Latest stage of the tour “Italia Brilla – Constellation 2022”

On 30 September, 50 young people drawn from the parish of the Church of Beata Vergine Addolorata in San Siro and from La Piccioletta Barca Cultural Centre took part in the latest stage of the "Italia Brilla-Constellation 2022" tour, which, with the backing of the Bracco Foundation, is being promoted by Il Cielo Itinerante an association for the encouragement of astronomy among young people.

During a special workshop session called "Let's cook a comet," the young participants learned about comets, their origins and how they have shaped the evolution of the Earth. The children were able to talk to and work with members of the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) and Space42, and to find out about the chemical compounds that make up a comet, which is rather like a time capsule filled with important information.

The bad weather did not dampen the enthusiasm for stargazing, and, through the deployment of simulations of the night sky, the young people were able to observe and discover the vault of the heavens above the clouds of Milan.

Also, on Monday 3 October, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), more than 50 children aged 9-14, some hosted by the Casa di Vetro association of Forcella (Naples) and others attending the Triennale di Milano, were able to talk by direct video uplink to the commander of the International Space Station, Samantha Cristoforetti.