The Starlight Park Camino Barranco de Badajoz is among the 12 stellar spaces globally and the sole one of its kind in the Canary Islands. This facility, focused on preserving both the earth and the sky, is dedicated to conserving the darkness of the sky and nature. The park is owned and created by Sandra Ramírez Monzón and José María Ramos, who have designed a space where interactive activities revolve around the sky and its mysteries. On August 29 and 31, the “guardians of the sanctuary” will introduce an unprecedented event in the Archipelago: “The Smells of the Universe,” a sensory experience promising a unique sensory experience in the Canary Islands, featuring speaker Marina Barcenilla, a seasoned natural perfumery expert.
The Starlight Camino Barranco Star Park in Badajoz boasts several unique features. Nestled amidst the rock formations of the area bearing the same name, this lunar observatory benefits from a natural setting akin to a protective circle, acting as a shield against light pollution which preserves the starlight brightness. Sandra and José María have established a pioneering collaboration for astronomy education and outreach, making them the sole NASA-certified educators in Spain. Additionally, Avi Loeb, Director of the Department of Astrophysics at Harvard University, was named the park’s first honorary member, a recognition he enthusiastically received following his interest in the initiative.
INSPIRED BY ANCIENT GREEK STRUCTURES
The park is also distinguished by structures inspired by ancient Greece, reflecting the founders’ admiration for this culture. Among these structures is a peripatos, a typical construction of ancient Greek schools characterised by a roof supported by columns and a single wall, serving as a shelter for visitors in this case. An exedra has also been incorporated, a semicircular open-air space encompassed by stones positioned based on cardinal directions, creating a welcoming setting for stargazing and contemplation.
AN IMMERSIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The event “The Smells of the Universe” was announced earlier in an interview with DIARIO DE AVISOS and is now coming to fruition with the introduction of this novel sensory experience in the Islands. Marina Barcenilla has been invited as a speaker to lead this initiative. She is an astronomer, planetary scientist, and perfume expert of high repute in the United Kingdom, where she has delivered talks at prestigious institutions like the Royal Society of London and the National Science Museum.
With a distinguished academic and professional background, Barcenilla graduated with honours in Astronomy and Planetology from the University of London and is currently finalising her doctoral thesis at the University of Westminster and the Natural History Museum in London. With nearly thirty years of experience in natural perfumery, Barcenilla merges her scientific and olfactory expertise to recreate celestial scents.
In addition to her extensive credentials, Barcenilla has been a featured speaker at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, the Royal Society, and the Natural Science Museum in London. For the first time, she will be in Tenerife, at the Star Park.
“The Smells of the Universe” is a distinctive activity in the Canary Islands that offers an educational journey merging astronomy and perfumery, establishing a unique link between science and the senses.
RECREATING THE SCENTS OF THE PLANETS
The event will enable visitors to explore the scents of various planets in our universe, as well as other celestial bodies and Milky Way satellites. Barcenilla utilises the chemical components composing these celestial bodies to recreate them, providing visitors with an immersive experience of these celestial environments. To maintain the essence’s purity, the specialist diligently preserves these aromas in bottles.
“The activity is based on utilising chemical elements of the universe to replicate the supposed scents, following our current knowledge of planets and other celestial entities,” explained Sandra. This sensory experience permits participants to explore the various aromas linked with celestial bodies.
“ENGAGING SOLELY THE SENSE OF SMELL”
The event “The Smells of the Universe” is slated to occur on the 29th and 31st of this month at the Starlight Park in Tenerife, a Sky and Earth Natural Reserve. “The activity is designed for individuals intrigued by astronomy and perfumery, offering a chance to learn and engage in a distinct and accessible manner. Only one sense is necessary: smell. Even individuals with visual impairments can partake. The entire experience is made possible through the scents recreated by Barcenilla,” noted Sandra, expressing her delight at the opportunity to welcome someone she regards as an authority.
“I crossed paths with her at a conference while presenting my Star Park project. We instantly connected, and since then, I knew she had to participate in one of our activities,” shared the owner. She affirmed that this initiative is unparalleled in the Archipelago and presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn and voyage through the universe “beyond the senses… it’s a sensory expedition through the Cosmos!” she stressed.
