Soñando Estrellas: the IAC radio programme bringing the Universe closer to everyone
Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos

 

 

NOT Telescope at sunset, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

 

Soñando Estrellas: the IAC radio programme bringing the Universe closer to the public

The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) strengthens its commitment to science outreach with Soñando Estrellas, a weekly radio programme broadcast every Friday at 10:30 pm on La Radio Canaria, and also available as a podcast and through digital platforms (In Spanish). Soñando Estrellas is a programme that pretends to bring the Universe closer to everyone.

With a 30-minute format, Soñando Estrellas is designed as an engaging and accessible space devoted to research, technology, people, and activities at the IAC. Its aim is to bring Astrophysics, the work of the Institute, and the activity of the Canary Islands Observatories closer to the general audience in a clear, rigorous, and approachable way. The programme is directed and hosted by Verónica Martín, Head of the IAC’s Communication and Scientific Culture Unit (UC3).

The programme’s title is also a heartfelt tribute to the autobiographical book Soñando Estrellas by the IAC’s founder, Francisco Sánchez, who passed away recently. The name reflects the vision and determination of a man who, decades ago, promoted the creation in the Canary Islands of a unique, internationally recognised, and specially protected site for observing the sky—where cutting-edge science and advanced technology are developed today. That same spirit lives on in an institution that now brings together more than 400 professionals and continues to dream of unveiling and sharing the mysteries of the Universe.

A programme with multiple ways of looking at the sky

The structure of Soñando Estrellas revolves around a weekly interview with members of the IAC community, addressing recent discoveries, ongoing projects, telescopes, and scientific instrumentation, while offering an expert insight into the work carried out at the Institute.

The programme is enriched by regular sections that add depth and variety to the broadcast:

  • “Mirando al cielo” (Looking at the Sky), with Alfred Rosenberg, focused on astronomical events observable from the Canary Islands, such as eclipses or meteor showers.
  • PETeR – “El cosmos en el aula” (The Cosmos in the Classroom), with Nayra Rodríguez and Alejandra Goded, exploring the educational use of Astronomy and the teaching potential of remote and robotic telescopes.
  • COSMOLAB, a section that brings key concepts and educational resources for teachers to the radio.
  • “Del cielo a la tesis” (From the Sky to the Thesis), featuring interviews with students who present their research projects.
  • “Rincones del IAC” (Corners of the IAC), with Iván Jiménez, offering a closer look at different areas and facilities of the Institute.
  • A weekly agenda highlighting outreach events and activities that invite the public to engage with science.

Astrophysics, outreach, and territory

Soñando Estrellas highlights the astrophysics developed in the Canary Islands and reinforces the international role of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, while making this knowledge accessible to the general public.

From science communication and astrotourism initiatives such as LaPalmaStars.com and AstroLaPalma, we celebrate projects like this that connect science, territory, and society, helping to position the Canary Islands as a leading destination for knowledge, dark skies, and scientific culture.

Listen to the programmes