The Regional Director for Science and Technology stated in Ponta Delgada that outdoor leisure activities are "a great way" to promote the contact of the general public with science.

 Nelson Simões spoke Thursday on the sidelines of the initiative "On the Route of the Sun," promoted by Santana Astronomical Observatory (OASA) with the aim of showing and explaining the functioning of this star with the aid of telescopes.

 The Regional Director considered that this type of initiative is "extremely important" for the dissemination of science among the Azorean population. Hence, it is important to ensure that the Government of the Azores "support Science Centre and, in particular, these actions."

 These activities are part of the "Living Science in the Summer" programme, an initiative promoted by the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture. They seek to bring science to people through a wide range of activities in areas such as astronomy, biology, biodiversity, geology and the environment.

 Nelson Simões pointed out that "there are more activities this year," adding that "there is also greater involvement and participation of the Azores Science Centres and other entities."

 Overall, a total of forty initiatives are taking place until September 15 across the archipelago, through partnerships between the Azores Science Centres and entities such as the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, the "Amigos dos Açores - Ecological Association and the Azores Geopark.

 Speleological visits, geological and natural tours, microbial safaris and the exploration of scientific and cultural heritage of thermal springs are some of these activities.

 In the context of the activity "On the Route of the Sun," the Santana Astronomical Observatory has travelled during the summer to some of the main beach areas, beaches, harbours and natural pools on the island of São Miguel. The activity programme is being developed in 16 different dates.

 The culmination of the activities developed by Santana Astronomical Observatory, included in the initiative "Living Science in the Summer," will take place today with another activity - "Moon Baths - on Milícias Beach in Ponta Delgada.