In a significant stride towards strengthening the strategic partnership between Brazil and China, the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium has joined hands with the Beijing Planetarium.
The two countries want to foster collaboration in space research and education.
The groundbreaking initiative marks the first-ever partnership between the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium and a foreign astronomical institution, showcasing the expanding ties between the two nations.
CGTN’s Lucrecia Franco reports.
WATCH: Planetariums of Rio de Janeiro and Beijing
Rio Planetarium’s milestones: A starry affair
The Rio Planetarium boasts a double-dome structure with a 12-and-a-half-meter original projection facility and a newer 23-meter “bigger brother,.”
It proudly stands as the largest star-theater in Latin America. This year, as the planetarium celebrates its 53rd anniversary, it commemorates a unique Brazil-China partnership.
It offers special presentations to visitors eager to delve into the mysteries of the universe.
The collaboration with the renowned Beijing Planetarium involves the exchange of Astro-photographs captured by citizen photographers in China, providing Rio Planetarium visitors with a captivating glimpse of celestial events as observed in China.
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Learning from each other: A mutual scientific outreach
Renan Uccelli, president of the Rio Planetarium Foundation, highlights the mutual benefits of the partnership.
“Today, China is dedicated to studying the dark side of the moon. So, for us, it’s very interesting to engage in this scientific outreach because we can learn from the Chinese model, and they can learn from ours.”
As a symbol of this collaboration, China has contributed a reproduction of a star chart parchment dating back to the year 1190, which now finds a place in the permanent exhibition at the Rio Planetarium.
Expanding horizons: BRICS nations on the horizon
Everton Gomes, Rio’s Municipal Labor Secretary, underscores the broader vision of the collaboration.
“The idea is that we can include the planetariums from the capitals of the BRICS countries, including India and South Africa. Expand exchanges that are already economic and go beyond to the scientific sphere.”
With plans to extend the cooperation to other BRICS nations, the partnership signifies a shift towards fostering international scientific collaboration, transcending economic ties.
Looking ahead: Joint astronomy sessions
The next phase of the collaboration aims to organise joint astronomy sessions between the Rio and Beijing planetariums.
This initiative will allow enthusiasts and experts from both nations to share in the marvels of each other’s star-filled skies, further solidifying the bonds forged through this astronomical partnership.
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