In 2025, the Astronomy Academy of the Adventist School of Calama marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of educational engagement and scientific outreach among elementary and secondary school students in Chile’s Antofagasta Region.
Established in 1995, the academy began through the enthusiasm of a group of students interested in astronomy and the leadership of Inspector Claudio Olave Rojas, who saw in astronomy a valuable educational opportunity.
The academy’s first activities included nighttime observation trips and visits to regional research centers. These early experiences sparked scientific curiosity and a strong commitment to learning, laying the foundation for a school culture shaped by exploration, discovery, and academic discipline.
Scientific Growth and Recognition
A key milestone came in 2003 with the arrival of Professor David Fábrega. Together with Olave and a dedicated group of students, the team developed a comprehensive academic program grounded in the scientific method and supported by advanced astronomical equipment.
This approach enabled students to carry out research projects showcased at national and international science fairs. Over the years, the academy has represented Chile in cities such as La Serena, Santiago, Temuco, and Antofagasta, and internationally in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Slovakia. In 2012, the academy earned first place in the Exact Sciences category at a competition in Slovakia, further establishing its reputation for excellence.
Integrating Science and Faith
A distinctive feature of the Astronomy Academy is its integration of scientific exploration with a faith-based worldview. The program encourages students to approach astronomy from a creationist perspective, viewing the universe as an ordered system that invites both scientific investigation and spiritual reflection.
Training includes topics in astrophysics, cosmology, optics, instrumentation, and astrophotography. These are accompanied by workshops, observational activities, and fieldwork that promote critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Students from the Calama Adventist School during a nighttime astronomical observation trip in the Atacama Desert.
Photo: CADECAL
Educational visit by the Academy of Astronomy to the ALMA observatory.
Photo: CADECAL
Community Engagement
Beyond the classroom, the academy has maintained strong ties with the local community through public lectures, astronomy nights, and science outreach initiatives. This ongoing engagement has contributed to making astronomy more accessible and engaging for children, youth, and adults in northern Chile.
Three decades after its founding, the Astronomy Academy of the Adventist School of Calama continues to explore the heavens with the same spirit of wonder and learning that inspired its beginnings, guided by a commitment to education, curiosity, and faith.
The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
