The delivery of these modern facilities reflects the institutional commitment to academic excellence and the continuous work to improve the working conditions of the ULS community. 

In an emotional and significant ceremony, the University of La Serena inaugurated the new facilities of the Department of Astronomy, located on the Andrés Bello Campus. The building, of 550 square meters and modern spaces, has 17 offices and an auditorium that bears the name of Dr. Rodolfo Barbá (RIP), in recognition of who was an astronomer, academic and researcher at the state house of studies and a pillar fundamental in the creation of said Department.

The Rector, Dr. Luperfina Rojas, the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Dr. Luis Palma, the Director of the Department of Astronomy, Dr. Amelia Ramírez, the vice president and director of AURA Chile, Dr. Alejandra Voigt, participated in the inauguration. the Deputy Director of the Center for Astrophysics and Related Technologies CATA, Dr. Ezequiel Treister, the director of the Las Campanas Observatory, Dr. Leopoldo Infante, the academic of the Department. of Astronomy of the University of Chile and National Science Prize, Dr. Mónica Rubio, the emeritus representative and resident astronomer at the Magallanes Gigante telescope, Dr. Miguel Roth (who after the inauguration gave a lecture on the GMT telescope to the present), authorities, direct, academics, officials, undergraduate and graduate students and guests.

"It is a significant milestone in the history of our institution, which symbolizes and reinforces our commitment to academic excellence in the fascinating field of astronomy and also the continuous work to improve the working conditions of our community, in order to offer them better quality of life," emphasized Rector Rojas, who added that during the last decade, astronomy has been a fundamental pillar of the University, "and it is a great pride to be able to affirm that we are leaders in this area of ​​knowledge, recognized for our high level of research and contributions to astronomical knowledge.

The ULS Rector also indicated that by inaugurating this new building “we take a step forward in our commitment to providing the most advanced and conducive facilities for academic development and research in astronomy. This building will not only be a physical space, but a place where dreams and stars converge, and where knowledge expands beyond the limits of our Universe.”

During the activity - where the contribution and constant support of authorities, managers and academics in the realization of this important project was recognized, among them, the current Dean of Engineering and former ULS Rector, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés -, the Dr. Amelia Ramírez, thanked the delivery of these modern facilities with "high standards of construction and ease of use." The astronomer and academic made a complete review of the origins of this "large molecular cloud." (see speech) and pointed out that "certainly, we are very happy to be able to have this new space for scientific creation." He added that these spaces will allow us to "meet, to do classes, to reflect, to talk and discuss science, a space for the training of regional talent." , national and international, especially Latin American.”

For the Dean of Sciences, Dr. Luis Palma, the inauguration of this building “marks a significant milestone in the academic and scientific development of our institution (…) Now the Department of Astronomy has its own, comfortable and modern facilities. This independence symbolizes the recognition of astronomy as a distinctive and essential discipline in our university, playing a crucial role in the institution by contributing significantly to research, teaching and links with the environment," he said, recalling that at the beginning, astronomers and astrophysicists shared spaces with colleagues in the area of ​​physics.

Dr. Rodolfo Barbá Auditorium

An emotional moment was experienced when the plaque of the Auditorium of this new building was unveiled, a space that bears the name of Dr. Rodolfo Barbá (proposal presented by Dr. Amelia Ramírez - supported by the Council of the Faculty of Sciences - and approved unanimously by the Academic Council). Dr. Julia Arias, academic of the unit and wife of Dr. Barbá, together with Dr. Facundo Gómez, from the Multidisciplinary Research and Postgraduate Institute of the ULS, were in charge of unveiling this plaque that recognizes the work and contribution of the remembered academic and astronomer.

“He was a pioneer and true promoter of astronomy at our university, who today we recognize because his legacy has left an indelible mark on the institution. He was not only a noted astronomer, but also a mentor and leader who inspired generations of students and colleagues. His passion for astronomy has left an indelible mark on the university and community. We are deeply grateful for your contribution to the growth of astronomy in the institution,” stressed the Rector, Dr. Luperfina Rojas, who shared these words with those present, as did Dr. Amelia Ramírez and the National Science Prize winner, Dr. Mónica Rubio, who, with emotion, remembered their colleague and friend, and also his career and important professional and human legacy.

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