Brazil’s Stellar Women: Asteroid Ambassadors
Brazil’s Stellar Women: Asteroid Ambassadors https://asteroidday-uploads.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/13193216/1-Brazil-AD-2023.jpeg 512 384 Asteroid Day https://asteroidday-uploads.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/13193216/1-Brazil-AD-2023.jpeg
“Mulheres de Estrelas” (Star Women in English) emerged as an inspiring initiative in 2017 within the heart of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The movement originated in the small city of Rio Paranaíba, home to a modest population of 13,000 inhabitants, and has since expanded its reach to numerous cities in the region. Driven by the collaborative efforts of women passionate about the cosmos, the initiative demonstrates their shared passion for stargazing and their dedication to raising awareness about space.
Mulheres de Estrelas team with their founder Teresinha Sousa (centre)
Led by Teresinha Souza, a retired teacher and scientific education specialist, the initiative strives to democratise access to astronomy. Teresinha is committed to ensuring that the wonders of the universe are accessible to individuals of all backgrounds through a range of observational activities, mobilisations, and projects focused on space sciences.
Events in educational institutions (left) and public venues (right) are the primary activities in numerous cities within the region.
Educational institutions, public spaces, and urban areas have been chosen as the main venues for these events, creating a vibrant, spontaneous, voluntary, democratic, and inclusive atmosphere. This approach has drawn the interest of families and school groups, encouraging more and more people to participate. The rise in participation has led to the creation of a new branch: “Garotas e Garotos de Estrelas” (Star Girls and Boys), which focuses on hosting astronomy activities for children.
The new branch: “Garotas e Garotos de Estrelas”, astronomy activities for children.
Teresinha first discovered Asteroid Day via social media, and since then, her organisations have actively participated in four editions of this event. Each instance involves participants in informative sessions covering the topics of asteroids and planetary defence. Additionally, they have the opportunity to view the Moon through telescopes, observing its many impact craters, while meteorite fragments serve as a highlight of the occasion.
One of the highlights of the Asteroid Day events organized by Mulheres de Estrelas is when children have the opportunity to interact with meteorite fragments.
The “Mulheres de Estrelas” team identified a prevalent confusion within their community concerning the distinctions among asteroids, meteors, meteorites, comets, and fireballs. However, their dedicated efforts and consistent participation in successive editions of Asteroid Day have yielded a positive transformation. There is now a noticeable enhancement in the community’s understanding, coupled with a growing interest in the subject, exemplified by the increasing number of participants in Asteroid Day editions.
Looking ahead to future editions scheduled from May to July, these organisations aim to extend their reach to at least 20 cities. Achieving this goal depends on securing future partnerships, as well as obtaining the required financial and logistical support.
This collaborative effort aims to not only expand knowledge about asteroids but also raise awareness about the vital significance of planetary defence.
You can follow them:
Garotas e Garotos de Estrelas – Instagram
Mulheres de Estrelas – Facebook
Mulheres de Estrelas – Instagram
