María Luisa Aguilar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Luisa Aguilar Hurtado
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 20, 1938 Jauja, Junín, Peru
|
| Died | October 29, 2015 (aged 77) |
| Alma mater | National University of La Plata |
| Known for | First Peruvian female astronomer |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy, astrospectroscopy |
| Institutions | National University of San Marcos |
María Luisa Aguilar Hurtado (born June 20, 1938 – died October 29, 2015) was an amazing Peruvian scientist. She was the very first professional astronomer from Peru! She studied at the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. Later, she became an astronomer at the National University of La Plata in Argentina. In 1981, she started a special group called the "Astronomy and Astrophysics Seminar." This group, now known as the "Permanent Astronomy and Space Sciences Seminar," helps grow astronomy in Peru.
Contents
Her Life and Work
Early Life and Studies
María Luisa was born in Jauja, Peru, in 1938. She lived there for her first three years. She went to school in Lima. In 1958, she joined the School of Mathematics at the National University of San Marcos.
She then traveled to Argentina to study astronomy. At that time, Peru did not have a professional astronomy program. She studied at the Astronomy and Geophysics Observatory. She became an expert in astronomical spectroscopy, which is about studying light from stars. She also learned about stellar atmospheres and variable stars.
Returning to Peru
In 1969, María Luisa came back to Peru. She started teaching at two universities. She also created "Astronomical Fridays." This was a special event to share astronomy with everyone. It is still happening today and is the longest-running series of talks in Peru's history!
Founding SPACE
In 1981, María Luisa Aguilar started the Astronomy and Astrophysics Seminar. In 2001, its name changed to the Permanent Astronomy and Space Sciences Seminar (SPACE). This group helps people learn more about space.
International Recognition
In 1982, María Luisa became a member of the International Astronomical Union. This is a very important group for astronomers worldwide. She worked with groups focused on teaching astronomy.
In 1984, she helped create an agreement between her university and the International Astronomical Union. This allowed famous astronomers from other countries to visit Peru. In 1985, she helped bring experts like José Luis Sérsic, who studied galaxies, and Josip Kleczek, who studied the Sun. She also worked with Jorge Sahade, the first Latin American president of the International Astronomical Union.
Sharing Science with Everyone
María Luisa loved sharing science. She wrote articles about astronomy for "El Comercio", a Peruvian newspaper. This was between 1999 and 2000.
In 2009, the world celebrated the International Year of Astronomy. María Luisa was the main contact person for Peru. She helped organize many activities. These included "Astronomical Fridays" and the "Itinerant Telescope." She also helped with programs like "Galileo Teacher Training Program" and "Galileo Mobile." These programs helped teach teachers and students about space.
Later Projects
María Luisa also pushed for the San Marcos Astronomical Observatory. This observatory in Maranganí, Cusco, is for education and tourism. It opened in 2016, after she passed away.
In her later years, she hosted science programs on radio and TV. She was also a main character in a play called "Our great adventure in science."
Awards and Groups She Joined
María Luisa Aguilar received the "José Antonio Encinas" Medal of Honor in 2010. This was a special award for her work.
She was also a member of several important groups within the International Astronomical Union:
- Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage
- Commission C1 Astronomy Education and Development
- Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development
- Commission C1 WG Network for Astronomy School Education (NASE)
- Division XII Union-Wide Activities
See also
In Spanish: María Luisa Aguilar para niños
