Trapecio Austral is a scientific dissemination project initiated in 2019 by amateur astronomers Eduardo G. Horacek (Biochemist UNLP) and Esteban J. Andrada (Geography Teacher ISFD Nº19), both based in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina. Trapecio Austral is dedicated to bring knowledge of Astronomy to the general public focusing exclusively on the southern hemisphere’s sky.
In contrast to Astrotourism, Trapecio Austral promotes an adequate examination of the night sky. Our activities are focused on providing basic tools for an accurate visual observation, without any distractions. This project seeks to go beyond the mere contemplation of the beauty of the sky, emphasizing the collection, interpretation and visual and photographic data analysis. Observers are capable of gaining scientific knowledge motivated by the information of each of our images.
COLLABORATION AND DISSEMINATION
Trapecio Austral actively collaborates with institutions such as Sociedad Lunar Argentina, LIADA (Liga Ibero-Americana de Astronomía) and the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) providing data.
This project is aimed to transmit basic knowledge of Astronomy and to awake the curiosity for the sky, highlighting the difference between Astronomy and other belief systems, including Astrology. Although astrophotography is valued as a tool, we prioritize the visual observation and cooperation between advanced amateurs and formal institutions.
OBJECTIVES
· To recognize the difference with Astrotourism by promoting Astronomy as a natural science based on the scientific method.
· To encourage the accurate astronomic observation along with the analysis of data.
· To collaborate with formal scientific institutions and other amateur astronomers’ groups.
· To spread basic knowledge of astronomy in order to arouse the curiosity about the night sky.
