NASA exhibition of the Mayas opens in Palma

The Mayas, Traditions of the Sun, a photographic exhibition produced by NASA´s Sun-Earth Education Forum Connection, the University of California in Berkeley and the National Institute of Anthropology and  History of Mexico and reprinted in Spain with the sponsorship of Centro de Impresión Digital CID and TACA Airlines, to become part of the teaching tools that the foundation uses to promote the thought and artistic manifestations of the civilizations that have left their indelible mark in the history of mankind.

Majorca Daily Bulletin, Sunday, November 25, 2007

 

   The exhibit will begin its tour in mainland Spain in February 2008.

The exhibition was conceived by Dr. Isabel Hawkins, astronomer and Director of the Centre for Sciences Laboratory of the University of California in Berkeley and of  NASA´s Sun-Earth Educational Forum, by Dr. José Hunchim, an archaeoastronomer and director of the Uxmal archaeological site in Mexico, and Dr. James Thieman, from NASA´s Goddard Space Centre, as an educational centres in the United States and to the communities of Maya descendants in Mexico. “The objective of the NASA´s Sun Earth Forum is to provide the public with opportunities for teaching and learning that can improve the scientific ability, generate interest in scientific, technologic, mathematics and engineering careers, highlighting those ancient cultures that reached an amazing degree of scientific development, that can be admired through their monumental constructions, their complex mathematical system, their calendar and sky observation system, as it was the case of the Mayas”, explained Dr. Isabel Hawkins.

   “This program offers a special contribution to formal and informal education”, she added.

   Visitors will be able to appreciate, through The Mayas, Tradition of the Sun, different aspects and moments when the sun interacts with the impressive Maya monuments, like the “descent of the God Kukulkán” at the pyramid known as “El Castillo”, at the Chichén Itzá archaeological site in Yucatán, a phenomenon that can be observed during the spring and fall equinoxes.

   Over 45 photographs, 15 information panels and an interactive presentation make up this colourful exhibition, reprinted in Majorca thanks to the support from Centro de Impresión Digital CID and TACA Airlines.

   “This is a high reach educational project and we thought it right to participate in it”, said Pedro Mesquida, CID´s managing director.

 

Fundación Sophia

 

C/Jaime Ferrer, 3-07012 Palma de Mallorca

   Until 14 December, Monday to Thursday, from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. Entrance free. www.fundacionsophia.com