“Night of the Stars” to Deliver a Message of Peace

Reporter: Enrique Soto / Photographer: Javier González

Next Saturday, the IPN, UNAM, and science outreach centers will hold this astronomical event across 120 venues.

During the presentation of the preparations for the 17th edition of Night of the Stars 2025, the Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (Secihti), together with universities, research centers, observatories, and planetariums across the country, announced an alliance to use Mexico’s most important astronomy event to promote a message of peace and denounce violence against women in every corner of the nation.

As a member of the National Committee of Night of the Stars, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) joined this initiative to foster peace through the dissemination of knowledge, science, and technology during the event scheduled for Saturday, November 29.

Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez, head of Secihti, thanked the IPN, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and science outreach centers for participating in this national effort and emphasized a fundamental truth: “Knowledge builds peace.”

La secretaria Académica del IPN, María Isabel Rojas Ruíz, presentó el programa de actividades de la Noche de las Estrellas en esta casa de estudios, las cuales se llevarán a cabo en dos sedes: el Planetario Luis Enrique Erro y el Museo Tezozómoc.

María Isabel Rojas Ruíz, Academic Secretary of the IPN, presented the program of activities that will take place at two venues: the Luis Enrique Erro Planetarium and the Tezozómoc Museum.

Starting at 3:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy free demonstrations, workshops, and games on astronomy and quantum physics, designed to spark scientific curiosity among children, youth, and adults. She added that astronomers and volunteers will share the night sky through their telescopes, and a concert will be held to celebrate the Universe.

She reaffirmed the IPN’s commitment to science outreach and thanked Dr. Rosaura Ruiz and representatives of participating institutions for making another edition of Night of the Stars possible.

As part of this year’s program, a tribute will be paid to Julieta Norma Fierro Gossman—feminist, scientist, and astronomer—who was deeply admired within the Politécnico community and inspired generations to look to science and the Universe for answers that lead to a better society.

In this context, Ruiz Gutiérrez called for greater visibility of women’s contributions to science, particularly astronomy. She highlighted the special significance of this year’s edition, dedicated to honoring Julieta Fierro: “We need more Julietas—and Julietos—in Mexico.”

She also underscored the growing need for a supercomputer to process the massive amount of data generated across scientific disciplines, announcing that Mexico will soon have the largest one in Latin America.

José Franco López, general coordinator of Night of the Stars, thanked Secihti for joining the National Committee and reported that, over its 16 previous editions, the event has welcomed 4 million attendees, with 84,000 volunteers and 22,500 telescopes. He noted that this edition celebrates the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and that Guatemala will join the event with two venues.

Yair Krongold Herrera, director of the Instituto de Astronomía of UNAM, stated that the university will host 200 telescopes, along with tents featuring exhibitions and scientific talks. He added that six dance groups and a show featuring 250 drones will also be presented.

Patricia Rojas Sánchez, manager at Celestron, highlighted that quantum physics is transforming our understanding of the Universe and noted that the company shares the passion for exploring and bringing technology closer to the public. “Every glance at the sky sparks new questions,” she concluded.