Category: News

Women in Space: from Valentina Tereshkova to the Artemis Program From invisible pioneers… to leading figures in space exploration Just over 50 years ago, during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, humanity took one of the most important steps in its history: setting foot on the Moon for the first time. But that iconic image had a clear absence: there were no women astronauts. And yet, the history of women in space had already begun. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space aboard the Vostok 6 mission. For nearly three days, she orbited the Earth alone, opening a door that would barely be crossed again for many years. Because the problem was never capability. It was opportunity.   https://youtu.be/7nCsDjc2sPg?si=e18PPj3iqmduPJC8 📊 Women in STEM: real progress, but persistent inequality Progress is undeniable, but data shows that equality has not yet been achieved. Only 33% of researchers worldwide are women 👉 Source: UNESCO Approximately 35% of students in STEM fields are women 👉 Source: UNESCO In Europe, women represent only 19% of ICT specialists 👉 Source: Eurostat In artificial intelligence, female representation drops below 25% 👉 Source: World Economic Forum This reflects a clear reality: women have entered science, but not on equal terms. 🚀 The invisible pioneers of the Apollo program While astronauts were traveling into space, many women were making those missions possible. 🧠 Katherine Johnson: the mathematics behind the Moon landing Katherine Johnson was one of the key figures in the Apollo program. She calculated critical orbital trajectories She manually verified early computer calculations She ensured the precision of missions like Apollo 11 Her work was essential, although it remained largely unrecognized for decades. 📎 Official NASA biography 💻 Margaret Hamilton: the software that saved the mission Margaret Hamilton led the development of the Apollo

Night Photography and Sunset Photography with Your Phone in La Palma A Practical Guide from the Skies of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory Night photography with your phone in La Palma is one of the most exciting ways to experience the island’s dark skies. More than a trend, it’s an accessible way to connect with astronomy, discover the beauty of the night, and capture the Universe with the device you already carry in your pocket. From the astronomical viewpoints in La Palma, and especially around the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the most important astrophysics research centers in the Northern Hemisphere, anyone can begin photographing stars or sunsets without needing a professional camera. In this guide, I’ll explain what to do, very simple, how to configure your phone, and the best settings to start today. Why La Palma Is Perfect for Night Photography La Palma is a certified Starlight Reserve and Destination, internationally recognized for the quality of its night sky. The combination of: High altitude (over 2,000 m at the Roque) Extremely low light pollution Exceptional atmospheric stability Legal sky protection makes it possible for even a smartphone to capture sharp stars. But it goes further. La Palma is one of the world’s epicenters of astronomy and astrophysics, thanks to the work of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), which manages the observatory. That scientific and environmental quality translates into something very simple: you can observe and photograph the sky from almost any high point on the island with spectacular results. How to Set Up Your Phone for Night Photography Activate Night Mode Most modern smartphones include an automatic night mode. What does Night Mode do? Increases exposure time Combines multiple images Reduces digital noise Practical tip: rest your phone on a rock, railing, or