Guiana to the Stars: science outreach tour for the Webb space telescope launch

The Webb Space Telescope, a worldwide mission proposing exceptional scientific advances, was launched in Kourou on December 25, 2021. For the project Guiana to the Stars, a team of ten researchers from French laboratories involved in the mission - Paris Observatory - PSL, CEA and IAS - with the support of the science outreach association SpaceBus France, took advantage of this opportunity to reach out to citizens and promote science-society dialogue around astronomy.

From December 5 to 22, 2021, our group of scientists crisscrossed French Guiana. They explained the major challenges and expectations related to the launch of the new telescope in space, with the following objectives:

• To introduce people to astronomy and science through playful, interactive, and accessible animations.
• To demonstrate the scientific method and develop critical thinking through a rich program of conferences.
• To testify of the cultural richness and the international aspect of space-related professions.
• To create vocations and promote the place of women in science to fight against their under-representation in this sector.

The Guiana to the Stars tour covered 2,500 kilometers, in 12 cities through 60 events. The team visited schools, markets, villages, social centers, touristic spots, public places, and the Guiana Space Center. All along the route, we planned animations and activities adapted to the audiences encountered:

• For primary through high school students, the team of scientists proposed science workshops around space and astronomy. These workshops were also an opportunity for the students to meet and exchange with astrophysicists, in particular about space-related professions.
• For teachers of all levels, two astronomers of the Observatoire de Paris - PSL provided academic training in astronomy through general courses, activities, and initiations to night sky observations.
• For the public, astrophysicists gave astronomy conferences and led educational activities and night-time observations. These were proposed free of charge in public places, in the afternoon and in the evening, with the support of the mediators of the Canopée des Sciences.

Ambitious and original, this science outreach operation received the support of the President of the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana. It is placed under the high patronage of the French Minister of Overseas Territories and is sponsored by the French Minister Delegate in charge of Citizenship.

The Guiana to the stars project is carried by Alain Doressoundiram, researcher at the Observatoire de Paris - PSL, and Raphaël Peralta, researcher at the CEA and president of the SpaceBus France association. It has received financial and logistical support from the CEA, the Observatoire de Paris - PSL, the SpaceBus France association, the Académie de Guyane, the Canopée des Sciences, the CNES, the Maison pour la Science en Guyane, the French Government, the CNRS, the Université Paris Science et Lettres, the OSUPS, the SF2A, the IAS, the Unistellar company, the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane and the Main à la Pâte foundation.

The whole program of the tour can be found on: https://www.jwst.fr/la-guyane-vers-les-etoiles/