Universidad de Nariño adds major RC-1000 telescope and opens Pacific regional campus

The Universidad de Nariño in southern Colombia has received the RC-1000 telescope, one of the largest instruments of its kind in Latin America. The telescope was flown from Bogotá to Pasto by the Colombian Air Force using a C‑130 Hercules aircraft and will enhance the university’s astronomical observatory, enabling research that meets international standards and providing new training opportunities for students.

In a separate development, the Consejo Nacional de Educación Superior (CESU) approved the creation of the Pacific Seccional of the Universidad de Nariño. The new regional campus will serve ten municipalities along the Pacific coast, with guaranteed funding from the national and departmental governments. Starting in August, new degree programmes in languages, administration and other fields will begin in El Charco, Telembí and Barbacoas, expanding access to higher education for thousands of young people in the region.