“Explore the Universe! Ka’Yok’ Planetarium’s 11th Anniversary Extravaganza”

The Ka'Yok' Planetarium in Cancún recently celebrated its 11th anniversary with a series of special events. These included a lecture by paleontologist Jerónimo Avilés on pre-Mayan fauna and groups, and a concert by soprano Laura Chuc, accompanied by pianist Magaly Chávez.

At the opening of the celebrations, Christopher Malpica, director of the Quintanarroense Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (Coqhcyt), praised the planetarium for its work in promoting culture and science, particularly among young people. He noted that over its 11-year history, the planetarium has welcomed over a million visitors for various activities.

Malpica also revealed plans for an investment project aimed at remodeling and maintaining the planetarium's various spaces by 2025. The project includes plans to revamp the Lego and Maker Space rooms, make modifications to the Planetarium space, and even create a new section dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

He reminded attendees that an amendment made earlier this year to the law governing the Coqhcyt not only incorporated the humanities into the council's scope of activities, but also established the right to science and its products as a human right for residents of Quintana Roo. Malpica suggested that a budget of around 7 million pesos, similar to the amount spent on the recent renovation of the Chetumal Planetarium, might be considered for the project, though the exact amount has not yet been determined.

The anniversary celebrations concluded with a birthday song and cake-cutting ceremony, as well as the presentation of awards to those who participated in the lecture and concert, and to the planetarium staff who helped to welcome over a million visitors last year.

In his closing remarks, Malpica described the planetarium as "an oasis of learning and discovery, guiding future generations towards a future full of possibilities." He praised its commitment to promoting science and its positive impact on the local community, noting that many children who visit the planetarium go on to pursue careers in science and technology.