Antofagasta astro‑tourism and outreach program

In late July 2026, the Antofagasta region announced two linked initiatives. The regional police force began a "Camino al Centenario" tour to collect historical items for a time capsule that will remain sealed until 2127, aiming to preserve institutional memory across the nine communes. Simultaneously, the Universidad Católica del Norte launched a professional astro‑tourism diploma to certify guides and entrepreneurs, targeting up to 70 % of global astronomy‑tourism demand and diversifying the local economy beyond mining.

A few days later, in early August 2026, the outreach effort expanded. The Municipality of Huechuraba and the Instituto Milenio BASE signed an agreement to create immersive 360° dome content about Antarctica for the Huechuraba Planetarium, bringing polar research and climate‑change education to the public. In Antofagasta, more than twenty public and private entities—including Sernatur Antofagasta, the University of Antofagasta’s Center for Astronomy, and mining firm BHP Escondida—hosted the fourth Astronomical Showcase. The event featured talks, interactive activities, and a strong emphasis on protecting dark skies, reinforcing the region’s ambition to become a global reference for astronomy, science outreach, and tourism.