The XXIII Antarctic School Fair (FAE 2026) has commenced in Punta Arenas, bringing together students and teachers from nine different regions of Chile. Organized by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, the event serves as the country's primary school science gathering focused on the Antarctic continent.
Selected teams from 14 communes will present their research to both citizen and scientific juries. One notable project from the Liceo A-22 La Portada in Antofagasta involves astronomy and the protection of the Chilean satellite Lemu NGE from space debris. The students proposed using integrated telescope data from Antarctica to detect orbital objects that could threaten the satellite.
According to Gino Casassa, director of INACH, the fair is a vital opportunity to engage new generations with science and knowledge regarding the importance of the Antarctic continent to Chile.
Entities
Instituto Antártico Chileno · Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación · Punta Arenas