The Center for Research in Optics (Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica- CIO) projects to build the first planetarium in the city of León, Guanajuato, in order to bring science to all social strata.
CIO’s CEO, Elder de la Rosa Cruz stated: “we are working to expand the Optics and Photonics Museum, where the Planetarium will be located, aiming to serve all students of primary, secondary and high school with a wide array of educational activities”.
De la Rosa Cruz added: “with this new facility, we will be complementing the education of all Guanajuato students, promoting the vocation and interest in science and astronomy”.
“Through different programs, we will be able to detect young people with potential and special skills that can excel in these subjects. Although the museum is not ready yet, we are currently working on the scientific promotion among students in León”, said Elder de la Rosa.
The Optics and Photonics Museum will double its size by next year, with the construction of the Planetarium, along with a new workshops and laboratories area.
“The museum will be open every weekend in order to serve people of all ages”, De la Rosa Cruz pointed out.
He concluded that “the current management is working on the possibility of support low income communities in the outskirts of León, through a free addmission scheme”.
CEO’s CIO, Elder de la Rosa Cruz reported that works already began on the museum expansion. (Image: am.com.mx)
Different didactic activities will be taking place this new planetarium:
- Interactive science exhibits
- Scientific workshops
- Astronomical observations
- Science Club
- Astronomy Club
- Screening of films on astronomy, space exploration and other topics
- Science lectures for all age groups
- Short courses of science and technology for children and teens
Museum Features
- 380 square meters of themed rooms.
- 40 square meters for temporary exhibitions.
- Astronomy room.
- Digital planetarium dome with nine meters in diameter, with 50 people capacity.
- Science and technology Laboratory for children in a space of 90 square meters.
- Six telescopes for astronomical observations.
Source: http://www.am.com.mx/