TripulanteXXI: An Astronomy Trail to Revitalize the City

Abstract

The research project on the Safeguarding of Astronomical Heritage in Guadalajara (1850–1970), developed at the University of Guadalajara, aimed to identify the evidence within the city that demonstrates the existence of astronomical heritage. Through normative frameworks and theoretical foundations, the concept of Astronomical Heritage was constructed on a solid basis, allowing its historical and cultural significance to be analysed. As a result, various remains and spaces related to astronomical observation and scientific development in Guadalajara were identified. The study also presents the outreach project “TripulanteXXI Astronomical Route”, aimed at children and young people, which seeks to guide visitors through the historic centre of the city in order to discover sites of astronomical observation, nineteenth-century scientific advances, and cultural representations linked to astronomy. Finally, the study concludes that astronomical heritage can be characterised and preserved; however, social indifference places these remains at risk of disappearance. Therefore, the importance of recognising, inhabiting, and valuing these historical spaces is emphasised so that future generations may become guardians of the city’s cultural heritage.