Sharing Astronomy with the Public
Bringing the Universe closer to people through outreach and education
Communicating science is not just a passion — it's a responsibility. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in several outreach initiatives designed to bring complex scientific concepts closer to the general public. Two projects that stand out in particular are the Open Days at the Observatorio del Teide and the Antes Todo Era Plasma program.
Open Days at the Observatorio del Teide
The Open Days at the Observatorio del Teide are one of the most engaging public science events I participate in each year. Located in the unique environment of Tenerife’s Teide National Park, this event invites visitors to explore one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories.
As part of the team, my role includes guiding the public through the facilities, explaining the science behind the telescopes, and offering a behind-the-scenes look at how professional astronomical research is conducted. These visits are a rare opportunity for people to witness firsthand the work that goes into observing the universe, from solar physics to cosmic rays.
What makes this experience especially rewarding is seeing how visitors — children, students, and adults alike — react to astronomical instruments and phenomena. Their questions, curiosity, and awe reinforce the importance of making science tangible and relatable. The Open Days are more than a tour; they are a bridge between the scientific community and society.
Antes Todo Era Plasma
Antes todo esto era plasma (Before All This Was Plasma) is a podcast and science communication project created by AstroLab, led by professionals who work in science. Its mission is to explore how scientific knowledge is built — including its successes, failures, and uncertainties — through the personal stories of those who create it.
Each episode features deep, engaging conversations with scientists who reflect on their career paths, personal doubts, and the emotional and human aspects behind academic work. The project aims to humanize science, showing that the research process is filled with trial and error, learning curves, and surprising breakthroughs. The name Antes todo esto era plasma is a poetic reference to the early state of the Universe, when matter existed as plasma. It also serves as a metaphor for the origins of knowledge itself: everything starts in a chaotic, undefined state that must go through collapse, structure, and evolution — just like the cosmos. Beyond its podcast format, the project includes multimedia resources, live talks, and creative events. It blends audio storytelling with visuals and performance to communicate science in a personal and inspiring way. Its central focus is not only on the facts of science, but on the people behind it and the social and emotional dynamics that shape discovery.
