Abstract
We present the main results of a multidisciplinary project on education and outreach in Guanajuato (Mexico). This collaboration was initiated in the International Year of Astronomy (IYA09, IAU-UNESCO, 2009) and is led by a team including astronomers, sociologists and environment biologists. The Astronomy activities had their origin at the Public Observatory of Universidad de Guanajuato, where an outreach program was dedicated to young students, teachers and the general public. Thanks to the many activities linked to IYA09, the astronomers joined with a group of sociologists working on the development of rural zones of the Mexican State of Guanajuato. This region undergoes a high rate of migration towards the USA. Working together, our goals were enlarged, having important results on different aspects like social development, environment recovering and education. Astronomy plays a central role within this project, mainly through activities like stargazing, science games for young public, Astronomy courses for teachers, and talks for a wide audience.
Highlights
Introduction: the Roof-top Astronomical ObservatorySeeing the success of these popular stargazing nights, we (astronomers and sociologists) found a common goal: taking these science activities to specific towns in the countryside
This Observatory has been an important center for science outreach since 2006 [2]
1.1 Astronomy and Sociology: the contact point Concerning the socio-economic situation of the State of Guanajuato, the region has shown dynamic industry development in the last years, but this is very much concentrated along a clear SE-NW axis, including the large cities of the region known as Bajío
Summary
Seeing the success of these popular stargazing nights, we (astronomers and sociologists) found a common goal: taking these science activities to specific towns in the countryside This has shown to be an efficient attractor of crowds who are intersted in Astronomy to visit those towns where tourism projects were under development, which were initially poorly known. Another site at the municipality of Victoria, in the NE of the State, has been very successful case too. The quality of the night sky, an interesting archaeological site, the cave paintings found at Cerro los Remedios, and an exceptional landscape, make of this spot a very touristic one, having a positive impact on job opportunities for local people
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