The Galileo Galilei planetarium, an emblem of astronomical dissemination in Buenos Aires, became an epicenter of a controversy that faces the scientific community with astrology. The Argentine Astronomy Association (AAA) sent a letter to the Buenos Aires Ministry of Culture demanding the immediate cancellation From the presentation of the new book by Ludovica Squirru, scheduled for this Saturday. In the text, signed by its president Mariana Orellana, the entity spoke of “grievance, recoil and dishonor” for an institution whose mission is “being a lighthouse of science in the city.”
The claim was not limited to the institutional field. Astronomers and disseminators joined on social networks, amplifying the cancellation tone. Astronomer Patricio Zain was categorical in X: “Argentine astronomers ask for the cancellation of the talk of Ludovica Squirru in the @planetarioba”. Shortly after, the scientific journalist Nora Bär reacted with irony and indignation: “Horoscope in the Planetarium, where, in addition to its usual program, we could go to listen to superlative physicists and astronomers! What embarrassment …”. Both messages reflect the discomfort so they consider an inappropriate use of a public space dedicated to science.
The contrast is evident: on the one hand, the AAA defends the border between scientific knowledge and beliefs without sustenance. On the other, the most recognized astrologer in the country, with a media trajectory that combines books, conferences and a constant presence in popular culture. For scientists, giving rise to the planetarium is equivalent to validating pseudoscience. For Squirru followers, however, it is a legitimate cultural recognition.
In his letter, the AAA defined the Planetarium as “Dean of the Argentine planetarians” and highlighted his role in scientific literacy. He pointed out that he cannot lend himself to “blur the borders between rigorous knowledge and beliefs without foundation.” The final demand was clear: that the Minister of Culture, Gabriela Ricardes, intervenes and cancel the event.
What seemed like an editorial launch became a frontal shock: astronomers against astrologer, science against pseudoscience, rigor against belief. The decision of the Buenos Aires government will define whether the planetarium is armored as a scientific bastion or if it opens a cultural crack that, for astronomers, threatens to dishonor its trajectory.
By rn
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