Alpine Club Talk

What would happen if you combined astronomy, ecology, long distance horse trekking and cross country paragliding ­and went on a 1000 km journey through Colombia? Our project "Cielo y Tierra" (Spanish for "Sky and Earth"), is the result of this experiment.

We are two young women, Dr. Marja Seidel (27), astrophysicist at the Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, CA, and Kira Buelhoff (26), MSc. of biology and alpine ecology, based in Grenoble, France and we have undertaken this unusual expedition through one of the most controversial countries of South America. Our aim was to use astronomy and ecology as a tool to excite people—in particular children —to explore, discover and keep studying and at the same time raise awareness for the uniqueness of our planet and to care for it.

Within the theme of this project ­sky and earth­, we chose a sustainable way of transportation: by horse and paraglider. This combination allowed us to bring the necessary materials for our workshops and observations while minimizing the weight on the horses ­because as soon as conditions allowed, one of us covered the daily distance with the paraglider while the other advanced with the three horses and our luggage. An expedition not of the easy kind, but with the most extraordinary memories!

The talk will be followed by a reception with free refreshments.