Tag: Jocelyn Bell

On 5th December a very special walk was inaugurated on the island of La Palma, the "Paseo de las Estrellas de la Ciencia", or Promenade of Stars of Science in La Palma. Located in the Avenida Marítima of the island's capital, it is the only promenade of its kind in the world. Given that the island has a remarkable history linked to astronomy and astrophysics, such as the existence of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory or a proven track record in astro-tourism, this walk acknowledges the figure and work of famous scientists, mainly astronomers. It also highlights the undeniable link of the island with the study of the universe and the conservation of its sky as a heritage. No wonder, La Palma is a UNESCO Reserve. The Promenade of Stars of Science is an original idea of Anselmo Pestana, the President of the Island Council back in 2015, when the project started. The Cabildo Insular de la Palma, the Santa Cruz Town Hall and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias are participating in the project. Unfortunately, the Prominade has taken 5 years to be carried out as first, the remodelling of the beach had to be completed. The event held this December 2020 has revealed the Stars that currently make up the "Paseo de la Ciencia". The four scientists awarded have personal and professional links with the island, hence, have been the first ones to be acknowledged. Stephen Hawking The first star is by Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and cosmologist linked to the Starmuss Festival held on La Palma and who was last on the island in 2016, shortly before his death. Hawking, who was the first to receive his star in 2016, is the author of many of the discoveries in modern astrophysics, such as the new