Astronomy is an excellent starting point to observation and experimentation. It is exciting and fun, too. In addition, it has an enormous impact in global education. In scientific education, because of its multidisciplinary character, Astronomy may be used with advantage as an example of interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity. It also provides an excellent introduction to the methodology of science (experimentation and observation of natural phenomena) and stimulates the discovery of science and technology. In the humanistic education it is important while projecting man in its real dimension and place in the Universe, to which he belongs.

Throughout the last years, there has been a significant increase of initiatives that aim to promote scientific culture and raise awareness about the work that is done in research centers and institutes. Through its Outreach Unit the Centre for Astrophysics develops several public programs, since 1989, for the popularization of science and the promotion of scientific culture.

So as to best serve the different types of public, the outreach unit has divided its activities into 3 main areas:

• Astronomy for the Schools;
• Astronomy for the Public;
• Porto Planetarium.

As part of a communication strategy, CAUP previligies the Astronomy made in Europe, within the context of the ESA - European Space Agency and ESO - European Southern Observatory.

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