The renewed agreement between Caja Rural de Teruel and the Center for Studies of the Cosmos of Aragón (CEFCA) will allow 2,000 students from the province of Teruel to visit the Galáctica center at reduced prices during the 2025/2026 school year. The signing of the agreement, which took place on January 9, 2026, included the participation of the Minister of Employment, Science, and Universities, Claudia Pérez Forniés, and the general director of Caja Rural de Teruel, David Gutiérrez.
Educational Access and Economic Benefits
Thanks to this agreement, students will enjoy a discount of 3 euros on each ticket, setting the final price at 5 euros. This subsidy is made possible thanks to the support of the credit cooperative. Educational centers and Parent-Teacher Associations interested can obtain more information by calling 613291772 or sending an email to educacion@galactica.org.es. Requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring equitable access to the program.
Encouraging STEAM Vocations
Claudia Pérez Forniés emphasized the importance of bringing Aragonese science and research closer to students to inspire vocations in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). «We want students and teachers to participate and enjoy everything that Galáctica has to offer,» Pérez Forniés stated, highlighting the unique nature of the center in Spain and Europe.
For his part, David Gutiérrez described Galáctica as «a global reference,» while Javier Cenarro, director of the CEFCA, expressed his desire for visits to the center to be integrated into the educational programs of the province. Manuel Blasco, the counselor for the Environment and Tourism, emphasized the success of the science and leisure model offered by Galáctica and its role in revitalizing the Gúdar Javalambre region.
Innovation and Tourist Attraction at Galáctica
Galáctica, a center for the dissemination and practice of astronomy, features exhibits that introduce educational characters such as Java, Cosmos, and Fotón. It offers programs tailored to different educational levels, from schoolchildren to amateur astronomers. Its facilities include nine domes for astronomical observation, a 15 cm solar telescope, and an 80 cm diameter nighttime telescope, in addition to a future 40 cm telescope in collaboration with the Binaced-Valcarca City Council.
In 2024, Galáctica received 11,912 visitors, of whom 3,446 were schoolchildren on organized visits. This influx of visitors not only promotes scientific education but also contributes to local tourism and the economy, solidifying Galáctica’s role as a driver of regional development.
