interests of the Latinx community.
  • Representation: By showcasing Latinx members of the CU Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences Department, we hope to inspire others and demonstrate that academic and scientific success is within reach for everyone.

We will advertise these activities as they become available to keep everyone informed.

  • Fiske Astronomy Nights

    Additional Info

    Join us this Fall 2024 for Astronomy nights in Spanish at the Fiske Planetarium!

    Dates TBD.


    Location

    on campus

    Dates

    Ongoing

    Public or Private

    Public Program (open to the public)

    Program Fee

    No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

  • Portable Telescope Training

    Additional Info

    FALL 2024

    Learn to operate the Portable telescope owned by the Explorando Senderos community.
    The training program consists in four sessions including Weather and Navigation, Telescope Mounting; Storage, Operating the Telescope for Planetary, Lunar, and Deep Sky Observations, and Telescope navigation with a Phone App.

    DATES TBD


    Location

    in colorado

    Boulder

    Dates

    Ongoing

    Public or Private

    Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

    Program Fee

    No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

  • 20-inch Telescope training

    Additional Info

    SPRING 2025

    Learn to operate the 20-inch telescopes at the Sommers Bausch Observatory.
    The training program consists in two sessions including Telescope Operation and Safety, Eyepiece Viewing and Imaging Software.

    DATES TBD


    Location

    on campus

    Dates

    Ongoing

    Public or Private

    Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

    Program Fee

    No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

Sponsoring Units

  • College of Arts & Sciences

  • Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Program Partners

  • Explorando Senderos (ES)
  • Sommers Bausch Observatory (SBO)
  • Fiske Planetarium

Audiences Served

  • Adult Learners
  • Alumni/Parents/Friends
  • Children & Youth (outside school)
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Historically Excluded/Marginalized/Non-dominant Group(s)
  • Immigrant Individuals/Communities
  • People Of Color