There is a misconception that education is limited to classrooms. Observing the sky in squares and streets connects people with science and transforms the view of the universe into a learning process. This is what the 'Astronomy - Science on the Street' project provides, offering telescopes and practical lessons free of charge to the public in the city of Poços de Caldas (Minas Gerais).
The initiative, developed by Professor Rodrigo Fernandes, brings the mysteries of the cosmos closer to everyday life, stimulating critical thinking. He holds an MD from Shanghai University in China and previously worked as a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). He transitioned from healthcare to education with the goal of popularizing science outside university walls.
By bringing astronomy to the squares, the project combats digital disinformation and scientific illiteracy using accessible tools. Direct contact with celestial bodies sparks curiosity and teaches the population to distinguish verifiable evidence from unfounded rumors.
During his participation in the Olhar Espacial program last Friday (the 16th), Fernandes deeply reflected on the importance of this social awareness. He noted: 'My goal, when studying healthcare, has always been to save lives, and I believe that when we implement this project on the street using astronomy, the goal is no different. We are also saving lives by showing people what science is and what empty talk from the internet is.'
The project's impact extends far beyond theoretical lectures, creating vivid moments on city sidewalks. The experience of observing through a telescope often touches adults and youth, awakening long-held childhood dreams and allowing them to directly encounter the planets of the Solar System for the first time.
Among the various memorable stories shared on the streets, Rodrigo recalled the touching reaction of a worker in Poços de Caldas when he first saw the planet Saturn through the eyepiece of a telescope set up on the city sidewalk: 'He looked, looked, looked at my face, looked again... then he said nothing. He stepped back, walked three meters, sat on the sidewalk, and started crying hard. He said: 'I never thought I would have a chance to look at the sky through a telescope.'
The project also conducts free astronomy workshops in public schools. During visits, students learn about meteorites and microscopes, which stimulates scientific curiosity and encourages the formation of science clubs and personal projects among students.
During school visits in municipal and public systems, the professor dismantles prejudices regarding the abilities and interests of students from peripheral and rural areas in complex scientific topics. Fernandes stated: 'There is a gross falsehood that children and teenagers in public schools do not like science.' He added: 'They do like it; they just need access and educational projects that allow this encounter.'
'Astronomy - Science on the Street,' which does not receive direct government funding, relies on voluntary cooperation and partnerships with teachers and institutions. Fernandes, a specialist in the manufacturing and restoration of reflecting telescopes, produces the equipment himself. The initiative also offers free YouTube courses to enhance educators' skills nationwide.
Working in squares and schools demonstrates the value of bringing scientific research closer to the daily life of cities. By providing free access to telescopes and educational content, the initiative strengthens practical learning and creates opportunities for knowledge for students and the entire community.
