Seven members of the Schooling and Public Outreach (EPO) workforce of the U.S. Nationwide Science Basis Nationwide Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) not too long ago flew the world over to participate in a novel convention.
Speaking Astronomy with the Public (CAP) 2026 happened Might 25-29, 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia. It was hosted this 12 months by the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, bringing collectively 200+ in-person and digital individuals from greater than 50 nations.
What’s the CAP Convention?
Organized each two years by the Worldwide Astronomical Union (IAU), Speaking Astronomy with the Public (CAP) is the one large-scale, worldwide convention devoted solely to astronomy communication. CAP is designed particularly for astronomy communicators, educators, outreach professionals, and media specialists, offering a novel alternative to study from friends and share area of interest experience.
Key Themes and Takeaways
This 12 months’s theme, Democratising Astronomy Communication within the Period of Accessible Synthetic Intelligence, explored how AI is remodeling science communication. All through the week, CAP attendees examined each the alternatives and the moral concerns introduced by quickly evolving AI applied sciences.
All through the convention, presenters explored inventive methods to make astronomy extra accessible and interesting for all kinds of audiences. Classes showcased concepts like utilizing artwork, animation, podcasts, movie, and interactive displays to spark curiosity, and bringing astronomy straight into communities by way of cell planetariums and hands-on instructional packages. Constructing on the 2026 theme, some presenters showcased how AI can assist picture processing, interviews, and different content material creation, with an emphasis on the way to use it thoughtfully and transparently.
One other recurring theme was accessibility and inclusion. Audio system shared their approaches for reaching underserved communities, designing experiences for individuals with disabilities, and creating studying alternatives that welcome everybody into astronomy. There was a powerful emphasis on constructing neighborhood—encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and a way of belonging slightly than merely delivering data.
Throughout the convention, one message stood out: astronomy communication is most impactful when it helps individuals see themselves within the science. Whether or not by way of storytelling, shared cultural heritage, or inventive visualization, communicators world wide are discovering new methods to assist audiences join with advanced scientific concepts.
However NSF NRAO wasn’t simply there to study.
NSF NRAO Presents at CAP 2026
NSF NRAO’s Jill Malusky (Senior Information and Public Data Supervisor) and Corrina Jaramillo Feldman (Senior Public Data Officer) introduced a workshop at CAP 2026: “Lights, Digital camera, Astronomy! The way to Handle Media Tasks at Your Services.” NSF NRAO websites just like the Very Giant Array in New Mexico have been the backdrop for a variety of completely different media initiatives, from commercials to music movies to films and television sequence like Contact and Pluribus.
Jill and Corrina walked CAP attendees by way of the media mission course of, from preliminary request to contracts, planning, and managing the shoot day-of. In addition they led workshop attendees in a hands-on train to roleplay a screening name between a media producer and astronomy facility employees, giving attendees sensible instruments they will apply to future media collaborations at their very own establishments. A recording of this workshop can be found on IAU’s YouTube channel.
Extra Than a Convention
CAP 2026 wasn’t all shows and workshops. Contributors additionally gathered over group meals, toured a couple of historic websites round Armenia, and in addition had the chance to go to the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, considered one of Armenia’s premier astronomical analysis facilities.
Regardless of coming from completely different nations, cultures, and organizations, CAP attendees shared a typical purpose: serving to extra individuals uncover and respect astronomy. Conversations continued over meals, throughout excursions, and between classes as new friendships shaped.
CAP 2026 was an exquisite reminder that astronomy has a novel means of bringing individuals collectively. Regardless of the place we stay, we’re all underneath the identical sky.
The following CAP convention shall be held in 2028, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
About NRAO
The Nationwide Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. Nationwide Science Basis, operated underneath cooperative settlement by Related Universities, Inc.
