The astronomy forum titled "The Challenges of Contemporary Astronomy in Society and the Chilean Experience" will take place on Thursday starting at 10:00 in the Romanian Academy Grand Hall, tackling current topics related to near-Earth space, artificial satellites, the protection of the night sky and the protection of the planet against natural risks, the Academy said in a release on Tuesday.
The event, organized by the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Chile in Romania, marks the centennial anniversary of the Chilean Embassy in Romania, but also the scientific collaboration between the two countries in the field of astronomy, as Chile is the world center of modern astronomy due to the quality of its sky, and is home for more than 60 percent of the world's ground-based astronomy observations.
The event will be opened by Nicolae Zamfir, Vice-President of the Romanian Academy, all will see Republic of Chile ambassador Julio Bravo and Minister of Education and Research Daniel David, a corresponding member of the Romanian Academy, attending.
The Forum's special guest is reputed astronomer Prof. Dr. Monica Rubio, Vice President of the International Astronomical Union, a prominent figure in the field of astrophysics, one of the most influential voices in world astronomy, recognized for her essential contributions to the study of star formation and the interstellar medium, specifies the cited source.
The event, moderated by the director of the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy, Dr. Mirel Birlan, will feature the following speakers: astronaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, honorary member of the Romanian Academy; president of the National Authority for Research, Dr. Andrei Alexandru; Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space - UN-COPUOS, Dr. Ulpia Botezatu; Dr. Magda Stavinschi, emeritus astronomer of the Astronomical Institute.
The free-entry event addresses astronomy enthusiasts, researchers, teachers and all those interested in the mysteries of the Universe.