Antofagasta region unveils time capsule project and astro‑tourism diploma program

Carabineros de Chile will conduct a "Camino al Centenario" tour across the nine communes of the Antofagasta Region, gathering items that reflect the police force's history, identity and service. The collected material will be sealed in a time capsule to remain unopened until 2127. General Cristian Montre, head of the Antofagasta police zone, said the initiative creates a bridge between generations and preserves institutional memory, even reaching remote border outposts.

The region is also launching a professional astro‑tourism programme. A new diploma offered by Universidad Católica del Norte will certify guides and entrepreneurs, aiming to capture up to 70% of global astronomy‑tourism demand. Leveraging more than 300 clear nights a year, world‑class observatories such as Paranal and sites like San Pedro de Atacama, the plan seeks to diversify the local economy beyond mining and create new opportunities for residents.