Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy at SPACEFEST 2026
The Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy at SPACEFEST 2026
The Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy participated in SPACEFEST 2026, held from May 7 to 9, 2026, on the campus of POLITEHNICA Bucharest, with a stand dedicated to promoting astronomy, science-based education, and direct dialogue with the public. The number of visitors was high, in the context of the diverse range of civilian and military exhibitors present at the event, as well as the fact that, in the adjacent hall, American astronauts Nicole Stott and Charles Duke shared with the public their experiences of spaceflight and, respectively, of the Moon landing.
At the institute’s stand, visitors had the opportunity to discover astronomical equipment, meteorite fragments, 3D models of celestial bodies, and popular science materials. The live camera equipped with the MOROI lens, projected onto a screen, allowed children to intuitively understand the concept of an all-sky image. In addition, the telescopic observation of “Pluto” offered the opportunity for a useful discussion about the ways in which this dwarf planet, as well as other bodies located at the edge of the Solar System, can in fact be observed and explored.
During the event, Romanian AI-powered humanoid robots also passed by the stand of the Astronomical Institute. Since the cold, never-sleeping eyes of the MOROI system developed by the Astronomical Institute are, in their real operation, also assisted by AI, the moment suggested a cybernetic dialogue, beyond words, between the two Romanian technologies.
The institute’s stand attracted many young visitors, including students with school astronomy projects, who received guidance from our specialists. Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophotographers, science promoters, and specialists from around the world also visited the stand, interested in the instruments and techniques used in professional astronomy in Romania.
Participation in SPACEFEST 2026 was a valuable opportunity to bring astronomy closer to the public and to show that science can inspire, connect, and open new paths of knowledge.
Published on: May 16, 2026
