The historic astronomical phenomenon experienced in Río Hurtado on July 2 of the previous year highlighted the potential of its skies, unique in the world for their clarity and stability, for the development of sciences and tourism; activities that can represent a new engine of development for the commune and its inhabitants. The challenge now is to protect the sky from light pollution and preserve its extraordinary quality for future generations.

Celebrating the 1st anniversary of the 2019 solar eclipse, this Thursday, July 2 at 11:00 a.m. the Illustrious Municipality of Río Hurtado, the Cielos de Chile Foundation, and the Office for the Protection of the Quality of the Northern Chilean Sky will offer an event via streaming, with educational talks about astronomy and the night sky.

The event will feature the participation of the Mayor of the Illustrious Municipality of Río Hurtado, Gary Valenzuela, the President of the Cielos de Chile Foundation, Guillermo Blanc, the Emeritus Director of the Las Campanas Observatory, Mark Phillips, and the Director of the Office for the Protection of the Quality of the Northern Chilean Sky, Pedro Sanhueza.

“The night sky is a precious natural resource for all the inhabitants of Río Hurtado, so it becomes a priority to develop a work strategy for the protection of this valuable heritage.”

The talks that can be enjoyed are: “Protecting the Skies of Chile” by Astronomer and researcher Guillermo Blanc, “The Importance of Protecting the Heritage Night Sky” by light pollution expert Pedro Sanhueza, and “The Discovery of Dark Energy”, given by the renowned Doctor in Astronomy from the Carnegie Institution for Science, Mark Phillips.

During the activity, the Illustrious Municipality of Río Hurtado will sign a cooperation agreement for the protection of the quality of its night skies.

The event will be available live through the YouTube platform of NOIRLabAstro, on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!