La Línea de la Concepción will host a free citizen science training event titled ‘Introduction to Astrophysics and Exoplanet Analysis’. The initiative, with limited places, will take place on July 28th and 30th, and August 4th, 6th, and 7th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the first-floor room of the Cruz Herrera Museum.
Researcher Palma Bejarano Rey, a collaborator of NASA's Exoplanet Watch program and a student at the University of California, Berkeley, will lead the workshop. At 17 years old, Bejarano has a notable scientific career that began at age 10 at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with five research papers, three in astrophysics, and collaborations with institutions like MIT and CERN.
During the presentation, Mayor Juan Franco and the delegate councilor for Culture, Raquel Ñeco, highlighted the young researcher's trajectory and her selfless involvement. The mayor expressed pride in offering this opportunity to the citizens, while the councilor emphasized the educational value and the registration process via a QR code on official posters.
The course will cover concepts such as the use of celestial coordinates, visible light spectrum, and the detection of celestial bodies using the transit method. Attendees will learn to use the software Exotic, a tool employed by international research networks. The workshop will conclude on August 7th with the writing of scientific reports to be formally submitted to the NASA working group.
Palma Bejarano explained that the goal is to foster scientific vocations and local outreach, inviting both young people and adults interested in learning about astrophysics. This activity is part of the council's special programming for the upcoming solar eclipse on August 12th.
