Night of the Stars: Between Stars and Atoms, taking place on November 29, seeks to open the doors of science and astronomy to Mexicans of all ages. This year’s program includes a tribute to science communicator Julieta Fierro and a celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
At a press conference, José Franco López, general coordinator of the event, explained that its more than 118 venues across the Mexican Republic — plus two in Guatemala — bring together professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, teachers, and science communicators from around the country.
“This year, Guatemala has joined us,” López noted, recalling that before the 2020 pandemic, several Latin American countries participated in the event. “We hope that in future editions we can welcome many of them back.”
Franco emphasized that the goal of Night of the Stars is to strengthen Mexico’s scientific culture:
“Scientific knowledge is a beacon of peace for the future, and communicating science is an act of nation-building, because our country needs incentives to pursue these important fields.”
Over its 16 editions, the event has welcomed 4 million attendees and has relied on the support of 84,000 volunteers who assist with logistics. “The heroes are the amateur astronomy clubs, science communicators, teachers, and students who join this celebration,” he said.
Yir Krongold Herrera, director of the Institute of Astronomy at UNAM, described Night of the Stars as “the largest science-outreach event in the world — a festival of knowledge and culture that transcends astronomy.”
At UNAM’s main campus, activities will include astronomical observation of various celestial bodies with more than 200 telescopes pointed at the sky. Two planetariums will host screenings, and 63 tents will feature scientific exhibitions and workshops for children and adults.
Five artistic groups and the Ki’ichpam dance company will perform on the main stage of Ciudad Universitaria.
The keynote lecture, Quantum Mechanics and Astronomy: The Cat and the Stars — Our Fantastic Quantum Universe, will be delivered by Alberto Güijosa of UNAM’s Institute of Nuclear Sciences at 7:00 p.m. The tribute to Julieta Fierro will follow at 7:30 p.m., featuring Silvia Torres, Julia Tagüeña, and Sergio de Regules.
One highlight will be a 250-drone cosmic performance, creating colorful three-dimensional figures in the sky.
At the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Night of the Stars will take place at the Luis Enrique Erro Planetarium and the Tezozómoc Museum, offering observations, demonstrations, workshops, and games focused on quantum physics, robotics, mechatronics, and art inspired by the cosmos.
Notable activities include building water-powered mini rockets, assembling a replica of the International Space Station, water-propulsion workshops, theater, and interactive activities. Conferences such as Leonardo Da Vinci, the Man Who Dreamed the Future and A Journey into the Quantum World will also be held.
“Science multiplies when it is shared, and outreach is a profound act of hope, community, and commitment to the future,” said María Isabel Rojas Ruiz, Academic Secretary of IPN.