The proximity of the launch of Artemis II mission Public interest in astronomy and space exploration has increased, especially among young people and children.
According to astrophysics Mirian Castejoastronomy supervisor at the Ibirapuera Planetarium, large space missions play a central role in stimulating Brazilians’ curiosity for science.
The launch is in Florida and will take four astronauts on a journey lasting approximately 10 days.
A CNN Brazil This and other reports in the series “Brazil on the Moon” about Brazil’s role in space exploration in anticipation of the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 1, which should mark the return of astronauts to the Moon’s orbit and pave the way for new stages of the lunar program.
According to Castejon, the planetarium’s work occurs on two fronts: enchantment and education.
In our sessions, the idea is not even to teach, it is to enchant. Generate that desire to know a little more.
She highlights that manned missions, such as Artemis II, have an even greater impact, and recalls that, since 1972, when the last mission of the Apollo program took place, humans have not returned to the Moon.
This type of event tends to generate an increase in demand for courses and activities related to astronomy. The specialist cites examples such as the passage of the , which brought a large audience to the planetarium, as well as eclipses and other space discoveries.
Regarding Brazil’s role, Castejon states that the country already contributes to space exploration, mainly through international partnerships and Earth monitoring via satellites.
“In the future, Brazil may have participation in the exploration of the Moon, and also partnerships with other countries, mainly in terms of launching satellites, monitoring our planet here, fires and deforestation”, he concluded.
